This year’s Annual Convention/AGM was held in Croke Park on Tuesday, 28th March. 142 delegates from around the country attended. Kilkenny branch was represented by Pauline O’ Brien, Denis O’ Reilly and Teckie Brett. Marian Ryan also attended as a member of the NEC.

Delegates were invited to a reception in Club na Múinteoirí on the evening of 27th March. It was an opportunity to network and renew friendships. The food and drink provided were very welcome and much appreciated.

The business of the Convention and AGM was directed by Pádraig S. Ó Conaill, President of RTAI, and matters were dealt with in a very business – like manner. The guest speaker was Ms. Kitty Hughes, a retired teacher, and Chairperson of Age Action Ireland. Her talk was very wide ranging, entertaining and informative.

It was great to hear that the NEC of RTAI donated €10,000 to support the people affected by the earthquake in Turkey. This donation was on behalf of the members of the Retired Teachers Association.

There was a special presentation to our General Secretary, Billy Sheehan, who will be retiring later in the year. Billy received great praise for the advances and progress of RTAI under his tenure as General Secretary. Our membership now stands at 10,426. The incoming General Secretary, John O’ Brien, was introduced to the delegates.

This Convention and AGM brought the term of office of RTAI President, Mr. Pádraig S. Ó Conaill, to a very successful conclusion. Pádraig passed the chain of office to Ms. Mary Mc Carthy and we wish Mary every success and fulfilment during her term of office. Go n-éirí an t-ádh leat.

After the business of the day were were treated to a lovely lunch and 40 lucky delegates were given a guided tour of Croke Park.