Drogheda Independent

East Meath Active group mark 20 years serving the community

FROM ITS INCEPTION IN 1998 THE GROUP HAS FLOURISHED AND NOW BOASTS OVER 120 MEMBERS

- By FIONA MAGENNIS

THE East Meath Active Retirement Associatio­n celebrated their 20th anniversar­y recently with a special lunch in the Glenside Hotel.

The party was preceded by the group’s annual Mass which took place at 1pm in the Sacred Heart Church in Laytown.

‘On the 21st February the East Meath Active Associatio­n celebrated their 20th Anniversar­y in the Glenside Hotel. What a wonderful twenty years it has been,’ said the spokespers­on.

The group was originally started in February 1998 by Bernadette and Michael McCarthy, who were instrument­al in forming The East Meath Active Retirement Associatio­n.

The group quickly proved to be very popular and from 45 members in the first year it has grown to over 120 members at present.

‘ To say that the members are active is putting it mildly! They would make you tired just listening to all the activities they have,’ said the spokespers­on. There is a weekly meeting on Thursday at which there is some sort of activity ie ‘ go for life sports’, talks on heritage and health, Tai Chi, flower arranging, quizzes and much, much more.

Each meeting usually ends with a cup of tea and a chat.

During the week there is arts and crafts, painting classes, aqua aerobics, a book club, walking club, pitch & putt and indoor bowls.

They also organise trips to places around Ireland, to the theatre and holidays at home and abroad.

‘It’s a wonderful life in the East Meath Active Retirement Associatio­n so why not come and meet us if you are over fifty and would like to explore our great life,’ the spokespers­on added. ‘We meet in St Mary’s Parish Rooms in Julianstow­n at 2.30p.m. every Thursday.’

 ??  ?? The first committee of the East Meath Active Retirement Group pictured in 1998. Right to left: Theresa McNulty, Mary White, Maureen Taylor, Kitty Roche, Bernadette McCarthy, Fred O’Connor, Eddie Peppard, Maureen O’Connor and Pat Peppard.
The first committee of the East Meath Active Retirement Group pictured in 1998. Right to left: Theresa McNulty, Mary White, Maureen Taylor, Kitty Roche, Bernadette McCarthy, Fred O’Connor, Eddie Peppard, Maureen O’Connor and Pat Peppard.
 ??  ?? Ann Doyle, Mary Donohoe, Pat Manningh and June Murphy.
Ann Doyle, Mary Donohoe, Pat Manningh and June Murphy.
 ??  ?? Rosemary McGrath, Olive Whelan and Maura Tiernan.
Rosemary McGrath, Olive Whelan and Maura Tiernan.
 ??  ?? Gerry Murphy, Herbie Behan and Tommy Watters
Gerry Murphy, Herbie Behan and Tommy Watters
 ??  ?? Una and Martina Smith with Rose Stack.
Una and Martina Smith with Rose Stack.
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