Mallow activities in May

On 29th April we joined with Kilshannig ARA on a 3 night trip to Whites Hotel in Wexford. We had a wonderful time and both groups got on very well. The food, accomodation and staff were brilliant During our trip to the south east we visited Lismore Castle Gardens,Hook Head lighthouse,the Dunbrody,the Tapestry,Johnston Castle and fabulous visiter centre and Waterford glass. Very many thanks to Mary and Sheila of Kilshannig and to our brilliant guide and driver Philip of Cronins Coaches

.On 19th May we attended a Garth Brooks Tribute concert in the Gleneagle with dinner in the Flesk restaurant.A very enjoyable night.

On 20th may we had a guest speaker at our meeting, Joan Ann from the RSA. She gave a very good presentation, answered questions and gave out Hi-vis jackets and leaflets to our members.

On 22nd May we had our monthly day trip, this month to Cahir. We had lovely coffee and scones at Kilcoran Lodge.Everything was ready on our arrival and the staff were very pleasant. We then went on to Swiss Cottage . It is a fantastic place and well worth a visit.It is an ornamental house but like something out of a dream.We had a light lunch and look around the shops in Cahir before going on to Ballingarry to visit the Famine War House. Its out in the middle of nowhere but it was lovely going down the country lanes on a sunny day with the Mayflower and the Cow Parsley in bloom.The history around that area is fascinating and the gentleman who showed us around was very knowledgeable and kind and gave us information about the 1848 Rebellion and the effect of the Famine on the local area.He made it very interesting. We then set off for the Firgrove Hotel Mitchelstown where a delicious meal awaited us. Top marks to the Firgrove for food and service! Top marks also to our guide and driver Joe Enright who had great patience with us all day.

23rd May 4 night trip to Paris.
Art classes are on- going this month in the Mercy centre.

St Anthony's Day

As many of you will know St Anthony's day is on 13th June and St Francis church (The Friary) in Cork celebrate Mass specially on that day each year at which Lilies are blessed.So this year on the evening of 12th I went around all my neighbours who had lilies and got a few from each to take to Cork. On the 13th we went to Cork by bus and on the walk over to St Francis church it was amazing to see all the people going in the same direction with their lilies. Bunches of lilies , shopping bags with lilies peeping out and even one elderly man with a single Lily wrapped in newspaper. The church was packed to the rafters for this annual celebration. It was a beautiful ceremony con-celebrated by two Franciscan priests and attended by Bishop John Buckley. One of the priests said there is still faith in the country when I see so many devoted people here today with their lilies. As we all know St Anthony is known as the saint of things lost but I found out that day that he is also patron saint of amputations and the humble donkey!
In this church there is a side altar devoted to St Anthony and that day there was a queue to light candles for students sitting exams and petition for lost items and to touch the relic of St Anthony. I was truly inspired by this beautiful ceremony and would advise anyone to go there next year.
Of course all my neighbours and friends got petals of the lilies from me.Traditionally these can be placed between the pages of a book or bible.
Margaret McCarthy
Mallow

BALLYDUFF NORTH KERRY

BALLYDUFF ACTIVE RETIREMENT GROUP

Our most recent event, yesterday, was a visit from a speaker for the Road Safety Authority, Eileen Cunningham. She was talking about road safety for older people. Members were amazed at the figures showing that accidents with older people were much higher than they expected, and rising. Going through the ways we can protect ourselves from danger as pedestrians and as drivers gave us lots of ideas about how we can make ourselves safer. The talk was very clear and interesting, and the presentation on a screen was very helpful. Eileen was very clear and well-organised, and we felt that she really cared about her subject. At the end of the talk she gave everybody a reflective jacket, and we all promised to wear it not only at night, but during the day as well, whenever we are walking along the roads. Eileen is available to talk to groups all over Kerry (I'm not sure about Cork - it may be someone else) and we strongly recommend her for your group. Contact her on eileencunningham@rsa.ie and see the website www.rsa.ie

Bob Scott
                                                       One for everybody in the audience!

MARIGOLD HEALTH AND WELLNESS DAY

The Southern Region is at present organising a Health and Wellness day at the Gleneagle Hotel Killarney on 25th June, 10.30 am to 4.30pm. The principal speakers are John Lonergan former Governer of Mountjoy Prison and Dr Sabina Brennan of Trinity College who will speak on Dementia. There will be numerous stands giving out information on health issues as well as showcase of Art and other activities.  Also our own Bob Scott will give a talk on Art and show some of his own paintings of North Kerry. There will be lots of other entertainment including music, dance and fashion show. Admission free so come along and have an enjoyable day.
This is organised by Active Retirement Ireland together with Home Instead, a company which organises care at home for elderly people part or full time.
Margaret McCarthy  PRO