Glanworth Active Retirement - rearing to go

Glanworth Active Retirement was founded on 14th February, 2007 and since then, to be honest “if we could at all, we did it all”!

When times were ‘normal’, we had a social afternoon every 2 weeks in the community hall for Bingo, cards, tea, critique, etc. Sometimes we would have visiting speakers on many topics, from health issues to line dancing. At times our local comedian Mary O’Neill would come, sometimes the two Ritchie’s would play music and entertain the group and sing and some of our members would also join in, as would Fr Michael Corkery. He has also said Mass there for us on numerous occasions. We held Easter bonnet competitions and other competitions for lovely fun prizes and hampers.

TOURS

We went on bus tours all over Ireland - no county was missed out. We went to the north of Ireland several times; we travelled to Scotland, France, Italy Poland, Spain and Holland.

Ned took us to lunch in the Dáil. Kevin took us to the Senate and Frankie sent us to the European Parliament.

We went to the Conna Social Centre for lunch and Bingo – thanks to Mary and Michael and staff, which is enjoyed immensely by our members. We went to jamborees and conferences, as well as afternoon tea dances.

CONCERTS/SHOWS

Down through the years, we went to numerous concerts such as Phil Coulter in Ballymaloe, Daniel O’Donnell in Killarney and the Opera House, The Three Amigos in the Opera House and the High Kings in Charleville Park.

We celebrated every landmark like St Patrick’s Day, Easter and Christmas, as well as holding raffles, giving away spot prizes and hampers.

LOOKING FORWARD

Now there is a lull in our proceedings at the moment, but when we come out the other side - as we definitely will - a programme is already being made up.

When Leo and Micheál open the gates we will gallop through like a greyhound out of the trap, after all we’re Glanworth Active Retirement and we’re rearing to go. Until then, stay safe!

Glanworth Active Retirement Group at the presentation of funds to Simon representative, Niamh McEvoy, one of the many beneficiaries of fundraising events held by the group - back row: Nelius O’Neill, Mary Fahy, Breeda Mee, Margaret O’Donoghue, Eric Mee and Brid Hannon; Front: Catherine Williams, Fr Michael Corkery PP, Niamh McEvoy (Simon), Mary McNamara and Maura O’Neill.

Glanworth Active Retirement Group and Glanworth Community Council purchased a Christmas tree in December 2016, planting it in the green area by church in memory of deceased members of both organisations. Pictured are Maura O’Neill, Breeda Mee, Catherine Williams, Eric Mee, Pauline O’Dwyer, PJ Browne, Pat Dunne and Kevin O’Keeffe.

Fr Michael Corkery, P.P. and Fr Dan Gould, blessing the Christmas tree in December 2016 planted in memory of deceased members of Glanworth Active Retirement Group and Glanworth Community Council.

The large group from Glanworth Active Retirement on tour in Killarney in July 2019.