Cats 22nd Aug 2013.

Cats

Once again the Ballinasloe ARA were on the move.  This time we travelled to the Bord Gais Energy Theatre in Dublin.  We were not disappointed.  It was the musical Cats, music  composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber.  It was brilliant.

Joining the cast in Dublin was Susan McFadden, Irish musical star, sister of Brian McFadden formerly of Westlife.  She plays Grizabella and sings the famous song "Memory".

The scene is a view of an old junkyard where all the cats attend their Jellicle Ball.  They arrive on stage from all directions including the aisles.   The dancing and singing was superb.   The cat costumes were varied and mixed shades except Victoria, dressed all in white.

Other cats to arrive included Rum Tum Tugger, Munkustrap, Gumbie and many more.

They all await the wise old cat Deuteronomy.  Grizabella had been banished but now wishes to return.  We have flashing lights and police sirens to signal the arrival of Macavity, the villian cat.

When Deuteronomy arrives all the cats feel safe again.

Grizabella has been accepted back and so the Jellicle Ball comes to an end.

It was a marvelous show, really spectacular and enjoyed by all our group

Bridie  Loughman

BRUREE FOYNES AUG 2013

 On the 7th. Aug. last, a full bus load of our members set off on our last day trip on this year’s Social Calendar. This time, we ventured further afield into the picturesque Co.Limerick

With Jimmy Lyons as chief commanding officer, guide and organiser and after much pouring over maps, routes and timetables, our trip began at 9.30 (sharp)

The detour outside Portumna upset our timetable somewhat but the blue skies and sunshine added to the good mood of the day.

First stop was at Finnegan’s in Limerick for a welcome tea/coffee/scone break. Then we were on way to visit the De Valera Museum and Heritage centre in Bruree. Here, we watched a very interesting film about the life and times of De Valera before going to see the house where he lived. It was a nice way to brush up on our History which we learned in school had mostly forgotten)
It was back on the coach then to continue our travels to Foynes which was the centre of the aviation world 1937 – 45. On arrival, we were served with beautiful home-made soup and brown bread before we began our tour of the Museum with its comprehensive range of exhibitions, airline memorabilia and uniforms from that era. The famous flying boats were frequent visitors to Foynes, carrying a diverse range of people from celebrities to refugees. We watched ,with interest, the award winning film “Atlantic Conquest” which has been compiled from original footage. We excitedly boarded the only Boeing 314 replica in the world. After all this excitement, we were each served an Irish Coffee which was invented in Foynes in 1943. Ann Duffy was a fast learner as she took part in the demonstration on how to make the perfect Irish Coffee. Our visit here was the highlight of our day so reluctantly our tired and hungry gang set out on the last leg of our journey to Oranmore where we enjoyed a magnificent four course meal in the “Coach House” A good time was had by all. Thanks to all who helped to organise this trip ,especially Jimmy Lyons

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foynes

 

 

 

Many thanks to Chris O'Fylnn for her usual comprehensive and entertaining report of the days outing

Knitting Circle 2013

 Our Knitting Circle                                                                                                                          Members of the Ballinasloe Active Retirement Knitting Circle once again excelled themselves in the amount of garments and knitted toys they produced for the much deserving orphanage in Belarus.     It was indeed a great occasion when Pat Dillon and his team came to collect them. Also joining in were some of the children, who were spending holidays here with families in Ballinasloe. It was sad to see the children return to the orphanage but they really enjoyed the few weeks they spent here.  New members are always welcome in the Knitting Circle, which was founded by Margaret McDonnell. We now have over 20 members and meet each Monday from 10 a.m. to 12 noon throughout the year for a most enjoyable 2 hours together.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Portumna & Killaloe Outing July 2013

                     Our trip to Portumna Workhouse and Killaloe, 3rd July 2013


One again the sun shone for us as 53 members headed off for a visit to our neighbouring counties of Tipperary and Clare.

Our first stop was at Portumna workhouse which has recently been restored and well worth a visit.
The tour of the workhouse was a stark reminder of the poverty , starvation  and dreadful conditions that existed in Ireland during the years of the famine..Whole families were split up, never to see each other again. They slept on straw mattresses covered in rough rags.

It was a sad and depressing time in Irish history. We came away with a feeling of gratitude for the lifestyle we enjoy to-day.

We continued on our journey to the two picturesque villages of Ballina and Killaloe, the seat of Ireland’s High Kings for over a century . The most famous of these Kings was Brian Boru.

Then  we boarded the “Spirit of Killaloe”  which awaited us. We enjoyed an hour long cruise of the Shannon’s pleasure lake, Lough Derg.

We were now beginning to feel some hunger pangs, so it was regretfully time to leave the many lovely sights which Ballina/Killaloe had to offer and head west along the scenic route by the shores of Lough Derg to Nenagh and then on to the “Thatch” in Ballycommon. We enjoyed a fantastic 4 course dinner . The musical entertainment which followed was a lovely way to finish off a perfect day.

Chris O'Flynn

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

 

 

'In vacant or in pensive mood'

 

 

 

 

Many thanks to Chris for words and pictures

of her beautiful home county of Tipperary