Bhí dea-aimsir geallta don Mháirt an 30 Eanáir nuair a socraíodh go mbuailfeadh an grúpa coisithe bóthar. Rinneamar carr-roinnt agus chasamar lena chéile sa charrchlós (carrchlós J B Malone) ag bun Dioghais (Djouce) atá 725 méadar ar airde.

Ceannródaí a bhí i J B Malone ( John James Malone 13/12/1913- 17/10/1989) a chinntigh go nglacfaí le Slí Chill Mhantáin mar shiúlóid aitheanta. Tá ardmholadh ag dul don fhear céanna. Tógadh leac chuimhneacháin i gcuimhne J B Malone gar don charrchlós agus tá radharc breá ar Loch Té ón leac chéanna.

Bhíomar gléasta go cuí don fhuacht agus tá mise ag rá leat go raibh sé feanntach fuar! Thugamar faoi deara go raibh brat bán sneachta ar bharr shléibhte maorga Chill Mhantáin. Bhí comhrá gairid ag na treoraithe linn.  Tá an-taithí acu ar na sléibhte seo agus tugann siad an-mhisneach don ghrúpa. Mheabhraigh siad dúinn a bheith cúramach agus gan a bheith ag deifriú. 

Chuireamar tús leis an tsiúlóid. Bhí cuma álainn ar na páirceanna a bhí faoi bhrat seaca. Bhí patrúin áille le feiceáil sna locháin uisce reoite a bhí timpeall orainn. Bhí an grúpa ag comhrá agus ag roinnt scéalta lena chéile. Bhí neart gáire le cloisteáil.

Thugamar aghaidh ar an gclárchosán ansin. Tagann deireadh leis an gcabaireacht nuair a bhímid ag siúl ar an gclárchosán! Bhí sé sciorrach ach bhíomar go breá. Thugamar aire dá chéile agus bhí gach duine an-chúramach.

“Seachain, tá an chuid seo an-sciorrach!”, a bhéic duine éigin. Ba ghearr go raibh an clárchosán curtha dínn againn agus thosaíomar ag dreapadh.

Bhíomar faoi dhraíocht ag áilleacht na háite. Ní haon iontas go dtagann turasóirí ó chian is ó chóngar chun an cheantair. Ní a shárú le fáil.

Nuair a shroicheamar an barr shiúlamar timpeall chun foscadh a lorg ón ngaoth ach bheartaíomar leanúint orainn go dtí an taobh eile den sliabh áit a raibh foscadh againn. Bhí Loch Té (nó the Guinness Lake mar is fearr aithne air), Oirthear Chill Mhantáin, Sliabh Chualann agus Muir Éireann le feiceáil. Shuíomar ar na tortóga agus bhí picnic breá againn. Níl aon rud níos deise ná lón a ithe amuigh faoin aer! Bíonn an bia chomh blasta! Bhí cístí beaga déanta ag Avril bean na bácála dúinn agus bhí gach duine an-bhuíoch di.

Ar aghaidh linn ansin agus bhíomar an-sásta linn féin go dtí go bhfacamar fear óg ag rith leis agus bríste gearr á chaitheamh aige!  I ndéanta na fírinne bhíomar in éad leis!

Bíonn sé níos deacra ag dul síos an fhána agus b’éigean dúinn a bheith an-aireach ar an tslí síos ach d’éirigh linn agus bhíomar chomh sásta le rí!

Bhí cósta Chill Mhantáin le feiceáil thíos fúinn chomh fada is a bhíomar ag teacht anuas. Bhí radharc breá againn ar cheantair an Tóchair agus na lochanna. Ní minic a fheictear farraige, sléibhte, lochanna agus gleannta in aon turas amháin. Tá sé d’ádh orainn go bhfuil na radhairc áille seo ar leac an dorais againn i nGairdín na hÉireann.

Bhíomar den tuairim go raibh rud éigin an-speisialta faoin tsiúlóid áirithe seo.

Bhí an grúpa fíorbhuíoch don triúr Ann, John agus Ciarán, na saoithe a threoraigh muid! Tá an triúr céanna tar a bheith foighneach leis an ngrúpa.

 B’iontach an lá é!  Beidh cuimhní geala againn air go ceann tamaill fada.

Is fada liom go mbeimid amuigh ar na sléibhte arís!

Is faoiseamh iontach é an siúl ó thrioblóidí an domhain. Tá sé go hiontach mura mbeadh ann ach imeacht as an teach!

Bhíomar sásta go raibh na bataí siúil againn, bhí siad ag teastáil go géar don tsiúlóid seo! 

Fair Daffodils by Mick O’Callaghan

I Worry About Losing My Marbles..  by Carol Reynolds

Sunday by the River Bann, Hollyfort by Mick O’Callaghan

The Photo by Seamus Kavanagh

The Postbox by Mick O’Callaghan

Fish on a Friday by Mick O’Callaghan

Spring in our Step – by Mick O’Callaghan

Ar Ais i mo Shláinte – Dán le Aindreas  Ó Gallchobhair

 Spring 2023 Walk – by Mick O’Callaghan

Somewhere Inside is Me! – poem by Seamus Kavanagh. To read, click HERE

Happiness Is  – by Mick O’Callaghan. Click HERE

Courtown 2023 by Mick O’Callaghan

On Looking out the Window in December By Mick O’Callaghan

We had a most beautiful RTAI Wicklow poetry session in Wicklow Library on Thursday November 2^nd 2023 which was a great success. The poetry was all written and presented by RTAI members. I give you a short bio of each of our poets and then  a couple of poems and photos from the night. The night was organised and sensitively presented by our own Geraldine Lynch to whom we are all grateful.

Seamus Kavanagh lives in Knockananna in Co. Wicklow

He retired as principal of Ballyconnell N.S. near Tullow in 2003.He likes all sports and plays golf.

The idea for many of the poems came while walking the roads around the village of Knockananna.

Many of the poems were written during Covid and have been published by the branch and some have also appeared in Comhnasc. His poems were the basis for a lovely booklet which the branch presented to Billy Sheehan on his retirement. Seamus will be forever grateful for the help and encouragement of the R.T.A.I especially Mick O’Callaghan.

We look forward to the publication of  an anthology of his poems in the early part of 2024

John Chambers’ work has been published in The Irish Times, The Spectator, Poetry Ireland Review, Poets for Africa as well as in numerous other journals, anthologies and magazines. Previous publications include 101 Irish Lives [Gill] and A Working Day published in 2022 by Revival Press. Frank [a sonnet sequence], published by Anchor Press was shortlisted for a Hennessy Award.

