Category: BLOG

Our AGM and Christmas lunch will take place Tuesday 3rd December 2024 in Killashee Hotel,Naas. General Secretary John O’Brien will be attending the meeting.
Tea/ Coffee at 10.30a.m. Meeting at 11.00 a.m. Lunch 12.30pm. Lunch €20. Please reply to TEXT which you received yesterday if you’re attending and staying for lunch, by Monday 25th November. Looking forward to seeing you all there.

µKILDARE Reirees had another amazing outing organised by Ann on Monday last. (I didn’t realise she does a scout around herself to be sure of times, distances, opening hours, prices, …. before she presents a plan of action for a trip. No wonder the outings are so successful.)

This November trip was to Dublin with most of the travellers going by train although a few made their own way.  All gathered in The Coach House in Trinity to view an  exhibition by a Kildare based group of artists, Element 15. The exhibition,  ROOTS, A Dialogue in Textile and Poetry presented a wide array  of textile and multimedia artworks responding to Jane Clarke‘s Poetry. Two of the artists Marie Dunne and Trish Webb Duffy were on hand to answer any of our questions. It would certainly warrent a second visit. Follow link to hear/read some of Janes’s poetry.

Luckily, most of us were well attired for “the weather” as we headed up along the quays to PHX Bistro “a smart all- day eatery & wine bar” on Ellis Quay. (Follow link to view menus.)

After a delicious meal, we walked round to the Light House Cinema in  Smithfield where we could choose between Cillian Murphy in Small Things Like These (2024) or Saoirse Ronan in Blitz (2024). 

Great day. Míle buíochas do Áine

 

 

 

It was lovely to read all the so many positive comments re participation, company and good humour on Monday’s coastal walk. A huge thank you to Maura for her organisational skills.  Thank you to all the photographers – some included here.

 

 

 

The photos actually tell the whole story:

 

beautiful beach scenes;

 

 

 

 

 

the magnificent wood sculptures on the tree at the entrance to St Anne’s Park;

 

 

 

 

 

 

the autumn colours in the park.

 

 

 

 

The obligatory snack break

 

 

 

And weren’t you truly blessed with the weather?

 

 

Here are details of November’s proposed walk on Monday 11th. Weather is expected to stay dry until early next week. Proposed walk is along the coast road from Clontarf to Bull Wall, across Dollymount Strand to the old interpretive center (picnic tables and toilets available there for lunch), then up the Causeway passing golf course to St Anne’s Park. Here there is an amazing tree of sculptures and the park itself is beautiful. Hopefully the cafe in the park will be open for coffee/cake/ice-cream. We then have a choice of walking back along the coast or taking a bus back.

On the morning I will be taking the bus from Kill to Connolly where we will meet for 11:00 and take the Dart to Clontarf (and away from the worst of the city traffic).
So in summary:
Monday 11th. Meet Connolly Station 11:00. Coastal/park walk approximately 10/12 km. Please let Maura know if you intend going. Contact through WhatsApp Flat walkers

Our next Kildare Retired Teachers outing is to Dublin on Monday Nov. 18th. Once again Ann Enright is the organiser.

The plan is to take public transport if possible (or organise individually). Take the train from Sallins 9.30am, Luas to Jervis St. and short walk across Liffey to Dublin Castle

Meet at the gardens Dublin Castle 10.30ish. Coffee/ tea break. Then into Exhibition in Coachhouse Gallery (free entry). Hopefully one of the artists will be in attendance to talk about the exhibits.

(Jane Clarke’s book is available in the Chester Beatty Library.)

We will have Lunch in the locality… venue to be decided.

Then we will hit for Temple Bar to the IFI – The Irish Film Centre.

Those who are interested, please contact Anne Rogan (whatsapp)

Kildare Retired Teachers flat walking group in Emo Park and Dilly’s Wood, Co Laois today.

Great photos … looks like a very scenic walk!

 

Marian Ryan, NEC National Executive Committee (and Kilkenny Branch) introduced this idea at the recent Officers Conference in Dublin:

Raise Your Voice! Join the New RTAI National Singing Group!

Calling all RTAI members who love to sing!

The RTAI National Social Committee is excited to announce a brand-new initiative: a national singing group! We know that singing is not only a fun way to socialize, but also offers a wealth of benefits for our mental and social well-being.

This group is open to everyone, whether you prefer to sing solo or as part of a choir. Don’t let the word “choir” scare you off! This is a very informal setting with absolutely no musical expertise required.

Here’s how it works:
Up to 8 songs will be chosen for the group to learn.
You can choose to learn just the melody or individual parts. Music and parts will be emailed to all participants.
There will be a group meet-up on Saturday, March 22nd at 11:00 am. Location will be determined based on the geographical spread of interested members.
The day will consist of a morning rehearsal, a lunch break, and an afternoon singing session.

Whether we perform for an audience or just for ourselves is still to be decided!

How to Get Involved:
Spread the word to your fellow RTAI members!
Email rtainationalchoir@gmail.com to express your interest and receive the music.
We are thrilled to offer this opportunity for members across the country to come together, connect, and share their love of music. The songs learned can even be used in your local branch activities!
We’d also love to hear your ideas! Let the National Social Committee know about any other ideas you have for national meetups.
Let’s get singing!
Marian. N.E.C.

