A large group of members attended our summer meeting in the Clubhouse Hotel on Thursday, 12th June. Tea/coffee was served at 11.00 and this was followed by the meeting. Chairman, Denis O’ Reilly, welcomed the members and had a special word of welcome for our General Secretary, John O’ Brien, who was guest speaker.

Secretary, Rose Mc Phillips read the minutes of the previous AGM and gave a very comprehensive account of our activities since January. Treasurer, Sheila Cahill, updated us on our financial situation and it was obvious that funds were prudently spent on member activities. She thanked head office for the subvention that was essential in supporting our activities until the end of the financial year.

In his report, John O’ Brien, dealt with many issues from membership, Annual Convention, pay increases, RTAI bursaries, webinars and RTAI Office updates. Our membership now stands at 10,286 and he reminded us that our fortnightly subscription will increase from €2.50 to €3.00. The first increase since 2012.

Sarah Stanley, who is a new member of the RTAI office since March, has responsibility for communications which includes the website, social media, IT support and training. Have you noticed the new look RTAI website (www.rtaireland.ie) and have you received the new eNewsletter? There is also a new membership database now live at head office and this should improve communications.

There will be a webinar held in early September dealing with the Fair Deal Scheme and Savings. The annual webinar on Health Insurance will be held in December. Details of these will be emailed to you at a later date.

John also mentioned the new RTAI National Choir Group and the hugely successful event that took place last March where over 200 singers from different branches performed in St. Saviour’s Church on Dominick Street, Dublin 1. John complimented Marian Ryan on her commitment to the project and on her exceptional organisational skills in bringing members from all over Ireland to sing and create lasting memories for participants and audience alike. He expressed the hope that this event will be the first of many such performances from our RTAI members. To mark the occasion and to express the gratitude of all the participants, John presented Marian with a beautiful bouquet of flowers.

The meeting ended with a minutes silence in remembrance of all our members and family members who have passed since our AGM. Ar Dheis Dé go raibh siad.