On Tuesday 14th November a card-making workshop was held under the guidance of Kathleen Campbell. From 11am to 1pm scissors, blank card, double-sided tape, rulers and pencils were in full use. People were delving into 2 crates of old Christmas cards, stickers and ribbons (green, red and white) and in no time each participant had 3 unique Christmas cards made. People were so enthusiastic to stay working on their creations that nobody had time to stop for tea or coffee! Everybody went home chuffed at their ability and creativity. Another Card-making workshop with Kathleen Campbell is planned for ..read more

It was with great expectation that I embarked on a trip to Montenegro – aptly named Black Mountain – with the RTAI in September. I was not disappointed. Thursday Day 1: Travel After a very early start, we arrived in Dubrovnik airport at 12 noon. The weather was overcast, but the temperature has been up at 40° in August and our guide – who met us at Dubrovnik – assured us the weather would pick up, which it did. There were 14 in the Retired Teachers group, 70 in the bus altogether. At the border between Croatia and Montenegro, we had a long wait for passport scrutiny. Later after about an hour ..read more

Thirty of our members joyfully set out on the bus from Galway to board the boat for Clonmacnoise. From the comfort of the covered boat, we could view the shimmering Shannon and its families of elegant swans. Hot tea and coffee was served, accompanied with buttery croissants, provided by Maire Ni Chuinneagain.  We disembarked after about an hour, at the foot of Clonmacnoise. Rain pelted down as we ascended the grassy hill, speckled with cow dung. We carried on regardless until we reached the magnificent site of Clonmacnoise, overlooking the river Shannon. First we were sh ..read more

Singing Group When: 1.30 to 2.30pm., Every Thursday, starting on 14th September. (+ tea) Where: St James’ GAA Clubhouse, Mervue. New members are welcome, please text 086 3836567 or email rtaigalway@gmail or just turn up at the venue.  This is singing for fun!  RTAI Autumn Break  When:  8th -11th October 2023.  Where: Ormonde Hotel, Kilkenny. This event is open to members of all RTAI Branches.   Rates: Twin/double €315pps.  Triple rooms pro rata.  Please book directly with the Hotel, quoting RTAI Autumn Break. 056 7750200  kilkennyormonde.c ..read more

Our Branch Outing to Inishbofin took place on Wednesday 14 June 2023. Twenty-two members and friends boarded the Citylink bus to Cleggan on a glorious sunny morning.  After our journey through Connemara and a quick snack in Cleggan, we enjoyed a remarkably smooth crossing to Inishbofin Pier.   Five members opted for a guided walk around the island; other members did a self-guided walk with Tommy Burke; others opted for gentle strolls, delicious brunches in the various cafés and restaurants or coffee breaks. Four people took a taxi tour. A sea mist rolled in and blocked the sceni ..read more

The Summer meeting and the Mass for deceased Galway Branch RTA members was held in the Menlo Park Hotel on Wednesday, May 31st at 11am. Tea and coffee were available beforehand so we could meet and catch up. Mass was read by Fr Plower and he said “You haven’t died if you are remembered by the people who loved you”. The names of deceased members were read out and a candle was lit in memory of each one of them. The choir, with their lovely hymns and music, added to the solemnity of the occasion. Martina, our chairperson, welcomed everyone, especially the new retirees. The minutes of the previou ..read more

Day 1 Thirty-five members boarded the bus at 10:00am on Sunday 7th May and headed off for Belfast. Our first stop was Sligo where we had lunch in the Ice House Hotel, overlooking the Garavogue River.  From there we headed for Enniskillen, where we were given a very interesting tour of Enniskillen Castle and some of its history. We arrived in Belfast a few hours later and were taken to our accommodation in Dunadry Hotel. This hotel had an interesting history. It was built, in 1957, on the site of an old linen mill and incorporated some of the mill’s features. Galway Retired Teachers u ..read more

Since Covid, the Book Club meets regularly in the Poppy Seed, in the Galway Crystal Building. We usually nominate three books, and discuss these. However, many other books are discussed in passing. New Members are welcome, even if you just want to listen in and get ideas for your reading. The next meeting is on Friday 26 May at 11 am. The books for this meeting will be: Old God’s Time by Sebastian Barry, Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus, Time and Tide by Charlie Bird. Máire Ní Chuinneagáin ..read more

Members with an interest in gardening enjoyed a treat when they attended a talk given by Marie Kelly, an expert gardener. Marie worked in Woodville Garden and now works with McD’s Garden Centres. She brought us through the year in our garden, with beautiful photos, and with suggestions and advice on flowering plants for every season. She answered questions and helped people with various problems. In particular, she advised on the soils, shelter, sun etc. needed by the plants, which would help us avoid mistakes. Máire Ni Chuinneagáin. 19th April 2023 ..read more

Why would you have a cup of coffee at home on your own when you can join other retired teachers, not just for a coffee, but for a chat and get-together with friends and colleagues? All members of RTA, Galway, are welcome to attend on the 3rd Monday of each month in the Poppy Seed Café, Galway Crystal ..read more