The Odyssey, a rewriting of Homer’s epic as a sonnet sequence, was published in 2023 by Europe Press and has been nominated for the Milan Literary Award. It can be purchased directly from John or from Europe press price 13.90 euros.

Andy Gallagher was born in Gweedore Gaeltacht, entering the world as a war baby in 1940. By 1959, he had qualified as a teacher from St. Pat’s in Drumcondra, embarking on a journey that would lead him to various schools across Ireland, including Tullydish Buncrana, Parkbridge Tullow, Clonalvey Meath, Coronea Cavan, Kilmacoo Wicklow, and finally, Avoca National School, and he served as a Principal in all of the schools.

Andy’s passions extended beyond the classroom, he dabbled in music and nurtured school bands while also exploring the worlds of art and poetry. In 1968, he crossed paths with Maura Mulryan from Co. Galway, and they were married in 1973. Together, they welcomed their only child, Fianait, who would eventually follow in her father’s footsteps. Andy was much travelled at home and abroad and is now enjoying the best seat at Croke Park matches, regular trips to Donegal and indulging in golf frequently. He is enjoying a well-deserved retirement filled with life’s pleasures.

I give you one of his poems about his travels to schools around the country before settling in Wicklow. Andy  served as principal of each one of the schools.

The Old Schoolmaster

After twenty years chalk and twenty more talk,
I am finally down on my knees,
My pockets are empty, where once there was plenty, With the tools of my trade, and my keys.

There’s less of the tension, while subbing on pension, and enjoying my scribble with pen,
Sure I walk with my ‘Ralph’ and play simple golf,
With my buddies of old in the glen.

‘Tis well I remember that day in September, ‘Twas back in the year fifty-nine,
I got a school o’er the phone in wild Inishowen, and taught them to reason and rhyme,

The priest, he says, ‘shush’, when I mentioned the brush, and make do with your bucket as well,
Sure the last master there had them tended with care, For all his twenty-year spell.

That’s all I was worth, so my ego was hurt,
And decided to leave Tullydish,
The winds they did blow and down came the snow, and to close for the day was my wish.

Contradictory views met my closing school news, and he sent me right back until three,
The mountainous drifts, reinforcing the rift,
And my notice was ‘writ’ before tea.

The next port of call was sweet Clonegal,
Where I hoped to fulfil all my dreams,
Parkbridge was the school where next I would rule, With a toilet aside of a stream.

This corner of Heaven was built ’47,
And all went to Mass in their traps,
This sight to behold glimpsed an Ireland of old, long since disappeared from our maps.

I taught 58, not a year nor a date,
But the number of scholars that year, On April the first, a goat, in he burst, And the laughter still rings in my ears.

The next change of location was lack of probation, which landed me down near the Naul,
And nobody since made me feel like a prince,
As did the greatest landlady of all.

I felt rather cool in my newly built school,
And it’s there that I thought I would stay,
But the numbers they fell, and I no longer could dwell, So the next port of call, Coronea.

The priest there went wild at the thought of a child,
Decorating his altar with weeds,
Instead of flowers with petal, there were dock leaves and nettle, along with some thistle and reeds.

My first double take was at the lunch break,
My playground was peppered with ghosts,
And two massive tombstones o’er hallowed old bones, Now served as two Breffni goal posts.

Shall not or shall we, return to Clonalvey,
As promised if numbers should rise,
But since the promise was given, I was morally driven, to return to a school paradise.

But Adam met Eve, and would you believe, my assistant devoured the fruit,
‘Twas a matter of time after paying that fine, till we both gave Clonalvey the boot.

To the lush Garden County in search of my bounty,
I was soon to be fair Kilmacoo’d,
For the department’s new rule was to close all small schools, and long bitter’s the strike that ensued.

So down to the valley with my own gentle Mollie, with its copper mines, sulphur, and gold,
And for thirty long years, it was endless good cheer, watching scholarly genius unfold.

An old roving bard wouldn’t travel as hard,
Sure I’ve subbed from Carnew to Greystones, between children with needs and all kinds of creeds, it is time to be resting my bones.

But time passes on and my lights they are gone, And I’ve paid up at God’s tunnel toll,
Peter opened the gate and says he, you are late, near missed out on your Heavenly roll.

I’ve a school in Ardkevin, on the outskirts of Heaven, and still hop to the ring of the bell,
For God help and protect us, but my former Inspectors, are conducting ‘Mór Thuairiscs’ from Hell.

Andy Gallagher

Margaret Bloomer was born and raised in Dublin. When she started teaching in the mid-sixties, she was teaching 56 infants (junior and senior) while also finishing a General Studies degree in Trinity. On graduation from there Margaret did the HDip Ed. She taught mostly in primary schools but also a short time in secondary. She had a memorable stint teaching in the Jewish primary school. Margaret moved with her husband and 3-month-old son to Wicklow in 1980. She taught in a small 2 teacher school in Ashford till she retired.

Margaret’s husband became ill in the 80s and died in 1995 after a long struggle. As a family they loved travel. Margaret started writing poetry and mostly travel inspired stories in the 90s.I give you one of the poems she read.

For our son by Margaret Bloomer

Aspiring youth to man

Long outgrown your childhood

Your eyes are full of love.

The lessons of fifteen years

Will be a bulwark

‘Gainst the tides of fortune

We share unspoken grief

For him-who was and is

Beloved spouse and father

We try to comprehend

The flicker of your eyes

The shadow of a smile

Recollection for me of times long past

For you it’s all you’ve ever known

You’ve grown in wisdom

As we try to understand

Inevitable parting

Your loss so great- and different

From my own

We stand on common ground.

Suffering, embraced in gratitude.

For what has been.

Our Remembrance service and summer dinner 2024 will be held on Wednesday May 29^th 2024. Venue will be notified later.

Kilmagig Woods Avoca

Sixteen members participated in this the second walk of the new season. We began at the car park opposite the Church of Sts. Mary and Patrick in the picturesque village of Avoca. The church dates from the 1860s and was used in the BBC series Ballykissangel in the late 1990s. The first record of Avoca dates from 150AD when the Greek geographer Ptolemy called the area Oboca. Locally it was known as Newbridge until the mid1800s.

