CAVAN 2014

Seventy-nine members of the Ballinasloe Active Retirement group had their spring break this year in Slieve Russell Hotel, Co Cavan commencing on 27th April for 4 nights and 5 great days         The weather was just perfect.  

On our journey to Cavan we took a break at Lough Gowna for some refreshments and a wee stroll around the area which gave us a glimpse of what was to come in regard to beautiful scenery.

On the 2nd day we visited Belleek Pottery Centre and viewed a very interesting audio visual presentation. Then on to Enniskillen where we dined by the picturesque Lough Erne.

Day 3 . First stop was Armagh City and then on to the famous Titanic Centre. After lunch, we had a guided bus tour of Belfast city.

On the 4th day we travelled to Inniskeen to visit Patrick Kavanagh Centre. We were treated to a guided tour of the area ,saw the school he attended and the house where he lived.

On the final day we stopped at Cavan Museum in Ballyjamesduff which proved most interesting to all.  The beauty of the scenery and countryside on our daily trips was just a pleasure to perceive.

After our evening meals we assembled together in the music lounge and discovered how much talent we shared, singing, poetry, funny stories etc.! The sensible one amongst us retired to their rooms at a respectable hour, some hardy souls took off to the “Card Room” where small fortunes were lost and won.! All with great fun and enjoyment.

All in all, it was a very successful trip enjoyed with great appreciation of our social committee for all the excellent arrangements made for our comfort.

Many thanks to you all for all your efforts and hard work.

Deirdre 

Knitters to the rescue

A Thank You Note

We have been absolutely amazed at the wonderful response of all our friends to our call for baby vests for the "Fish and Chip Babies" in Africa.

We, in the Ballinasloe Active Retirement's Knitting Circle, took on this project with great enthusiasm and have knitted many vests for this worthy cause. Our good neighbours from Moore, led by Mary Scott, have also joined in and have greatly increased the amount of baby vests produced.

A thousand thanks to all our friends, including members of the Active Retirement, for your great support.

Bridie Loughman

Evita February 2014

Evita at Bord Gáis Energy Theatre

On Wednesday, February 12th our ARA went to Dublin to see the musical Evita.

We enjoyed it very well even though a few of the songs were difficult to follow as it was at times quite loud. However, the dance movements were beautiful to watch and the set was spectacular.

Evita is the story of Argentina's First Lady, Eva Peron (1919-52). Eva died at the age of 33. The millions of her devoted followers called her Evita. The musical opens with the funeral of Eva. The narrator, who was a brilliant singer, brings us back to Eva's earlier days and life in Buenos Aires where she became a film actress.

At a charity to help victims of an earthquake she meets and falls in love with Colonel Juan Peron who later becomes President. Eva sets up huge charities to alleviate the sufferings of the poor. Soon it becomes apparant that Eva is suffering from cancer. There is deep mourning throughout Argentina.

The musical has beautiful songs, including "Don't Cry for Me Argentina", "Oh, What a Circus", "Rainbow High" and "And the Money Kept Rolling In". We all enjoyed the show and would highly recommend it.

Bridie Loughm

2014 A.G.M.

Ballinasloe Active Retirement Annual General Meeting

There was a large attendance in Gullanes Hotel for the A.G.M.

The following people were elected,


                             COMMITTEE  2014                                                                                           

Chairperson.  Deirdre Hogan.   V/Chairperson  John Boland

Secretary  Margaret Brennan   A/secretary     Michael O'Hagan                                                        
Treasurer  Mary Slattery   A/Treasurer  Jane Treacy


I.T.   Douglas Rafter      P.R.O.  Laura Naughton




Executive Committee  2014


Catherine Croffey,  Pearl Finnegan,  Pat Kelly,  Kaye Killeen


Sr. Dorothea,  Phil Kelly,  Maura Rafter,  Laura Naughton.




Social Committee   2014


Chairman.   Ml. Walshe 


Secretary.   Maura Rafter


Treasurer.  Bridie Whelan


Chris O'Flynn,  Margaret Dolan, Jimmy Lyons, Phil Kelly. 

Knitters Appeal

The A R A knitting circle are now knitting these little jumpers for the African " fish & chip babies" so called as they leave maternity Hosp. Wrapped in news paper .  we hope these will help.

Dinner Dance 2013 (2014)