Jimmy with his beloved Maureen.
Aras an Uachtarain Report
Our trip to Aras an Uachtarain
A full coach of 53members went on our day trip to Aras an Uachtarain on Wednesday 20th July. On arrival we were welcomed by two Army Personnel and treated to tea/coffee and the most gorgeous nibbles. We felt like royalty as we sipped from delicate china cups and surveyed the splendid surroundings.
Our President wasn’t at home that day but our guide gave us an insight into his daily life as president. We gazed in awe at the beautiful paintings of all the past presidents and surroundings as we strolled from room to room. The guide gave us a very informative and interesting history of this beautiful house and gardens. Visiting dignitaries to our little nation must indeed be impressed by this magnificent building.
We then walked the Queen’s walk and admired all the trees which were planted by various visiting members of Royal families down through the years. The manicured gardens were a sight to behold – a sea of colour and beauty.
In the afternoon we continued on to the Zoo where we were served lovely soup and sandwiches..Many of us had not been to visit the Zoo since we took our own children there a long, long ago, so it was a pleasant experience to see the big improvements. It was lovely to stroll around in the sunshine admiring all the animals, birds etc.and the wonders of nature. There were a few who chose to sit, chat, have an ice-cream and watch the world go by.
After a very active and enjoyable day, we finished up with dinner in the Castle in Tyrellspass on the way home.
I think we should say many thanks to Michael Walsh who put so much into organising this lovely day’s outing.
Chris O’Flynn 20/07/16
A full coach of 53members went on our day trip to Aras an Uachtarain on Wednesday 20th July. On arrival we were welcomed by two Army Personnel and treated to tea/coffee and the most gorgeous nibbles. We felt like royalty as we sipped from delicate china cups and surveyed the splendid surroundings.
Our President wasn’t at home that day but our guide gave us an insight into his daily life as president. We gazed in awe at the beautiful paintings of all the past presidents and surroundings as we strolled from room to room. The guide gave us a very informative and interesting history of this beautiful house and gardens. Visiting dignitaries to our little nation must indeed be impressed by this magnificent building.
We then walked the Queen’s walk and admired all the trees which were planted by various visiting members of Royal families down through the years. The manicured gardens were a sight to behold – a sea of colour and beauty.
In the afternoon we continued on to the Zoo where we were served lovely soup and sandwiches..Many of us had not been to visit the Zoo since we took our own children there a long, long ago, so it was a pleasant experience to see the big improvements. It was lovely to stroll around in the sunshine admiring all the animals, birds etc.and the wonders of nature. There were a few who chose to sit, chat, have an ice-cream and watch the world go by.
After a very active and enjoyable day, we finished up with dinner in the Castle in Tyrellspass on the way home.
I think we should say many thanks to Michael Walsh who put so much into organising this lovely day’s outing.
Chris O’Flynn 20/07/16
Donegal Spring break 2016
Spring break in Donegal May 2016
The annual Spring break this year was to the lovely county of Donegal
56 of our members – largest number ever – set off for Letterkenny in glorious sunshine in McGinley’s brand new coach. It was lovely to see Brian was to be our driver/guide for the duration of the trip.
We were based in the very comfortable Mount Errigal Hotel in Letterkenny and for the next three days we spent touring .We visited the very interesting famine village of Doagh Island on the first day . Next day we went on a guided Bus tour of Derry city , walked the walls and took many lovely pictures . We continued on then to the American Folk Park in Omagh. It was such a lovely day wandering around in the beautiful sunshine going back in time and comparing the “then and now”
The trip on the Waterbus on Donegal Bay on the third day was a big success. We were entertained with songs and stories , danced, sang and celebrated a birthday party on board for one of our members. A few German visitors were roped in to join in the “craic”!
Our holiday would not be complete without a bit of retail therapy. So off went the ladies to McIlhinneys of Ballybofey for some serious shopping. Don’t know where the men went!
It was with great reluctance we had to leave the beauty of Donegal behind us as we headed south for home. On the way home,we had a welcome break in Sligo folk park in Riverstown where we were given an enjoyable tour. Ice cream , tea and scones were the order of the day
It was agreed by one and all that Brian, our pleasant driver helped in a big way to make this trip so interesting and enjoyable. He was passionate about his county and was familiar with every nook and cranny .He was happy to share the many stories and jokes with us.
We finished up with a lovely dinner in Roscommon before heading for home tired but happy.