This recognised walk gets its name from the Red Kite, a large bird of prey that was extinct in Ireland for over two hundred years until it was re-introduced in 2009. Although a bird of prey, it is more of a scavenger than a hunter. It has a reddish-brown body with dark streaking and a greyish head. A fully grown kite has a wingspan of approximately 150cm and can weigh up to 1.3 kg. Red kites nest high above the ground and build a platform of twigs. The tall trees of Kilmagig Woods make ideal nesting places. The group saw some kites as they circled overhead and heard their distinctive call.

The walk took us through Kilmagig Woods which gets its name from Coill an Ghaoth Bhog. Standing quietly, it is easy to appreciate this descriptive name. Along the way we could see across the valley where once there was a thriving mining business. Seven engine houses and chimney stacks can be seen in the valley. Copper was the main mineral but there are reports of silver and gold being found, albeit in small quantities. Mining first began here in the 1720s and ended as recently as 1982.

We reached the top of the Kilmagig Hill where there is a holy well named in honour of St. Patrick. There is also a small burial ground which was used in the nineteenth and early years of the twentieth century. We saw one memorial which was dedicated to a young man who died in a mining accident. The memorial was erected by his co-workers. Although located quite a distance from the village, this burial site is well maintained and Mass is celebrated here once a year.

Looking northwards we could see the townland of Tigroney which derives its name from Tigh an Rómánaigh. It is said that Paladius established a church here before St. Patrick’s arrival. There are some lovely accounts of the area in the schools’ collection on the Dúchas website.

This was a gentle stroll of just over three kilometres with an elevation of approximately one hundred metres. Afterwards the group paid a visit to Avoca Handweavers for some well-earned refreshments. Incidentally these are the oldest working woollen mills in the country and are celebrating their tricentenary this year.

Twelve members of the RTAI Wicklow Branch assembled in Roundwood on a bright November morning ahead of the first training walk which will lead ultimately to the conquest of Lugnaquilla early next summer. We car pooled and parked adjacent to the Lough Dan Adventure Centre. From here it was a short trek along a quiet country road until we reached the entrance to Kanturk Mountain loop. For the first part of the walk we were treated to views of the majestic Lough Dan to our right.  In the winter sunshine the colours of the landscape were truly breath-taking. Soon the lake was behind us as we ascended Kanturk. Along the way a sizeable herd of deer came out to have a look at the humans. They obliged by staying long enough so that numerous photographs of them could be taken. Today’s walk brought us through soft and wet terrain, a first for many of the group, but necessary in preparation for Lug.  The group was ably led by Anne Savage, Anne-Marie MacKenna and John Connor, who had completed a recce of the route the previous week. Despite being only twenty-four hours after Storm Debi, our leaders informed us that the ground was not as wet as the previous week. Perhaps the strong winds had something to do with this. Along the Kanturk Ridge we availed of some shelter to enjoy a well-earned sos before embarking on the second part of the day’s route. As we climbed towards the summit of Scarr Mountain we experienced some very strong winds, but this did not deter the intrepid group. There was a panoramic view of Glenmacnass Waterfall which was in full flow following the recent storm. When we got to the summit of Scarr we could see the Sugar Loaf and Bray Head to the north, Wicklow Town and the Irish Sea to the east, Turlough Hill and beyond to the south and Tonelagee to the west. Indeed, Tonelagee is the next walk in preparation for Lugnaquilla. Despite if being mid-November, the light was wonderful and the clarity of the view was unbelievable. There was a fairly steep descent for the first part from the summit of Scarr, but underfoot conditions were favourable. The descent provided us with more views of Lough Dan, this time ahead of us, and in the distance, we could also see the Roundwood reservoir. From the mountain it was back onto a forest path which brought us back to our starting point. Despite the wet ground, our leaders had us well prepared in advance by advising us to wear appropriate walking gear. Back in Roundwood the group adjourned to The Roundwood Stores for some well-earned refreshments and some time to chat about the walk. The distance covered was 10.21km with a total ascent of 447m. A truly enjoyable day in breath-takingly beautiful surroundings in good company.

PHOTOS

 WICKLOW BRANCH RTAI OVER THE YEARS   November 2023

I send this out to new members who have joined us over the past 12 months  but just in case I missed out on anyone I am issuing it to all of you again. Please forgive me if you have received it already. I like sharing the history of a proud ,great RTAI branch.

Wicklow Branch RTAI was formed on Saturday 10^th September 1977 at 3pm having waited sufficiently for late comers [35 minutes I believe}. The venue was Lawless’s hotel, Aughrim. Mr Hugh Byrne acted as Chairman. Jerry Kelly from the National Executive in Dublin urged retired teachers to organise themselves as a branch at a time of strong government when public servants and retired ones would be more at risk of pay cuts and imposition of income tax than other citizens.

      Mr Gregory Doyle of Rathdrum proposed that the retired teachers of County Wicklow should establish a Wicklow branch of retired teachers. This proposition was unanimously adopted by the meeting to form the branch with Hugh Byrne voted in as chairman and Gregory Doyle as Secretary / Treasurer. The meeting proposed that the Bank of Ireland be requested to open an account in the name of the retired Teachers Association. Permission was granted to purchase a minute book and all members should pay an annual fee of £2.

      At the end of the meeting Mr Brehony from Dublin invited all 7 members present to attend the AGM of national Retired teachers’ group to be held the following Saturday 17/09/1977 at 2.30pm in 36 Parnell Square, Dublin.

       And so RTAI Wicklow was launched. The teachers were pleased that Hugh Byrne was their leader as he was held in such high esteem in the county and throughout Ireland. He had been installed as President of the GAA in the Aberdeen Hall of the Gresham Hotel on April 2^nd, 1961, and served for 1961/63.

In a recent interview {March 20th, 2021} his daughter Marcella, now in her eighties, recalls a certain privilege they had as young children because Hugh had a motor car. There were only two cars in Rathdangan, one owned by Hugh and the other by the Parish Priest, with the two cars parked side by side at Sunday mass amid the bikes and pony and traps, while most people walked to Mass. RTAI Wicklow was in safe hands with a proven national leader who drove a car.

      All members present were asked to recruit retired teachers and by 27/05/1978 they had 24 paid up members each paying the £2 membership fee by cheque giving them a grand total of £48 out of which they sent £19.30 to Dublin, and they had to pay a booking fee of £1 for use of the hall.

      The fledgling group were in difficulty in calling a meeting in 1979 because the secretary and his wife were both ill and there was also a national postal strike which lasted for 18 weeks. It is worth noting that 1979 was the worst year for strikes.

