Cork and Kerry A.R.I.: Mallow celebrates 25 years

Mallow ARA celebrated 25 years this month. As far as I have been told a few ladies having retired went to daily mass at St Mary's church and then for coffee at the Central Hotel. They thought it would be nice to get together to go to the Opera house in Cork. Somebody mentioned a club for retired people to go on day trips and to the theatre and perhaps holidays. Pat Winkle made enquiries and met a man from Limerick who gave her all the relevant information. So Pat and some others made the arrangements to set up our club. she was the first chairperson. later Margo Kingston took over as chairperson and then followed Phyllis Cronin, Ann Sheridan, Margaret McCarthy, Mary G Murphy and Michael Stubbs. they then looked for a premises to hold meeting. The parish priest at the time offered the parish centre and we are still there.
It all started in September 1994.
Over the years the club expanded so now we have weekly meetings on Tuesday at 10.30 am cards on Tuesdays and Thursdays 2 to 4.30 pm in the library, coffee and chat Wednesdays 2 to 4.30 pm in the Arches. Walking Fridays 11 am.
We have various classes such as Yoga ,Tai Chi, Pilates ,chair exercises Aqua Aerobics , computers , Art and Photography. We have a speaker once a month to talk about health , or your rights or legal issues, a day trip once a month also and holidays , short breaks in Ireland and longer breaks abroad. As some people do not like to fly we have found a company that organises cruises without flying.
In December we have an Irish coffee morning with mince pies and entertainment.
In September each year we have a coffee morning for Marymount hospice.
In December each year we have lunch and entertainment at a hotel. This is to cater for all members some of whom do not like to go out at night or even eat late.
In the winter we go by train to Dublin Cork or Limerick for day trips and in summer we hire a coach and travel all around the country.
We are open to new suggestion and ideas all the time.
On Thursday last 19th September we celebrated our 25th Anniversary. First with Mass by our parish priest Msgr O Brien at the Church of the Resurrection where many of our members took part. Followed by lunch and entertainment by Dave Rea at the Arches Restaurant. We were delighted to welcome Kay Murphy our president who presented us with a certificate , also Martin Casey , chairperson of the Southern region and Anne O Brien Developement officer. Of course our own John Noel Cronin former board member and Treasurer at national level also attended.