RTA logoRetired Teachers' Association of Ireland

Cumann Múinteoirí Scortha na hÉireann

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DONEGAL SOUTH WEST BRANCH

 

This a photograph taken on a day out in Monaghan last week  of some retired teachers  celebrating 51 years since we left the Church of Ireland Training College.
 
I think we look a pretty healthy looking bunch !!considering the age profile of us !!
I am in the front row --others travelled from various places to meet up.
 
Regards,
May Morrow --  Donegal South West Branch --RTA  - June 2010.
 

 

 

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Harmonia
 Cór Iarmhúinteoirí MHAIGH EO

(Mayo Retired Teachers’ Choir)

Songs Old and New




Contact: Lisa Padden - 097 81079
Rosemarie Mangan - 087 2281268 (text only)
E-mail:
l.padden@arasinisgluaire.ie
r.mangan@arasinisgluaire.ie
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The Harmonia choir, which was formed in 2007, held their first rehearsal in The Courthouse Hotel, Ballina. They have also met in other locations around the county, such as Swinford and Castlebar, so as to encourage more people to join and attend meetings.
Directed by Úna Quinn, they have a repertoire of songs – from the 16th century to the present day. Songs include: well known Irish songs (e.g. "Mo Ghile Mear" and „"Sadhbh Ní Mhuinghile"), religious songs (e.g. Mozart, Sibelius, Schubert), American folk songs (e.g. "Down to the River to Pray"), popular musical tunes (e.g. "Whistle a Happy Tune", Rodgers & Hammerstein songs, songs from "Madame Butterfly"), and 2008's Oscar-winning song, "Falling Slowly", by Glen Hansard & Marketa Irglova.
To overcome the issue of the occasional absence of different choir members at rehearsals, Úna, the Musical Director, worked with Vincent McMahon, a technology expert, to produce a CD of all of their parts. This means that each member of the choir can also practice at home or even in the car.
The choir have developed a tradition of socialising together after rehearsals, which Úna says has “become most enjoyable, and it's a new beginning!” Úna adds that they would welcome new members any time, and would love to see their numbers grow: “One doesn't have to be able to read music or sing like Pavarotti or Maria Callas. We sing for pleasure and we would be thrilled to share this pleasure with others.”


 

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Roscommon RTAI Trip to Krakow - May 2010

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Following in the footsteps of John Paul II A sobering morning in Auschwitz 2 - Birkenau A visit to the historic Wieliczka salt mine

To enlarge - click on photograph.

                        

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Branch Structure

 There are 31 Branches in the Association.  As our numbers would not be sufficient to mirror the I.N.T.O.'s Branch structure, we are organised on a one Branch per county basis for the most part.

Some counties for reasons of size or terrain have more than one Branch.  Examples are Cork and Donegal.  On joining the Association members are allocated the Branch of the county of their address.  However, should any member wish to be transferred to another Branch for whatever reason e.g. they might have taught in a neighbouring county, then all they need do is contact the office and the transfer will be done immediately.

Some teachers go abroad to live after retirement and they are in a Branch called "OVERSEAS".  The National Secretary runs this Branch from the office.