Active Retirement Group

ARA Ballinrobe's vibrant Group

By Averil Staunton

The vibrant Ballinrobe Active Retirement Group was set up eleven years ago in 2000 by founder members, Mr. & Mrs. Finn and Rory O’Neill and Mrs Ina Horan.

Membership has grown over the years and over 75 members attended a meeting as recently as February 2011.  

 Meetings

There is frequently a visiting lecturer at the Monday meetings, covering a diverse range of subjects, from gardening, to art history, to medical issues.  Other subjects covered are personal and property safety and how to deal with emergencies.   You will also be made aware of the various aids that are available and other support groups.

The meetings are held at 11 am at the old boy’s school at the back of the Parish Centre, Cornmarket.   New members are very welcome and there is always a welcome 'cuppa'.

Their Banner

The Banner of the Active Retirement Group’s colour scheme is the maroon and yellow of the Ballinrobe GAA teams.

The volunteer creators of this handmade banner, include members Finn O’Neill, Mary Boyle, Mary Heneghan, Noreen Jennings, Patti Gaynor, Ina Horan, Delma Loughery, Mary Lyons, Mary E. Walsh and others.   Their creative and needle skills are much in evidence in this work.

The panels represent activities the club has been involved in over the years, starting with fishing, racing, reading and creative writing group, golf, walking, ‘Go for Life’ (exercise), bowling, environment (recycling etc), painting (art classes), holidays (sunshine), gardening and the red bus panel (the various trips and outings the club members has undertaken).

This banner hangs in the meeting room of the club when not being used.

Trips and Visits

Some of Group’s trips this year, 2011, have a nautical theme, with a Mediterranean Cruise in May and a trip to the ‘Tall Ships’ visit in Wexford at the end of June.

New members

New members are welcome.   Just come along on the Mondays mornings at 11 am.   A short break is taken during the Summer holidays and meetings resume again in September.