      They struggled again in 1980. The chairman wished to express his disappointment, indeed his complete chagrin at the attendance of only 3 members, himself, his wife, and the secretary, for the AGM while two members sent apologies, but they sent in their £2 membership fee. Because of the lack of a quorum, agenda items and the election of officers had to be abandoned and the meeting was adjourned sine die. One member said the attendance was low because it was such a fine day. Another said people were sparing petrol because of the scarcity of petrol at that time because of the world petrol and gas shortage from 1979 to 1983 due to the Iranian crisis. People were sparing petrol for necessary journeys. The officers decided to stay on in their positions for another year.

      There was further trouble in 1982 when it was stated at a meeting that four of the original founding members were two years in arrears with their membership fees. They went so far as to name the four people involved. They were certainly living in different times and pre GDPR, but new members were still joining.

In 1983 the branch had a surplus of £215.46 having spent £3.60 on postage and a whopping £1.80 on refreshments for the AGM while they sent a cheque for £34.50 to Dublin.

    The meeting, held in 1985 was a happy occasion because of the granting of synchronisation of pension increase with increases to serving teachers. Secondly the check off system of paying subs increased membership and made it easier for paying up. The membership of the national association went from 2013 in 1983 to 2487 this year. The branch went wild at the AGM spending a whopping £3.40 on refreshments while their credit balance went up to £ 242.12. They also felt they should support the Matt Griffin fund to help sponsor research in the Children’s Hospital, Dublin and they sent £25 to support the fund.

      In 1987 the secretary reported that he was perplexed because they had 54 names on roll but only 30 paid up members. Of the remaining 24 people 11 were nuns who had no notion of paying up and others he reported were hopeless cases. Later, that year they reported a Wicklow roll of 46 but 6 of them were nuns who had no notion of joining RTAI.

      In 1988 the meeting was told that they had received the 2% of the 25^th wage agreement and that they could look forward to a 3.5 % arbitration award on 1/12/87. They were further told that increases due in1/6/88 were doubtful.

Interestingly the members were impressed that RTAI had built up financial reserves of £3000 over their 39-year existence being £77 a year saved. This big sum of money was now invested in government stock and was earning the not inconsiderable sum of £259.80 per annum in interest. How many members remember getting interest?

      In 1989 membership dropped from 33 to 28 and the Secretary read out all the names of non-affiliated retired teaches and urged a recruitment drive. Every retired teacher should be a member. This was their name and shame policy.

      The Chairman in 1990 noted that there was an influx of early retirees who generously threw in their lot with RTAI. Their comparative youth and energy will be a great boost to the morale of the Association. [Denis Garvey 05/06/90]

       The year 1992 was an annus horribilis for Wicklow Branch. This was the famous year in which the annual fee went up to £5. Fifteen members wrote in cancelling their membership. This was also the year in which retired teachers got the option of bimonthly instalments of pension.

       Denis Desmond, national secretary, announced in 1994 that each retired member would now be enrolled in the county they retired in. The membership of Wicklow rose from 43 to 78. They spent the staggering sum of £14 on AGM refreshments and had a credit balance of £900.12. with bank interest of £1.14.

During the years up to 1999 the branch meetings moved around the county meeting in Arklow, Woodenbridge,  Aughrim, Poulaphouca and Baltinglass. This was in response to members suggestions that there should be a change of venues for meetings to increase attendance, but it did not achieve this.

      The members were happy after the 2000 meeting held in the Wooden bridge Hotel when they heard of free ESB, phone rental and free TV license for over 70s.

      The mood music at the AGM in 2002 In Poulaphuca House Hotel was more sombre when we heard the report on The Commission on public service pensions. The traditional parity as a method of calculating pensions was in danger and benchmarking was  under discussion.

During 2003/2004 there were sustained attacks being made on the bench marking payments being paid to public servants.

      The 2004 meeting rejoiced that the payment of pensions every fortnight was finalised after a 13-year campaign.

The 2005 meetings were dominated by discussions on nursing home care, covenants for elderly people in full time care, tax relief for nursing home fees, medical cards for over 70’s and the 2% health levy abolished for over 70’s.

In 2007 there was much rejoicing with the announcement of a new scheme for nursing home care, with a basic cost for full time care now being mentioned.

      The benchmarking report of 2008 was viewed with some disappointment although the section dealing with the increase to retired principals and vice principals was welcomed. We were paid a fraction of this in 2022.

     We all owe a great debt of gratitude to those pioneering members who set up RTAI. They had difficulty getting to meetings, they had no mobile phones, laptops, or internet but they helped set up the basis of the structure of RTAI we have today. Minutes were written by hand, as were the envelopes and then stamped and posted. They struggled to recruit members and retain them.

We were so lucky in County Wicklow to have had such wonderful people like Hugh Byrne and latterly people like the late Maureen Quigley who took on the leadership role and whose selfless dedication to the cause of retired teachers was exemplary. They worked tirelessly for us without the funds to have dinner in hotels or restaurant. They had skimpy funds with no gratuity or reward other than the satisfaction of working to ensure that retired teachers’ conditions were improved. They had fewer cars but still managed to get to meetings often held on Saturdays and at great inconvenience to themselves. They were true trail blazers.

       Now we have 266 members, and we have sufficient funds to treat members properly when they meet. Most members have mobile phones and the internet and communication is much easier. We can send delegates to meetings without them having to dip into their own pockets to cover petrol and maybe an overnight stay.

We must however avoid complacency and ensure that the advances we have achieved over the years are not eroded. FEMPI cutbacks and the financial disaster of 2008/2010 hit us hard. The cutbacks have been rolled back but we, lost a lot in that process.

      Our recent history has been a different narrative for all of us. Covid 19 was tough for everyone when our very physical survival was uppermost in all our minds. It gave us all a new perspective on life which we value dearly. We  survived it and continue to look out for each other and support our great active community in RTAI Wicklow.

      We have come a long way in the evolving RTAI over our 46 years representing Wicklow retired teachers. We have kept the needs and conditions of retired teachers to the fore. Let us be proud to continue to beat that drum and remember to constantly be a flea in the ear of politicians. We must get direct negotiating rights at the wage talks table now by lobbying and using the grey crew voting bloc at election times.

Also keep reminding retired teachers to join. We are all better and stronger together.

Today you can follow the activities of Wicklow Branch RTAI by clicking on www.rtaireland.ie and then click on Branches followed by Wicklow and you can get an idea of what we are all about by reading it and looking at all the photos and writings. The website is an invaluable source of information for all members. We also have a hill walking group led by Anne Savage and they have a dedicated what’s app communication system which you can join.

