Saint Patrick's Day Parade 2018

The weather forecast during the days leading up to St. Patrick’s Day 2018 was not good.

The weather man talked of heavy snow, chilly east wind and freezing temperatures.

The so-called “son of the beast from the east” was coming our way.

We naturally wondered ifanyone would show up for our parade.

This year’s theme was “Young at heart . In our attempts to dress as teenagers we donned

our wooly hats, scarves and warm jackets. We put our rucksacks on our backs, and complete

with ear phones and smart phones (in typical teenager style) and all our colourful tricolour

gear , 30 brave warriors set off to join the parade.

I must say “good thinking” to the lady who carried her hot water bottle and well done to

Catherine who came along on her bike and had all her slogans written in our native

language..

We were frozen to the bone but we felt it was all worth while as we won 3 rd prize in our

category and gratefully received €100 cheque.

We quickly thawed out in Gullane’s Hotel afterwards with very welcome hot soup, rolls, tea

and coffee.

There was an exciting finish to the day as we watched our Irish Rugby Team beat England in

the grand Slam.

Thanks to all our members who brave the elements and come out year after year to do their

bit for the community and our Active Retirement group.

Chris O’Flynn (P.R.O) March 2018

                                        

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St. Patrick’s Day Parade 2018

 

BALLINASLOE TOP TABLE 2018

                                  

             Chairwoman         Margaret    Brennan

                 Chair  with  Sec.   Ann  Duffy  and  Tres.  Mary  Slattery
    

SOCIAL COMMITTEE 2018

                            Laura Naughton        Douglas  Rafter

      Phil  Kelly   Maura Rafter   Deirdre Hogan  Bridie  Whelan

KNOW YOUR PHONE NUMBERS

 

Many Thanks Chris.

Farewell to Celia McCafferty

We said good-bye this week to a great lady. Celia was one of the first members to join the Active Retirement Association.
 Thankfully,it changed her life for the better as she had been very lonely since the untimely death of her beloved husband Gary.
Her name was first on the list for every outing, play,film, dinner,holiday,whatever. Always well "turned out" and nails beautifully painted, she made the most of every occasion and made many friends. Celia was so appreciative and never ever failed to say "thank you" to the committee  at the end of each trip.
On a personal level I have to say how much I appreciated that little drop of brandy and ginger discreetly left for me as a thank you for being the founder member of the A.R.A. All I can say Celia is it was a pleasure having you along.
I hope you are enjoying your new home in Heaven. Now you can enjoy your "fag" in comfort.
May you rest in peace

Chris O'Flynn. Dec. '17

Galway Races 2017

It was Oct.Bank holiday once again so it was time for a return visit to the Galway Races.
32 members of the Ballinasloe A.R.A boarded the bus in the square for Galway with the hope of making a few "bob" on the horses.
We enjoyed a lovely 4 course meal and mulled wine in the comfort of the Mellinium Stand
While some ladies "in the know" regarding jockeys and trainers did very well,  - not much success however for those who placed their bet on the horse because they just "fancied the name".
It was a fun day out and nobody lost or gained a fortune.
Until the next time !!

Chris O'Flynn (P.R.O ) 31st.Oct'17

ENNISTYMON ARA-GO-ON FESTIVAL 2017

The Ara-Go-On Festival Sept. 2017

The Ara-Go-On Festival organised by the Western Region of the Active Retirement Assoc. was another successful event. This year, the three day event was held in the beautifully located Falls Hotel in Ennistymon, Co Clare. It was attended by 275 members from the western region, and once again, the largest group was from the Ballinasloe A.R.A.

Initially, it was a bit difficult finding our way around this huge hotel but over the three days we enjoyed beautiful large rooms, fantastic food, great entertainment including Fun Whist, Social Dancing (even in the morning) Aquarobics, Day trips to Loop Head and Lisdoonvarna, Spa treatments and various demonstrations. As the Hotel was located on the bank of the River Inagh, we enjoyed a few much needed riverside walks.

The very friendly staff served us a gorgeous Gala Dinner on the final evening followed by Entertainment and Dance.

It was a wonderful few days enjoyed by one and all. It provided a good opportunity to meet other members from the different A.R.A’s and renew old friendships.

Chris O’Flynn (P.R.O.) Sept. 2017