Thanks to Phil, Bridie and the Social committee for all their excellent work.
Chris O’Flynn
SONGFEST 2016 ' HERE WE GO AGAIN '
Please get the word out to all members and friends
Great night out. Lets show our appreciation for
all the effort and hard work of our singers.
Combined choirs of BARA Singers &
East Galway Cancer Support Centre &
Ballinasloe Town Band present
SONGFEST 4 ~
BALLINASLOE TOWN HALL,
THURSDAY 19 TH MAY 2016 8pm
A feast of songs Classical, Contemporary,
Academy Award winners, 1916 across the world
A Bealtaine Festival Cross Community Event to benefit local charities.
The Importance of Physical Exercise
The Importance of Physical Exercise,
I was flattered to be asked to say a few words about the importance of Physical Exercise, especially for older people.
I don’t claim to be an expert on the subject but what I can do is pass on some of what I have learned from different classes and courses which I have attended through the years.
From an early age I had a great belief in the benefits of keeping fit and active.
The first class I attended was in a ballroom in Harcourt St. in Dublin. When I was 18, I went to work in Dublin. Having come from the country where I was used to the wide open spaces, and where you walked and cycled everywhere in the fresh air, I felt confined and suffocated in the city. I decided to join a class with the fancy name of “the league of Health and Beauty” The dedicated instructor there took us through a wonderful exercise routine for the next six weeks.
The first thing we were asked to do was walk around the room with a thick book – similar to a telephone directory – on our heads without letting it fall.. This is how we learned the importance of good posture. Head up, chest out and walk from the hips! It took us a few weeks to master it.
There are so many forms of physical exercise available e.g. golf, bowling, dancing, swimming, tennis ,cycling etc. etc. It is my belief there is no better way to keep fit than walking. It’s low impact, it’s all weather, it suits all ages, and most importantly, it’s free. Being out in the open is far more attractive than sweating it out on a treadmill. It is well documented that it helps 1. to increase bone density thus preventing osteoporosis. 2. It improves overall physical and psychological health. 3. Helps to preserve independent living. 4. It reduces risk of coronary heart disease .5. It helps to control stress, obesity and diabetes
Because of our changeable climate it is very easy to find the perfect excuse – “it is too cold, too wet or windy, or I’m too tired.! We have two dedicated members in our walking club who are perfect examples of “all weather walkers” They are out every day -hail, rain or snow. They are an example to us all. The important thing is to wear suitable clothing and comfortable supportive footwear. You should always go at a pace that is comfortable for you
Although you not be able to go for a jog or even a walk, there is still a lot you can do. With limited mobility you can do simple chair exercises. These can be done at your own pace at home on your own or with friends. Physical exercise helps build your strength and flexibility, reduces depression , anxiety and stress.
We are lucky to have a very active walking club in our Active Retirement group so I encourage you all to come to the walking track in Brackernagh every Tues. morning at 10.30 am. The sessions form a healthy as well as an important and enjoyable social occasion.
Aqua aerobics is also another excellent way of keeping fit. It improves your cardiovascular and respiratory systems without placing stress on the joints. It’s a fun and easy way to exercise, strengthen and tone muscles. Aqua aerobics suits people of all ages with all sorts of health conditions. And you don’t need to be able to swim!
To keep in shape and healthy come along and join the gang in the Coral leisure centre every Mon and Thurs. 2-3 pm.
Enjoy your Summer, keep fit, healthy and well.
Chris O’Flynn , 25th April 2016
I was flattered to be asked to say a few words about the importance of Physical Exercise, especially for older people.
I don’t claim to be an expert on the subject but what I can do is pass on some of what I have learned from different classes and courses which I have attended through the years.
From an early age I had a great belief in the benefits of keeping fit and active.
The first class I attended was in a ballroom in Harcourt St. in Dublin. When I was 18, I went to work in Dublin. Having come from the country where I was used to the wide open spaces, and where you walked and cycled everywhere in the fresh air, I felt confined and suffocated in the city. I decided to join a class with the fancy name of “the league of Health and Beauty” The dedicated instructor there took us through a wonderful exercise routine for the next six weeks.
The first thing we were asked to do was walk around the room with a thick book – similar to a telephone directory – on our heads without letting it fall.. This is how we learned the importance of good posture. Head up, chest out and walk from the hips! It took us a few weeks to master it.