Welcome to Wicklow Branch RTAI and I hope you enjoy your time in

Our next big event is our Christmas meeting and dinner in the Parkview hotel on December 6th.Registration at rtaiwicklow@gmail.com is open until December 1^st and we will not be taking any names after that date. We launched it last Friday and already we have 50 people registered. Thank you one and all for your speedy replies .

Is ar scáth a chéile a mhaireann na daoine.

Mick O Callaghan

Secretary

Our last weeks walk saw a group of 15 walkers gather at Turlough Hill car park at the Wicklow Gap.The sky was a bright blue ,not a cloud in sight as we set off to walk in the footsteps of St.Kevin
St.Kevins Way is a waymarked linear walk of 27klm.stretching from Hollywood (west Wicklow) to Glendalough.Our plan was to walk the last 9klms. down the Glendason Valley to Glendalough.
We trekked down the tarmac road that leads to Lough Nathanagon
where Anne  gave us an insight  into Irelands only pumped storage power station opened in1974 (excellent utube on construction  and engineering).In 2004 Turlough Hill became the Hydro Control Centre for the entireE.S.B.hydro fleet and contin to be of vital importance to this day.
We made our way  through boggy land, basic cart tracks till we emerged on to a solid path.
At this stage the sun was on our backs as we descended into an area of extensive ruins- The former Lead Mines of Glendason.Anne brought the place alive with historical facts and folklore of this isolated remote valley.Suffice to say we stood in awe reflecting on the extent of the population that must have supported this brave enterprise for 150 years,the hardships ,the tragedies they endured and I think many of us felt a kinship to those brave souls.The grey white mounds of spoil from these mines are dotted all over the flanks of the mountainsides,standing proud  to salute those brave miners.
The mines in Glendason, Glenmacnass,Glendalough and Glenmalure gradually declined and the final mine shaft closed in 1957.It was no longer economically viable to extract the lead.
The ruins are widely used by film studios  to shoot various scenes for films nowadays.
We meandered with the river passing some local homes  built on the  former site of 8 miners cottages till we reached the  old graveyard  in Glendalough.
We  sat outside with our refreshments in the sunshine.
Another great day in the hills.

PHOTOS

SUMMARY

In 1966 JB Malone established The Wicklow Way Walking Route.

Our adventure started in February in Marley Park, Rathfarnham and finished six months later in Clonegal, Co Carlow.

48 RTAI members walked part or all the route through the hills, valleys, and byroads of Co Wicklow.

‘The Stats’

Length:                                    131km (81miles)

Total Elevation:                       3,320m (10,892ft)

Highest Point: White Hill        630m (2,067ft)

But our walk was must more than a set of statistics… let’s hear from those who took on the challenge.

Reviews & Thanks

“Got to know so many people, enjoyed the chats and laughter. What a great bunch of people…”

“Thank you everyone for these past months; the organisation, the company, the memories, the photos… it’s been a great Spring /Summer on the Wicklow Way”

“Not gonna lie …. Absolutely wrecked!!! Great walk, super weather. Thanks”

“Thanks to everyone for the chats, craic and all the great photographs”

“It has been a memorable few months.”

“Buíochas don siúlóid iontach, lá den scoth”

“Another great day in South Wicklow- Thanks for the stories, history and geology which enriched our sense of place.”

“Thank you fellow walkers for a great walk in places I will never find again!!”

“Thanks so much to the ‘photographers’ for capturing memorable moments that we will cherish for a long time.”

“Mo Cheol Sibh”

“Many Thanks to all for a ‘memory-bank’ day.”

“A scenic walk in 2+ counties, prosecco in personalised glasses and certs to confound the ‘doubting Kevins’, ended a wonderful walking experience that began last February.”

Thanks to all for making the Wicklow Way a brilliant success. I’m delighted to have completed it.”

“I haven’t been able to participate in the Wicklow Way Walks but I have so enjoyed all the messages and photographs. I did a virtual walk!! Well done to all of you on a fantastic achievement”

“A huge THANKS everyone for a fantastic memorable Wicklow Way Experience …. Lovely to spend time with such a great group of walkers, rekindling old friendships and making new ones. Looking forward to more RTAI Wicklow Walks and events.”

We’ll never forget!!!

• Wonderful Stories of Local History coupled with a few ‘Good Yarns & Tall Tales,’ from – John, Carmel, Eileen, Eva, Mary, Frank, Isobel, AnneMarie & Anne
• Sat Nav Adventures at the Iron Bridge
• Himalayan Honeysuckle
• Lunch beside The Dargle
• Military Road- Glencree, Laragh, Glenmalure, Drumgoff, Aughavannagh
• Missed opportunity at Powerscourt Waterfall – King George 4^th
• ‘The Sugar Loaf’ keeps following us!!
• Poetry on Mullacor
• The Dying Cow
• Mop-Ups
• ‘Guardian of the Geata’
• Lough Tay- ‘The Guinness Lake’
• Colour coordinated leaders.
• Apple and Blackberry Muffins
• Prosecco in personalised glasses.
• Welcome to Clonegal

Despite missing a turn early on in this, the first walk of the new season by the day’s leaders Anne Marie and Ciarán, the sixteen participants of Wicklow RTAI did not grumble or complain.  In fact, it was a good excuse for walking an extra kilometre or so, in the beautiful woods of the Devil’s Glen near Ashford. There were at least four new faces on this walk and they were made very welcome by their fellow retirees.

Once the correction was made – keeping the Vartry River to our right and not to our left – we were enveloped by the sounds and colours of nature on a fine autumn morning. The route took us along forestry paths adjacent to the clear waters of the Vartry. This river rises on the slopes of Djouce Mountain, is joined by a tributary which rises in Calary Bog under the Sugar Loaf, and makes its way through the reservoir at Roundwood. From here it meanders through The Devil’s Glen towards Ashford. It crosses under the old N11 in Ashford and continues its way towards Hunter’s Hotel on the back road between Rathnew and Greystones. From here it is joined by The Leitrim River where it surrenders its name. The Leitrim flows into the sea at Wicklow Harbour.

Along the way to the waterfall Anne Marie told of some of the history of the area. An Gleann Mór was part of a large estate where the house was built in the 1800s, and was once owned by the Synge family. Some of the estate cottages are now modern residences. The original house was castellated at some stage, and in more recent years was sub-divided into a number of “smaller” homes. The valley is closely associated with Seamus Heaney who lived in the area for a number of years. (RTAI Wicklow had a guided tour along the Seamus Heaney Trail earlier in the year where there are a number of benches which have some of the poet’s lines carved on them.)

