Suíomh Múinteoirí Scortha Chill Dara
The June Hillwalking event takes place next Friday, 13th June, in Glenbarrow in the Slieve Blooms,Laois.
Walkers will meet in The Hare’s Corner Cafe at 10.30 am and travel together from there to walk start point.
The walk is approx 2.5 hours long with moderate climbing.
You will enjoy some lovely views and a scenic picnic spot!
Hoping for dry weather 
Message from Ann Enright:
A reminder of our upcoming Culture outing on Tuesday June 24th.
Guided Tour of Mainie Jellet/Evie Hone exhibition in NGI at 11am €17(including guide) followed by
Lunchtime Concert in NCH at 1.00pm €15 which lasts 1hr 5mins.
Lunch afterwards to be decided upon depending on numbers.
Please let me know asap whether you will attend as tickets must be booked and paid for in advance. I have provisionally booked the NGI tour which costs an extra €100 for 15 on top of entry. So first 15 for that one.
Please state your name when booking places as some of you are not in my contacts. Thanks. Ann
There have been many requests from Kildare Retirees for a resumption of tours. I suppose those of us who have previously toured with Kildare Retired Teachers have great memories of the trips.
So after some discussion, we’re starting with a “home” trip to the Banner County (but who knows where we’ll go next…. the world is our oyster! Who know but that we might eat a few in Clare!!!)
The trip is open to Kildare retirees and their friends/family.
Dancing has been a popular activity for Kildare Retirees for many years. This is thanks to teacher, Brian Keyes and his enthusiasm and knowledge. Thanks also to the organisational skills of Fidelma who takes care of venue booking and sending out fortnightly reminders to the dancers.
The DANCING takes place every second Wednesday in the TOWN HOUSE HOTEL, NAAS, with the dancers meeting at about 10.30 for tea and coffee.
Two hours of dancing follows – an excellent and very pleasant way to keep fit.
You are more than welcome to bring non-teaching friends.
Dancing will finish up this month for the Summer and will resume in September. Reminders will be posted on Oidí Scortha App
RTAI Annual Golf Classic will take place in Athlone GC on June 16th. Two 4 person Stapleford teams from Kildare organised by the capable Ted Rooney will be participating.
Ted, Mick Doolan, Anne Flanagan, Gobnait Walsh.
Anne Connolly, Judy Curley, Jim Hanafin ,Ed Kirwan.
Reserves Annette French and Padraig Ashe
(Please scroll to end to see photo gallery)
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Our meeting began with a warm welcome to new members, condolences and apologies.
Minutes of last meeting were read and approved (Thank you Anne and Maura)
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Financial Report shows that we are living well within our means and transparently which is so important. The meeting approved suggested funding for the various Branch activities. (Thank you Fidelma)
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Each of the organisers of the various activities of our Branch gave a short (but very impressive) report on what is happening. Thank you to all organisers and also luckily there is always some capable and willing member to step into the breach when required – thanks to them too. Each organiser has set up a WhatsApp group for ease of communicating with participants.
Ann Enright- Culture Vultures
Anne Rogan- Hill Walking
Anne Rogan and Fiona Thompson- Cards and Games and Social
Bernadette Doyle – Outings and Holidays
Breda Fay- Blog and Oidí Scortha App
Fidelma Farrell & Brian Keyes- Dancing
Maura McAuliff – Flat Walking
Stephanie Bergin – Book Club
Ted Rooney – Golf
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Máire Ní Choinuinneagáin RTAI President was unable to attend but sent on a report which Michael Minogue read to meeting. (Thanks Michael) The report emphasised the 2 aspects of RTAI: (1) Business/Financial side and the equally important (2) Social side.
(a) Her report on Annual Convention can be read in Comhnasc as can the good news on pay increases (1% in Aug 2025, 1% in Feb 2026, 1% in June 2026). she advised members when the occasion allowed to remind our TDs about the importance of parity AND the voting power of the retired teachers.
(b) Department of Ed proposes some changes (all of which will be dealt with in Comhnasc or RTAI newsletters)
(c) Pension Declaration Forms will be issued to about 13000 teachers this summer (to prove you are still able to receive the pension). This will be an annual event for over 80s.
(d) Retired Teachers returning to work (article in Spring Comhnasc)
(a) Very successful Singing Group (See RTAI website)
(b) Annual Golf Classic (see our own Blog)
(c) ARTI Autumn Trip to White’s Hotel Wexford Oct 6th – 9th 2025 (RTAI Website and Comhnasc)
(d) New look ARTI Website/ Facebook and Linked-In – search for Retired Teachers’ Association of Ireland (rather than ARTI)
(e) check out over 70’s Household Benefit Scheme – YOU MUST APPLY FO IT
(f) NOTE- your Public Service Card, GP Visit Card, Drug Repayment Scheme, Driving Licence, EHIC Card all have expiry dates – ALSO your NEW Free Travel Card from September will include a companion!
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Some questions on Health Insurance, pay parity, webinars followed before RAFFLE (thanks to Anne)
Míle buíochas
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This workshop needs to be booked in advance. Attendance at workshop includes free entry to the evening performance
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Kildare RTA Book Club was launched this morning Thursday. After introductions there was a lively discussion on suggested genres and book titles.
The book for this month is
A whatsapp group has been set up for the members of The Book Club to keep readers up to speed with details every month.
The June meeting of The Book Club will be
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Looking forward to many inspiring discussions, sharing ideas and ultimately contributing to all our reading experiences.