There are so many forms of physical exercise available e.g. golf, bowling, dancing, swimming, tennis ,cycling etc. etc. It is my belief there is no better way to keep fit than walking. It’s low impact, it’s all weather, it suits all ages, and most importantly, it’s free. Being out in the open is far more attractive than sweating it out on a treadmill. It is well documented that it helps 1. to increase bone density thus preventing osteoporosis. 2. It improves overall physical and psychological health. 3. Helps to preserve independent living. 4. It reduces risk of coronary heart disease .5. It helps to control stress, obesity and diabetes
Because of our changeable climate it is very easy to find the perfect excuse – “it is too cold, too wet or windy, or I’m too tired.! We have two dedicated members in our walking club who are perfect examples of “all weather walkers” They are out every day -hail, rain or snow. They are an example to us all. The important thing is to wear suitable clothing and comfortable supportive footwear. You should always go at a pace that is comfortable for you
Although you not be able to go for a jog or even a walk, there is still a lot you can do. With limited mobility you can do simple chair exercises. These can be done at your own pace at home on your own or with friends. Physical exercise helps build your strength and flexibility, reduces depression , anxiety and stress.
We are lucky to have a very active walking club in our Active Retirement group so I encourage you all to come to the walking track in Brackernagh every Tues. morning at 10.30 am. The sessions form a healthy as well as an important and enjoyable social occasion.
Aqua aerobics is also another excellent way of keeping fit. It improves your cardiovascular and respiratory systems without placing stress on the joints. It’s a fun and easy way to exercise, strengthen and tone muscles. Aqua aerobics suits people of all ages with all sorts of health conditions. And you don’t need to be able to swim!
To keep in shape and healthy come along and join the gang in the Coral leisure centre every Mon and Thurs. 2-3 pm.
Enjoy your Summer, keep fit, healthy and well.
Chris O’Flynn , 25th April 2016
2016 A.G.M.
Ballinasloe Active Retirement A.G.M
There was a large attendance at the Active Retirement Association A.G.M. held recently in Gullane’s
Outgoing secretary, Margaret Brennan, reported on a very busy and successful year, as the group
goes from strength to strength.
Throughout the year, many members availed of the wide range of activities which include holidays,
day trips, socials, plays, sports and community works.
A large number of our members can be seen stepping in out on the Athletic track every Tuesday
morning and are actively taking part in the “Fit Town” programme.
There were successful reports from our walking club, Indoor bowls, Bridge, Book club and Singing
group , Our Knitting club members are busy knitting away for charity every Monday morning.
Newly elected committee members were : Chairman: Gabriel Rohan. Vice Chairperson, Deirdre
Hogan, Secretary: Anne Duffy. Asst. Secretary, Rene Carty. Treasurer: Mary Slattery. Asst. Treasurer
Collette Murphy. P.R.O. Chris O’Flynn. Douglas Rafter (I.T), Pearl Finnegan, Margaret Brennan, Pat
Kelly, Catherine Croffy, Jane Treacy
Social Committee: Bridie Whelan.(Treasurer) Maura Rafter.(Secretary) Phil Kelly, Brid Breathnach,
Laura Naughton. Douglas Rafter.
There was a large attendance at the Active Retirement Association A.G.M. held recently in Gullane’s
Outgoing secretary, Margaret Brennan, reported on a very busy and successful year, as the group
goes from strength to strength.
Throughout the year, many members availed of the wide range of activities which include holidays,
day trips, socials, plays, sports and community works.
A large number of our members can be seen stepping in out on the Athletic track every Tuesday
morning and are actively taking part in the “Fit Town” programme.
There were successful reports from our walking club, Indoor bowls, Bridge, Book club and Singing
group , Our Knitting club members are busy knitting away for charity every Monday morning.
Newly elected committee members were : Chairman: Gabriel Rohan. Vice Chairperson, Deirdre
Hogan, Secretary: Anne Duffy. Asst. Secretary, Rene Carty. Treasurer: Mary Slattery. Asst. Treasurer
Collette Murphy. P.R.O. Chris O’Flynn. Douglas Rafter (I.T), Pearl Finnegan, Margaret Brennan, Pat
Kelly, Catherine Croffy, Jane Treacy
Social Committee: Bridie Whelan.(Treasurer) Maura Rafter.(Secretary) Phil Kelly, Brid Breathnach,
Laura Naughton. Douglas Rafter.
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