Page 35 - Guerin Media Ltd | Active Retirement Ireland Members Annual 2016
P. 35
BALLYDUFF ACTIVE RETIREMENT FOCUS ON LOCAL ARAs
BALLYDUFF ACTIVE RETIREMENT
Ballyduff Active Retirement Group was formed in February 2001, in a village in County Kerry, just a couple of miles
from the sea. Starting with just eight members and a tiny room, we expanded rapidly, but with no permanent home.
Over the coming years we met in five different temporary venues, until the completion of the superb Ballyduff Family
Resource Centre was achieved, with all the wonderful facilities which we now enjoy. With over thirty-five members
we have the use of a spacious upstairs meeting-room, equipped with audio-visual facilities, and refreshments are
provided by the centre. Life is very different, but the same spirit of excitement and growth continues to drive us.
These early beginnings led to close involvement with self-esteem and confidence,
other groups in the community, including the G.A.A., and continued involvement
the H.S.E., the parish community, North and East Kerry in the community. For
Together, Kerry Community Transport, and many more. example, this year have Ballyduff Active Retirement
We needed the help and support of Active Retirement been involved in using the FoMuenmdebde:rs2:03051
Ireland from the beginning and continue to benefit materials in the
from it. The regional website developed by Margaret on-line “Hello Brain” project
Mc Carthy of Mallow is also of great value in keeping from the U.C.D., recent
us informed on the activities of other local groups, visitors talking on aspects
so that we can work together for our mutual benefit of health and safety have
(www.corkandkerryari.blogspot.com). included the manager of
One of the high-spots in the early life of the group the Tralee General Hospital, a physiotherapist from
was a visit by R.T.E.’s “Nationwide” who filmed us Galway University, who has spoken to the group on
engaged in several different activities. Two of our the subject of avoiding falls, and others speakers who
members during this period moved to Ballybunion, have explained the benefits of Health Foods, Aloe
and started the equally successful A.R.A. in that Vera, and a Chiropractor.
sea-side town, with whom we continue to have happy
links, and which was also featured on the programme. We keep ourselves heathy with games, such as Bocce,
and Keep-Fit exercises with our Physical Activity
Ballyduff Active Retirement Leader. Another member, who is trained in Older
Group has two aims. The People in Dance (O.P.I.D.), has led the group to making
first is to provide a range two appearances in Siamsa Tire (The Irish National
of educational, social, and Folk Theatre) in Tralee. Every year we go for a walk
physical activities, keeping to mark the “Look after your Heart” day, and organise
our members an open-day to celebrate the Bealtaine Festival. This
up-to-date on current year we presented a concert of songs sung As Gaeilge,
issues, and the second is to which created a lot of interest. Once a year we go off
ensure their for an annual holiday, which this year was to Athlone,
visiting many places of historical interest.
www.activeirl.ie Active Retirement Ireland 35
BALLYDUFF ACTIVE RETIREMENT
Ballyduff Active Retirement Group was formed in February 2001, in a village in County Kerry, just a couple of miles
from the sea. Starting with just eight members and a tiny room, we expanded rapidly, but with no permanent home.
Over the coming years we met in five different temporary venues, until the completion of the superb Ballyduff Family
Resource Centre was achieved, with all the wonderful facilities which we now enjoy. With over thirty-five members
we have the use of a spacious upstairs meeting-room, equipped with audio-visual facilities, and refreshments are
provided by the centre. Life is very different, but the same spirit of excitement and growth continues to drive us.
These early beginnings led to close involvement with self-esteem and confidence,
other groups in the community, including the G.A.A., and continued involvement
the H.S.E., the parish community, North and East Kerry in the community. For
Together, Kerry Community Transport, and many more. example, this year have Ballyduff Active Retirement
We needed the help and support of Active Retirement been involved in using the FoMuenmdebde:rs2:03051
Ireland from the beginning and continue to benefit materials in the
from it. The regional website developed by Margaret on-line “Hello Brain” project
Mc Carthy of Mallow is also of great value in keeping from the U.C.D., recent
us informed on the activities of other local groups, visitors talking on aspects
so that we can work together for our mutual benefit of health and safety have
(www.corkandkerryari.blogspot.com). included the manager of
One of the high-spots in the early life of the group the Tralee General Hospital, a physiotherapist from
was a visit by R.T.E.’s “Nationwide” who filmed us Galway University, who has spoken to the group on
engaged in several different activities. Two of our the subject of avoiding falls, and others speakers who
members during this period moved to Ballybunion, have explained the benefits of Health Foods, Aloe
and started the equally successful A.R.A. in that Vera, and a Chiropractor.
sea-side town, with whom we continue to have happy
links, and which was also featured on the programme. We keep ourselves heathy with games, such as Bocce,
and Keep-Fit exercises with our Physical Activity
Ballyduff Active Retirement Leader. Another member, who is trained in Older
Group has two aims. The People in Dance (O.P.I.D.), has led the group to making
first is to provide a range two appearances in Siamsa Tire (The Irish National
of educational, social, and Folk Theatre) in Tralee. Every year we go for a walk
physical activities, keeping to mark the “Look after your Heart” day, and organise
our members an open-day to celebrate the Bealtaine Festival. This
up-to-date on current year we presented a concert of songs sung As Gaeilge,
issues, and the second is to which created a lot of interest. Once a year we go off
ensure their for an annual holiday, which this year was to Athlone,
visiting many places of historical interest.
www.activeirl.ie Active Retirement Ireland 35
