79 Club celebrates 40th birthday with big party
THERE were great celebrations in the Upton Court Hotel last week when St Mary’s ‘79 Club celebrated its 40th birthday.
Known as Kilmuckridge Active Retirement group the club has grown from strenght to strenght since its inception.
Some founding members came along to this year’s gathering which saw about 22 peoin attendance.
Chairperson Martin O’Connor said that although the group has undergone change since setting up in 1979, there is no age limit on being a member of the club.
‘Back in the early 1980s, when my parents were involved, there would have been over 100 people for the parties which would see people enjoy a hot meal, cards, bingo as well as enjoying a sing song and a cup of tea.
‘Elderly people always had a sense of security from it,’ he said.
Martin spoke of a time when young people would volunteer, bringing with them new ideas.
Kilmuckridge Active Retirement have regular afternoon meetings and they come together to play cards and bingo.
‘They come together for a cup of tea and a chin-wag, it brings great interaction which is so important,’ said Martin.
He explained that it is an opportunity for people from different parishes to socialise, and when clubs are invited to Kilmuckridge, a similar invite back is also extended.
Members also enjoy outings to the cinema and theatre as well as short breaks during the year.
‘We look forward to the next big milestone, 50 years,’ he said.