Kildare RTA: An Historical Trip through the Ages ! by Stephanie Bergin

An enthusiastic group assembled at Ballycane Church in Naas on a bright September morning on Thursday 5th September, looking forward to a journey through history as the first destination was the renowned ecclesiastical settlement Clonmacnoise founded in 548 by St Ciarán.

The bus meandered its way through Kildare, Laois, Offaly and it finally reached Athlone in Westmeath where we traded one mode of transport for another.

We went aboard a boat resembling the Viking longboat, but on this occasion this craft was on course for Clonmacnoise with a friendly crew as opposed to the former, marauding visitors in the guise of the Norsemen. Viking Mike, our trusty captain, welcomed us all on board and related a very informative summary of the geographical and historical points of information as we cruised down the Shannon river. There was plenty of chat and banter as we enjoyed some refreshments The boat trip was made all the more enjoyable as we digested the picturesque scenery dotted with livestock grazing in the fields and the swans swimming gracefully a distance from the boat.

The monastic settlement  of Clonmacnoise soon came into view and we disembarked and walked to the interpretative centre which was very impressive and whetted our appetite to attend the guided tour. Anthony Ryan , a local tour guide with the OPW ( Office of Public Works) presented a very informative tour outlining some  interesting facts about this monastic heritage site. The cathedral was of particular interest with its intricate carvings on the doorway and adorned with three statues of Saints Dominic, Patrick and Francis. The round tower , a fine example of a round tower or free standing belfry so typical of Irish church sites, was built by Turlough O’ Connor in 1124 was another focus of attention. The Cross of the Scriptures , one of Ireland’s finest surviving high crosses was also on display, and was the source of discussion amongst the group.

Having enjoyed ambling around the site and visiting the interpretive centre which was very informative, the group travelled to Shannonbridge to enjoy  a delicious lunch and refreshments in JJ Killeens  Bar and Restaurant. A warm welcome, superb culinary delights and an old world charm were the hallmarks of this restaurant and highly recommended by all the group.

After a tasty lunch complemented by lots of discussion and ‘craic , we travelled to our final destination of the day, Birr Castle Demesne. Our historic timeline had transported us through to Norman times as the original castle had been built in 1170.

The castle on the site now has been the home of the Parson Family ( Earls of Rosse) since1650, hence the former name for Birr being Parsonstown. We were invited to watch a  very interesting information video in the reception area of the  Historic Science Centre, which gave us an overall view of this famous heritage site.

There were eight galleries of extensive exhibitions, showcasing inventions and achievements of the Parsons family in the area of astronomy , photography and engineering. Members of the family certainly lived and studied according to the family motto ‘Deus et Patria ad Astra’ `(For God and Country to the Stars)  which is proudly displayed on the Oxmantown Gate, designed by the 3rd Countess of Rosse.

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The giant telescope known as ‘ Leviathan ‘was the creation of the 3rd Earl of Rosse in 1845 and it remained the largest in the world for seventy years. He was a great pioneer in the realm of astronomy as he used this telescope to discover the Whirlpool Nebulae, which was the first revelation of other galaxies. Birr Castle Demesne was a hive of learning and discovery .

As well as a centre of scientific discovery, the demesne also boasts beautifully designed gardens. ‘The Giants Grove’ features large redwoods while the ‘Pinetum ‘ houses a fine collection of conifers , started by the 5th Earl, including the Wollemi Pine, one of the world’s oldest and rarest tree species. The castle peered out from behind the magnificent garden terraces with many varieties of herbaceous plants while the suspension bridge, the oldest wrought iron suspension bridge in Ireland built in 1820, beckoned us to take a walk into the woodlands.

The Spring Wildflower Meadow and The Carroll Oak are meadows which have not been ploughed since 1620 at least. It is a haven for wildflowers, bees and wildlife as the grass is allowed to grow long in spring each year. The Carroll Oak was planted by the O’ Carroll Family over 500 years ago. It was a very pleasant stroll as we feasted our eyes on the colourful array of flowers and plants.in this natural wonderland created with focus on the preservation and conservation of our natural environment throughout  the centuries. Science and nature  have worked hand in hand in Birr Castle Demesne throughout the ages.

A wonderful day was had by all as we explored these two interesting heritage sites and the group returned to Naas, more informed and appreciative of our historical and natural treasures which are in abundance in Ireland. Míle Buíochas to one of the members of Kildare RTA, Ann Enwright who had organised and co-ordinated the trip; a fine choice of historical sites of interest and most importantly the choice of restaurant where we all enjoyed a delicious lunch.

Great company, banter and ‘Craic’ all combined to make this trip a very enjoyable occasion! We all look forward to the next outing !

 

Paddy Madden will run his AUTUMN GARDENING COURSE in Ardclough Village Centre this October.

Cost of course €50 per participant.

Running on four consecutive Wednesdays in October: 2nd, 9th, 16th and 23rd between 11am and 1pm, a variety of topics will be covered. The last day includes a tour of the Botanic Garden with Paddy.

All are welcome

To reserve your space email maddenpac@gmail.com

or phone Paddy @ 0879928285