Jimmy Crehan – A Tribute by Chris O'Flynn

 

Jimmy Crehan, who passed away recently, was a man of many talents with many interests. He will be particularly missed by the members of the Ballinasloe Active Retirement Association.

Jimmy was elected Chairman of the group at our first meeting in Hayden’s Hotel in March 2002 and remained an active member at both local and national levels , right up to the time of his death. He was an extremely popular, hard-working and enthusiastic chairman and he paid a big part in steering the association from its uncertain beginning to the large, thriving successful group it is to-day.

Even though he was retired from his “day job” he was very aware that retirement – especially for those who live alone- created a huge void in one’s life .He believed that knowledge was freedom, so he fought to bring awareness and information to those in need, especially  Active Retirement members. He organised talks and information sessions on subjects such as heart problems, strokes, blood pressure, Diabetes, Depression and the Psychology of ageing. Huge numbers attended all these talks.

Jimmy was involved in one of our greatest achievements to date including. the making of a Film Documentary entitled “What will we do in the Autumn” (now available in DVD) This was made in conjunction with the Galway Film Festival. He also played his part in a major project entitled “Fado Fado”.as he reminisced on his childhood memories of rural life in Ireland in the 1st half of the 20th century. This was done in collaboration with Brendan Smith from the D.E.R.I Institute at Galway University. Jimmy very proudly accepted a well deserved award on behalf of the Association for this project.

In Jimmy’s own words our members lived in“ the era of the paraffin oil lamp”so it was a big leap forward into the age of technology. With gentle persuasion and encouragement from Jimmy, we gradually became members of the “silver surfers” under the patient tuition of Brendan Smith.

Jimmy’s vast knowledge and experience gained from a lifetime in St. Brigid’s Hospital, he was instrumental in compiling the first, and so far only, history of  St. Brigid’s Hospital. An achievement encouraged by B.A.R.A and an accurate record of one of the largest institutions to be built in Ballinasloe

We will miss Jimmy’s smiling face and sense of humour and thank him for his guidance, wisdom and commitment in all our activities

To his beloved wife, Maureen and lovely family we extend our deepest sympathy.
 May he rest in peace.

By Chris O’Flynn.  P.R.O.   August 2016

Jimmy Crehan R.I.P.

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    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

Songfest 2016

Click on photo to enlarge

Doug Rafter

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