We started back our activities after the summer break with a Mass in St. Fiacre’s Church for our retired members. The celebrant was Fr. Kieran O’ Shea. There was a great attendance of retired members and the singing of the Kilkenny RTA choir group added greatly to the liturgy.

Afterwards we gathered in the Springhill Court Hotel for tea/coffee and scones. There were over 60 retired teachers in attendance, some for the first time. The age profile of retired members is lowering all the time. Rose Mc Phillips, our secretary, welcomed everyone and reminded them that we hoped to raise some funds for local charity, Amber Women’s Refuge from the coffee morning.

There was a great buzz of conversation with members catching up with each other and sharing news of holidays, adventures, projects etc since they last met. Chairman, Denis O’ Reilly, brought the members up to speed on some of our planned activities (check calendar on the website) and asked members to complete a questionnaire, composed by committee member Ursula Knox, before they left the hotel. The results of the questionnaire will guide us in planning other activities into the future. He also thanked the staff of the Springhill Court Hotel for their attention and the lovely refreshments.

Our choir group resumes in Bollards, Kieran, Street, on Wednesday, 24th September at 3.00pm. New members are always welcome especially male retirees. There’s a planned walk followed by coffee in Windgap on Wednesday, 1st October. Those who wish to car pool should meet in Woodies car park at 10.15am or otherwise meet at the tearooms in Windgap at 11.00am. Members will have choice of walks (short or longer) and be back to the tearooms for tea/coffee at 12.00 noon.

Our AGM and Christmas Lunch are planned for 3rd December in the Newpark Hotel. That’s a date for your diary. Hopefully you will join us on some of our activities over the coming months.