Active Retirement

A most enjoyable and stimulating week for the members of Wicklow Active Retirement Association (WARA) started at their usual Tuesday morning meeting, when they were royally entertained at a ‘mini concert’ given by two hugely talented young musicians.

Alan Byrne from Dublin is a Classical Guitarist and his friend Noemi Dekany from Budapest is a performer and teacher on the piano.

The concert included works by Spanish and Italian composers for the guitar and some delightful playing of Erik Satie’s French piano music. An audience of over 60 members were glad to show their appreciation with a standing ovation.

Thursday brought and annual and much-loved event - ‘The Mystery Tour’.

Peggy O’Sullivan and Pam McDonough remained completely tight-lipped as to the final destination as a coachfull of 46 members, full of eager anticipation, set off on the Wexford road.

Following a most pleasant meander through the wonderful countryside, they arrived at Borris House, County Carlow, the ancestral home of the McMurrough and Kavanagh family.

A conducted tour of this important Irish country house and its chapel revealed many interesting facts and stories about the history of the house.

The WARA members then set off for Carlow where they visited the Delta Sensory Gardens established some years ago to provide training and multi-sensory services for adults with intellectual disabilities.

A lovely lunch was provided by the staff in their brand new cafe and gift shop, followed by a conducted tour of the gardens.

This was followed by dinner in Lawless’ Hotel, Aughrim before returning to Wicklow.