The walk consisted of a narrow loop and we reached the waterfall after walking for a little over three kilometres. Here it was time for sos beag and time to take some photographs of the cascading water. It is not on the same scale as that of Powerscourt, but is often the destination for a lover’s proposal. Carved onto a stone at the base of the waterfall we read “When we find the ring, I’ll propose.” Whether the ring was lost accidentally or on purpose is unknown.

The walk back to the car park took us along the upper path, and where there were breaks in the trees we were treated to a splendid view of the valley below. The members were amazed at how high above the river the upper path was and yet it did not feel like we were going uphill.

The walk took approximately two and a half hours and the total distance covered was just under seven kilometres. The total ascent was just over 180m. Most of the group opted to have sos mór at the picnic benches adjacent to the car park while others had commitments and could not stay.  It was a pleasant start to the new walking season and it was encouraging to see so many new participants.  The next walk will bring us to the Red Kite Walk in Avoca Village and details of this will be sent out to the members towards the end of September.

PHOTOS

The momentum was palpable as 34 enthusiastic walkers gathered for the final walk into Clonegal on Monday 21^st August.  As the song goes….                Ain’t no stoppin’ us now.                We’re on the move.                Ain’t no stoppin us now.                We’ve got the groove ‘!!

Our start was a meander through Rahennakit Wood with rain clouds yielding to a cloudy but dry day. Wonderful views of Wexford to the south, Carlow to the west while the Wicklow Mountains and Lugnaquillia could be seen to the north. Busy farmers, lorry drivers, quad bikes … many slowed down, some stopped and took a second look as 34 walkers passed along the byroads of South Wicklow. It’s not what you’d expect to see on a Monday in August!!

We dined well on our final day thanks to Avril’s fabulous blackberry and apple muffins. The hedgerows laden with blackberries tempted us to have some more as we strolled closer to our destination.

18 kilometers through forestry paths and byroads around South Wicklow until we crossed the ‘Wicklow Bridge’ into Co Carlow.

Photographs beside the ‘Welcome to Clonegal’ sign captured the joy of completing the 132km from Marley Park to Clonegal. Congratulations to the 48 walkers who had walked some or all of The Wicklow Way.

We celebrated with a little Prosecco on the Green in Clonegal … It’s not what you’d expect to see on a Monday in August!!

PHOTOS & CERTIFICATE AWARDED

 Click HERE to view the Certificate received by each participent

This stage began at Crossbridge Church and was led by RTAI member, Frank Gallagher.  It marked a significant change in the terrain of the Wicklow Way, as mountain commonage was left well behind and we now followed lanes and boreens through farmland and forest. 

The influence of the Fitzwilliam estate was perhaps the dominant historical influence, with the building of Crossbridge Church having been possible with a grant of £300 and 15 acres of land to the parish.  A highlight of the walk was a stop for refreshment at The Dying Cow pub, in business and owned by the same family since the early 1700s.  From the carpark of the pub, we could observe Tommnafinnoge Wood and the immediate environs of Coolattin, the seat of the Fitzwilliams in Wicklow.

The walk continued in the afternoon through Kilquiggan, where Frank gave a short talk on the more recent history of the Fitzwilliams, and we viewed the grave of Lady Alice Fitzwilliam, who is buried in the Catholic church there.  Then it was on to Raheenakit Forest, where a bus took the walkers back to their cars in Crossbridge.

Time was 5 hours 37 minutes and distance walked was 18.80 kilometres.

PHOTOS

After our exertions, we deserved a celebration and some refreshments!

Monday July 17^th 25 members walked from Ironbridge to beyond Moyne, a distance of 10km. A light shower at the beginning of the walk reminded us of the wet weather we are experiencing lately.

We crossed the Ironbridge which stretches over the Ow river, a waterway which has earned itself a ‘Blue Dot’ due to its high water quality. We walked up hill past ‘The Wolfgang Reforest’ which is an initiative by a company to plant native Irish trees, replace our ancient woodlands and combat climate change.

The walk behind Ballyteigue Lodge showed evidence of some seeds having spread from the ‘Himalayan Garden’ of the hunting lodge itself.

We walked through dense woodland and the chat and engagement is evidence of the enjoyment we all get from these walks.

Wherever you walk on the Wicklow Way there are stories around 1798 and the rebels.

We were moved by the sad story of the Mulhall family in the snow avalanche of 1867.

There were many interesting stories around The O’ Mahony, Askinagap and Coolballintaggart.

More recent day stories surround Ballycumber Wind Farm, Raheenleagh Wind Farm, Sebastian Barry and ash dieback.

There was some road walking and we sat by the roadside at one stage to eat lunch and watched the world go by.

The walk was completed in good time. Plans were discussed for the future and drivers were brought back to their cars at Ironbridge.

Another great day on the Wicklow Way. Thanks to all involved

PHOTO GALLERY

Our intrepid walking group have now finished stage 5 of The Wicklow Way and passed the halfway mark designating 63.5 Km.

On this occasion they were assisted and led by Historian and RTAI member Carmel O Toole as they rambled 8 miles across some of the most historic parts of the Wicklow Way from Glenmalure to Ironbridge, Aughavannagh.

This was Fiach Mc Hugh O Byrnes country of 1580 fame when he ambushed an English force in the Bloody battle of Lodarrig.

Michael Dwyer who was involved with The United Irishmen  was another great historical character associated with Glenmalure.

When we think of Glenmalure we think of The Military Road and The Avonbeg river which flows through here and joins the Avonmore at The Meetings of the waters to make The Avoca River.

This was one great walk. There were a few showers which did not dampen the spirit and enthusiasm of our walkers.

It was a wonderful walk full of history and information and the photographers captured the beautiful scenery and fun loving RTAI members on the way.

Thanks to everyone who came and to Anne and her crew for doing the recce and organisation of this great event in the life of RTAI Wicklow.

We are on the home straight now and the end is now in sight. Ar aghaidh linn.

PHOTO GALLERY

with Mary O Connor

Our walk today along quiet country roads, grassy hill tracks and laneway was 9.5km.in length. We were lucky that the day stayed dry.

27 of us walked today through Coollattin Country. For nearly 350 years this area of South Wicklow was part of the vast Wentworth/Fitzwilliam Estate. At one stage the estate was 90,000 acres.

