Retired Teachers host ‘The Wisdom of Our Ages’ event

A lecture entitled “The Wisdom of our ages” by Gerry Farrell took place in the Black Box of the Model and Niland Centre recently. It was organised through the co-operative efforts of the retired members of the three teacher unions – RSTA, RTAI, and TUIRMA (retired ASTI, INTO and TUI). This is the second event the retired group RTS (Retired Teachers Sligo) has hosted. RTS aims to encourage retired teachers to socialise again post Covid.

Mr Gerry Farrell, psychotherapist, playwright, actor and author was an inspired choice to address retired teachers and their friends. The audience of 200 plus were blown away by Gerry’s wit, acting skills and wisdom.

The first question he addressed was why do counsellors always talk about the past with their patients? Gerry pointed out that this is essential for understanding a person’s present problems. Present difficulties may well have their origin in childhood or early adolescence. He traced the various stages of development of the person from childhood to old age and illustrated them with personal and other anecdotes. As Gerry outlined Shakespeare’s “Seven Ages of Man” wasn’t far off the mark despite the fact that he had no psychological or other training. Gerry’s audience at the lecture consisting of many long and recently retired teachers and their friends were at or approaching the 7 th age. He gave advice on how to deal with issues they are likely to encounter – bereavement, loneliness, depression, losing loved ones, dementia, nursing home living etc. “Don’t grow old gracefully” was his advice and don’t be afraid to speak up.

Gerry is an accomplished and established actor. He treated his audience to a powerful performance from the Ithaca episode from Ulysses. This is written in Socratic dialogue with question-and-answer segments in comically scientific language. This was a brilliant feat of memory on Gerry’s part and the audience was riveted and left mesmerised by his acting skills.

His lecture was reflective, funny, thought provoking meaningful and empowering.

After the lecture there was an opportunity to intermingle and to meet old friends and colleagues and partake in light refreshments.

The event was only possible due to the generous sponsorship of the HSE and the RTS. Gerry very kindly waived his fee for the night. Gerry’s new play “The Sceptical Suffragette” is taking place in the Hawks Well Theatre on October 3.