Birr 2012

A musical journey

Our latest outing took us to Birr Theatre.
  Here two splendid tenors, Sean Costelloe and Frank Naughton, took us on a musical journey.
 They were supported by a full orchestra. Scenes from the great musicals were shown in the background, while the tenors sang the well-known ballads.
 They included Bring Him Home, Music of the Night from such musicals as Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables, Chess and many more. It was wonderful.
In the second half of the show the tenors sang arias from La Traviata, Tosca and many more.
 Prior to the concert we had a delicous dinner in the well-known restaurant The Thatch. Overall it was an evening not to be missed.
Bridie Loughman

Baltic Cruise 2012

The Baltic Cruise ,July 2012

It was with great excitement that 51 members of the Ballinasloe Active Retirement Association set off on July 2nd. 2012 for a long- awaited ,twelve days Baltic Cruise. Included in the group were people from San Francisco, Cork and Roscommon.
We embarked on “Jewel of the Seas” at Harwich having travelled Dublin/Stanstead and then by coach to Harwich. After being allotted our State rooms, we unpacked and set off to explore this magnificent 90 ton ship with its full guest capacity of 2800 and 850 staff. We got lost many times during the next twelve days!
Our ports of call included Copenhagen in Denmark, Stockholm in Sweden, Helsinki in Finland,St. Petersburg in Russia , Tallinn in Estonia and Gotherburg in Sweden.
We went on coach tours of all these fabulous cities, admired and took photographs of all the famous sights and marvelled at all the beautiful buildings and water features.
 We took a special interest in “the Mermaid” in Copenhagen, We visited the one and only R.C Church called the Rock Church in Helsinki.
 We learned taxes were very high – could be as much as 50% but to compensate, they enjoy free medical care and free education.
The highlight of the cruise was our visit to St. Petersburg , second largest city in Russia.They only get 30 days sunshine in the year here and we were lucky to get two of them!
 We visited many places of interest i.e. The Armenian Church with its onion shaped domes also known as the church of the Spilt Blood. The architectural sights were spectacular. There is no unemployment and tax rates are 12%. We also visited the historic “Yusopov Palace”.
  On our second day, we took a very enjoyable river cruise. We had a wonderful view of all the interesting places such as “Strogonoff Palace” painted pink,”Seimens buildings” Military H.Q.”The Winter Palace”, the new Hermitage bldg.”St Peter and Paul’s Cathedral” “the Royal Stables” Peter the Great’s summer garden and the “Marble palace”
We went under 24 bridges so no wonder it is referred to as the Venice of the North.
Our days on board ship were action-packed with various activities such as walking, swimming, hot tub, crazy golf, bridge playing, line dancing etc.etc.
The members who liked a little flutter in the Casinos were also catered for as were the art lovers. There was top class after dinner entertainment every night. We had the pleasure of meeting the Captain and enjoyed a champagne reception.
 Fr. Nealon celebrated Mass for us a few times which was very much appreciated . It gave us the opportunity to remember our dearly departed friends and relatives
. Finally and sadly we had to say farewell to “Jewel of the Seas” which took us safely to these far distant lands. It was a trip of a lifetime.
 After a very comfortable journey, we arrived home in Ballinasloe at 4.30 p.m. full of many happy and enjoyable memories. Signed : Elsie Begley

Belarus Knitters 2012

Once again the B,A.R.A. knitters meet and donate to the children of Belarus.

Westport July 2012

Our Visit to Westport Our latest excursion was to the Castlecourt Hotel in Westport. 37 members of ARA travelled to Westport on July 4th for a three-day Summer Break. It was most enjoyable. We travelled by train to Athlone and changed there to the Westport train. Westport is an amazing town in Co. Mayo. It is beautifully kept. The people work together and take great pride in their town. It is now at its best, with floral arrangements to be seen all over. They have also just won The Irish Times Best Place to Live in Ireland competition.

  We visited Knock Shrine from Westport which was just one hour away. It was very prayerful and enjoyable. We also spent a day on Achill Island. The scenery there was breathtaking. The Atlantic Drive was quite beautiful, if somewhat scarey with high cliffs, narrow roads and high mountains.
 We had an excellent coach driver. Personally my visit to Croagh Patrick was my favourite part, having climbed the mountain on three occasions. It brought back many beautiful memories.
  The Famine Ship Monument at Croagh Patrick, unveiled by President Mary Robinson in 1997, reminded us of the different Ireland we have today and how lucky we are to live in this century. And so our trip came to an end all too quickly but it was most enjoyable.
Bridie Loughman

Leinster House Visit 20-6-2011

A most enjoyable day.   Details to follow

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Terryglass/Glenstall Abbey/ Garrykennedy 6th June 2012 day trip

Day trip to Terryglass/Glenstal Abbey/Garrykennedy – 6th June 2012 As the weather forecast looked gloomy, promising lots of rain, we were delighted to get a nice sunny day for our 1st day trip of the year on 6th June 2012
2 bus loads, (65 people – the biggest crowd ever) set off at 10 am for a tour of the Shannon Region of North Tipperary and Limerick.
Our 1st stop for refreshments was in the “Derg Inn” in scenic Terryglass where the Shannon enters Lough Derg. After a walk-about in the sunshine and the customary photos by the harbour, we reluctantly boarded our buses for the next leg of our journey. With Jimmy Lyons as chief navigator and armed with road maps galore, we travelled on through Nenagh and on to Glenstal Abbey in Co. Limerick. Here, everyone enjoyed a most informative guided tour of the Abbey which is the home of the Benedictine community.
We got a refreshing glimpse into their monastic lifestyle. Most importantly, we got to visit the Icon Chapel which houses a rare collection of Russian and Greek icons. It is a unique and sacred space.

We were now beginning to feel hungry pangs, so we took the scenic route by the shores of Lough Derg to the quaint little village of Garrykennedy which nestles on the shore of Lough Derg. After a gorgeous 4 course meal ,we took an after-dinner stroll to absorb the peace and tranquility of the beautiful harbour and new marina with its many boats.
We finished off the evening with lively musical entertainment. With our own Chairperson, Deirdre Hogan as mistress of ceremonies we were invited, coaxed or persuaded to do our party piece,and so with song and dance we finished off a memorable day and headed home to Ballinasloe tired but happy. Chris O’Flynn

Concert 2012

B.A.R.A. Singers Unite Western Region of Active Retirement
With a large region and several small groups in a diverse areas, some ideas were sought to get the 79 local groups to join together for social activities, outings etc.
With this in mind Marie Power of the Ballinasloe Active Retirement Singers ( B.A,R.A. Singers ) came up with the idea of a regional choir to perform as part of the Bealtaine Festival.
  After introducing the idea she got names from those interested from the different A.R.A,s in the region
          A list of songs and tapes was sent out so that each group or individual could rehearse the programme.
        A full rehearsal was held on the morning of the show, and on Sunday 20th May at 3;30 the choir performed in front of a large audience in the Town Hall Theatre. Ballinasloe. Photos powerpix media . ( www.powerpix.ie )