Defibulator Course

Participants of the first course in the use of our new defibulator.
(Stading from left). Deirdre Hogan, Gabriel Rohan, Chris O'Flynn,
Douglas Rafter, Nancy Ward.

Bealtaine Festival Spring 2010

BEALTAINE FESTIVAL 2010
The Ballinasloe Active Retirement Association held its Bealtaine Festival in Gullane's Hotel on Friday, May 14th. Bealtaine is the national arts festival celebrating creativity in older age. The overall theme of the festival for 2010 is 'Have dreams and speak them without fear'.
A large number of members were in attendance. Master of Ceremonies was well-know local actor John Boland, who treated the audience to a delightful recitation of “The Village Schoolmaster” by Oliver Goldsmith. A wonderful night of music and song was provided by the Active Retirement’s own BARA Singers, ably assisted by visiting choirs from Athlone and Portumna. Musical director for the night was Marie Power. The audience sang along to some of the beautiful airs, with a few even performing solo as well.
The winners of the Bealtaine photo competition were Daphne Kenny and Eileen Kelly. A lovely exhibition of art by members of the art group was on display, as well as an exhibition of knitting by the knitting group who donate their work to an orphanage in Belarus. There was also a large display of photos of past events and places visited by the Active Retirement Association.
The Chairperson, Gabriel Rohan, worked tirelessly to make this festival a huge success.
Bridie Loughman, PRO

Finbar Wright in Concert---Galway

FINBAR WRIGHT IN CONCERT
On May 1st a group of the Ballinasloe Active Retirement Association attended a Finbar Wright concert in the Town Hall Theatre in Galway. We enjoyed a wonderful evening of entertainment listening to Finbar’s beautiful singing and his talented group of backing musicians.
Finbar Wright is one of Ireland’s most accomplished singers and is also a very engaging and entertaining performer. He has won many accolades over the last twenty years at home and abroad. He is one of Ireland’s great singers of romantic songs and ballads. During the two hour concert he sang such favourites as “Whatever You Believe”, “How Great thou Art”, “Bright Blue Rose”, “La Bamba” and many more.
Finbar is a classically trained tenor and is also fluent in Spanish, Italian and French. He is very spiritual and always includes one piece, at least, of sacred music in every concert. Last night’s concert was no exception.
Our members were very appreciative of his wonderful performance. His easy style, vocal range and pleasant personality ensured a wonderful evening of song, memories of which will linger for some time to come.
Bridie Loughman

Wexford in Spring

On Sunday 11th April a group of Ballinasloe Active Retirement members set off to Wexford on our spring holiday. We had three wonderful days full of activities and excursions, with nightly sing-songs and a few games of Bridge.

The journey there and back was a little tiring but we stopped on the way for coffee and lunch. Of course the good weather added greatly to our trip and the whole countryside was a mass of colour in the sunny south-east.

We visited the John Fitzgerald Kennedy Arboretum and marvelled at the variety of shrubs and trees. The visit to the Dunbrody famine ship was a sobering experience as we encountered the harrowing experiences of our forefathers. We visited Our Lady’s Island. We were impressed by the stories of the many pilgrims that go there and of the many cures attributed through the intercession of Our Lady. So we lit some candles in the church and got holy water from the holy well there and prayed for the intentions of all our families and our sick members who were unable to be with us.

Hook Head Lighthouse, which is the oldest lighthouse in Europe, was very interesting and we enjoyed the guided tour. Afterwards we visited the cafe and browsed in the craft shop. The Irish National Heritage Park is where we learned about the history of Ireland and is located 3 miles from Wexford town. The centre recreates the history and heritage of Ireland from the Stone Age to the arrival of the Vikings and Early Normans. The Vikings came to Ireland at the end of the 8th century, first plundering the natives but later coming here to trade and settle. Our trip would not be complete without visiting the National 1798 Centre in Enniscorthy. This is an award-winning centre, located in the shadow of Vinegar Hill, beside the picturesque River Slaney. Ghost-like life-size plaster figures represent the people of 18th century Ireland. A visit to this centre is a must for all visitors.

Our hotel, the Talbot, was situated in the middle of the town of Wexford. Many of the rooms had a view of the sea. The staff were friendly and professional and the food was well-presented and delicious.

To date this was one of our most enjoyable spring holidays.

Bridie Loughman

Rose Moore RIP

It was with much regret that we learned of the death of Rose Moore at the weekend. Rose was a much cherished member of the Ballinasloe Active Retirement Association and had been for many years.
She was a very pleasant lady who enjoyed the company of other members and had a smile for all. A native of Ahascragh, her husband Paddy predeceased her many years ago. She raised her beloved family of two sons, Philip and Niall, and one daughter, Rosemary, single-handedly. She was a wonderful mother who was always there for her children. As she herself would say “I was there when they needed me”.
She was gentle, kind and loving to her family and to her many friends.
She loved a game of Bridge. Her bidding was always very exact as she played by the rules and never made another player feel inadequate. She smiled whenever she lost and was quick to congratulate her opponents.
She very much appreciated all the help given to her by her good friend Angela Courcey. Rose could always rely on her friend in good and bad times.
We shared many lovely trips at home and abroad. Especially memorable was our first cruise with Rose and we have many other happy memories of her, a kind and gentle lady.
May she rest in peace.

Once again B.A.R.A. goes to the dogs

At 6pm on Friday 12th March a bus load of excited ARA members left Ballinasloe for an evening at the Dogs in Galway. Some members were on their 3rd or even maybe their 4th trip so they knew exactly where to go when we arrived.
Met by a very friendly staff we were seated quickly and began to check the form of the dogs, not that it made much difference to many of us.
We were served a delicious meal. It was hard to concentrate on eating while placing our bets and watching the races but we managed. We had some wins but I don't think anyone made serious money.
The journey home on the new moterway was a first.
Noelle Rohan

St. Patricks Day 2010

It was a beautiful spring day on March 17th of this year as a group from the Ballinasloe Active Retirement Association took part in our local St. Patrick’s Day parade. Many from our walking group were in attendance together with other members.

We paraded in our national colours of green, white and orange and happily waved the Tricolour. To everyone’s delight we took first place in the Voluntary Category. We were so proud to be Irish! Given the blue sky and pleasant sunshine many spectators came out to watch and applaud all the participants in the parade.

Afterwards members who would have found the walk too difficult to participate in, joined the victorious members as we gathered in Gullanes Hotel for refreshments. And so another St. Patricks Day celebration came to a close.