We stopped for lunch overlooking the village of Tinahely. It was re built after the 1798 Rebellion, and is now a vibrant village with an Arts Centre, places to eat etc. It’s a busy Walking Hub with walks to suit all ages and abilities. The Wicklow County Show is held in Tinahely every August Monday and attracts large numbers and not just from the farming community.

Mick O’Callaghan joined us for the remainder of the walk to the Ford of the Derry River near Crossbridge. What a privilege it is to walk with happy people.

“Walking is man’s best medicine” Hippocrates

PHOTOS

This walk could be called ‘The Lakes Walk’ as 22 walkers stepped deeper into the Wicklow mountains on a bright sunny day starting at ‘The Pier Gates’ adjacent to Luggala.

To our right stretched Lough Tay which forms part of the vast Luggala Estate developed in the 18^th Century by the La Touche Family and then by the Guinness Family from 1937. This explained why Lough Tay is also known as ‘The Guinness Lake’.

We heard about Garech de Brún a direct descendant of Arthur Guinness who had lived at Luggala up to his death in March 2018. Garech was renowned as a patron of Irish arts which included setting up Claddadh Records.

After a few kilometers through forestry paths the view opened up to give us a wonderful view of Vartry Reservoir Lakes near Roundwood. We enjoyed the view with a ‘we- wuz there’ having already walked the trails around these lakes a few months before.

Forestry paths followed by a steep descent through dense woodland and then came the view of our next lake – Lough Dan, a ribbon lake, stretching along the U-Shaped Valley floor.

The route then took us through some fields where we sat, admired the view, and had our ‘sos beag’. Through the kind permission of landowners, we are given the opportunity to complete many walking routes- for this we were reminded to respect that right and enjoy the outdoors responsibly.

We passed Oldbridge and stopped at one of the entrances to The Glendalough House Estate home to the Barton family from the 1830’s to 1970s. Barton and Childers Families lived here with their names  written in Irish History – remembering Riddle of the Sands; The Asgard; Guns landed at Howth in 1914; The Treaty of  1921 saw Robert Barton as signatory and his first cousin Erskine Childers as secretary to the Treaty negotiations; his son Erskine Hamilton Childers (1905 –1974) was the fourth President of Ireland.  President Erskine Childers along with many of the Barton Family are buried in nearby Derrylossary Old Graveyard.   How life has changed, the Glendalough Estate is now host to an annual music festival ‘Beyond the Pale’ each June.

Onwards and upwards … and it was Up and even more Up before we had a very welcome stop at Brushers Gap Hut for lunch. Then off again following a route that skirted Drummin, along Paddock Hill and a descent into Glenmacnass Valley.

Legs were getting tired as we walked through Brockagh to a special viewing point of magnificent Glendalough – two lakes with the Round Tower heralding our destination.

17 kilometers, in glorious sunshine through hills, valleys, views of 6 lakes had been challenging but our intrepid Wicklow Way Walkers were growing in confidence and ability ready for the next stage and challenge.

PHOTOS

From Glen to Glen (and Down the Mountainside)

Twenty-one members of the Wicklow RTAI embarked on the fifth leg of the Wicklow Way when they covered the fourteen kilometres from Glendalough to Glenmalure on Thursday 15^th June. Anne Savage and John Connor had done their homework on this section and ensured that we learned something of the history, folklore, geography and traditions of this section of our adventure. Some members made their own way to Glendalough for the start whereas others met at Glenmalure and travelled by bus to the starting point. The weather was perfect for a day’s strolling in the hills and the first part of the walk took us through the monastic city and onto the Green Road from where we started our climb. The route took along forestry roads and trails and from time to time there were opportunities to stop and stare at the natural beauty of the Garden of Ireland. As we left Glendalough we were afforded a spectacular view of the upper lake and the trail towards the miners’ village beyond. It was a hot sunny day so the water breaks and stops in the shade were most welcome. The section before our lunch break took us along a boardwalk. By this stage all of the climbing was behind us and the remainder of the walk would be downhill for the most part. Such was the clarity of the day it was possible to see the small obelisk on the summit of Lugnaquilla. During the lunch break we heard about the tradition of mining in the area and Isobel O’Duffy read a poem recalling those days in the valley. The steepest descent was immediately after lunch, but thankfully it was short and not too steep. We were now on the slopes of Mullacor and overlooking the valley of Glenmalure, the stronghold in the past of Fiach MacHugh O’Byrne and Michael Dwyer.  Indeed, it is said that it was at the Battle of Glenamlure in 1580 that the crown forces suffered their heaviest defeat and loss of personnel in a single encounter in Ireland. We were afforded some stunning views of the longest glaciated valley in western Europe and could see the now disused mining area of Avoca in the distance. We could also see the Mottee Stone, an erratic near Redcross and well-known landmark. We could also see across towards Art’s Lough and the zig-zag paths which are unfortunately closed to walkers at the moment due to the irresponsible behaviour of some individuals. Close to our exit from the woods we were treated to the sound of a cuckoo and some members of the group caught sight of a deer. The destination today was the Glenmalure Lodge where some of the group partook of the wholesome food on offer. We were also joined by some members of Wicklow RTAI who were unable to participate in the walk on this occasion. The next part of the walk will bring us from Glenmalure towards Aughavannagh. It was decided that because of the interest of the group, the favourable weather together with the long days that walking the Wicklow Way will continue during July and August. In total, just over fourteen kilometres were completed today with a total ascent of 496 metres. Thanks once again to John and Anne for their sterling preparation and insights.

PHOTO GALLERY

The Wicklow Way Leg Two

“We begin at the end” was an apt way to describe leg two of walking the Wicklow Way for the twenty-two members who took on this challenge. The plan is to complete the entire Wicklow Way in seven or eight stages. Leg one, in February, took the group from Marlay Park to Glencullen. Leg two would take the walkers from Glencullen to Crone Wood. As walking the Wicklow Way is a point-to-point exercise, it is necessary to meet at the day’s finishing point. So, at 9.30 a.m. the group assembled at Crone Wood. Here half the cars were left and we car pooled back to Glencullen to the starting point for the day. By 10.00 a.m. we were ready for the off from the car park of Johnny Fox’s.

The leader today was the Chairman of the Wicklow Branch of RTAI, John Connor, who was ably assisted with the logistics of the day by the vastly experienced walker, Anne Savage. The first kilometre or so was along a quiet country road. Once we had crossed the Glencullen Bridge we were in County Wicklow and it was not long before we were strolling along forestry roads. We were looking over some fields in the valley below which were bordered by dry stone walls, reminiscent in so many ways of the west of Ireland. Once the forestry opened up we were treated to wonderful views of the east coast – from Sorrento Terrace and Killiney Bay towards to north to Bray and Greystones to the east. John has a vast knowledge of the history of the area and enlightened us to the origins of the Powerscourt Estate. He pointed out Prince William’s Seat, a landmark along the way and also Raven Rock. Such is his expertise on the locality many were reminded of the Goldsmith’s lines, “And still they gazed, and still the wonders grew/ That one small head could carry all he knew”.

The terrain varied from forest road to forest track with plenty of variation in the underfoot surface. All through the day the majesty of the Great Sugar Loaf could be seen.  Indeed, many of the participants remarked that they were not very familiar with this part of County Wicklow, a hidden gem. Just before we crossed the Curtlestown Road John related the history of Glencree to us.  All of us had heard of the Glencree Centre for Reconciliation, but few of us were aware what it had been used for over the last two hundred years. Built initially as a barracks around the time of the construction of the Military Road, it served as an industrial school, then a centre for German children who were orphaned during the Second World War, before becoming the Centre as we know it in the 1970s. John also told us about the origins of the German War Graveyard which is adjacent to Centre for Reconciliation.

Following this stop it was into the forestry at Knockree which led to a beautiful track along the banks of the Glencree River. We were now on the home straight and completed our trek at Crone Wood. At this point we car pooled once again and made our way back to Johnny Fox’s for some welcome refreshments – just before the rain! It was now a case of “We end at the beginning”. The distance walked was 14.5 km with a total ascent of 329 metres. Next month’s walk, leg three of the Wicklow Way, will begin at Crone Wood and take us to the Lugalla Estate, something to which each and every one of the participants is looking forward.

Ciaran Byrne

PICTURE GALLERY

On Tuesday April 25^th 2023, twenty three of us (20 of whom hadn’t walked this route before) set off from Crone Wood Car Park to Pier Gates, Luggala , a distance of 13 Kms on the third section of the “Wicklow Way’.

The weather was ideal for hill walking giving us enhanced panoramic views of parts of Dublin. We were soon rewarded when we found ourselves overlooking Powerscourt Waterfall and Deer Park. Then it was on to the shoulder of Maulin, and we descended “Heart Attack Hill” and stopped for our “Little Break” on the banks of the Dargle in the Glensoulan Valley.

And so, we faced Djouce mountain and took in the breath-taking views of Dublin Bay, Dalkey and the surrounding hills. We learned about the plane that crashed up there in 1947 and then we

paid our respects to J B Malone at the rock that honours the man that designed the Wicklow Way.

Down below us was the ever-beautiful Lough Tay and Lugalla House.

This is a sight to be enjoyed, absorbed, and remembered. Having once again turned left we made our way back through the forest to our point of departure at Pier Gates.

Somewhat fatigued, we rejoiced in our achievements and pledged that we would undertake stage 4 with even greater enthusiasm.

PHOTOS

 Dear members of Wicklow Branch RTAI

We close registration for our sip and stroll in Baltinglass on May 15^th and I look forward to seeing all those attending on Wednesday May 17^th at 11.00 in Bia Blasta. The weather forecast is looking good so it will be over to Dorothy to show off Baltinglass at is best. Thank you, Dorothy, for organising this event for us. We really appreciate your work.

Walk for members.

Our next walk for our members will be the Seamus Heaney walk in the Devils Glen on May 31^st.  Thanks to Geraldine Lynch for organising this event with talk by Donal Magnier, author of Stopping by Woods, a guide to the forests and woodlands of Ireland.

I am sending out the registration notice today to everyone in the branch following the recce yesterday. I give you their recce report below.

          The walk is 5 km (approx.) and our guide for the day is Donal Magnier. We meet in the car park at the entrance for 10 30 a.m. The walk will take a minimum of 2 hours and is mostly through forest paths. Although the walk is not very long it does have a few steep hills and likewise a few sharp descents as well.

Clothing; Usual clothing (depending on the weather) 

               Walking boots are necessary due to the loose stones, roots of trees and wet spots.

               Walking poles would also be helpful.

Food: A light snack would also be appropriate, (sandwich, fruit, and a drink.)

Classification: The walk is classified as moderate.

This walk is now open for registration at rtaiwicklow@gmail.com putting Heaney Walk in the subject area.

We will keep registration open for one week from today. You can register for the Seamus Heaney walk from now. Please register early and in the time frame as we are now in our busiest time of the year with tight schedules.

We will open registration for our June 7^th Remembrance Service, talk on scams and our summer dinner on May 20^th.

Please make sure you have reserved the day.

Thanks for your co-operation in advance.

Mick

The gauntlet was thrown down – to complete the entire Wicklow Way from Rathfarnham, Dublin to Clonegal on the Wicklow/ Carlow border during 2023.

16 members took up the challenge.

On the 21^stFebruary with our leader John Connor, blue skies and sunshine accompanied us as we set out on the first stage.  We left Marley Park and the noise of city traffic to birdsong and a gradual climb up through Kilmashogue Forest.

We moved upwards and at each turn on the path, the city of Dublin revealed itself. The views were amazing.

We left Dublin behind and ahead the Wicklow Mountains filled the landscape. John was the perfect leader, his local knowledge of history and folklore coupled with a few good yarns shortened our journey.

The spirits were high, the chat was good and before we knew it, we meandered towards Glencullen – Day 1 complete. 13km done and a mere 117km to go!

Happy Walkers, no sore feet and looking forward already to Day 2 at the end March.

The convention for our 142 delegates from every branch in the country was the first full meeting since the start of Covid 19 and there was a great buzz about the place.

Proceedings started at 9am with registration which was a slight shock to those of us who would normally be turning off the alarm clock at that unearthly hour.

The three amigos from Wicklow branch, John Connor, Ciaran Byrne, and yours truly started off proceedings with a photo shoot with the president of the RTAI Padraig O Conaill. Once that important business was complete, we had tea and headed into the conference Centre.

Following the official welcome we had an address by Ms Kitty Hughes, Chairperson, Age friendly Ireland. It was one hell of a great address. She spoke about the establishment of old peoples Councils, age friendly officers in county councils, Healthy Homes Assessment grants.

She advised us to go out and volunteer and not be voluntold.

She finished up with a senility prayer.

God grant me the senility to forget those people I never liked anyway.

The good fortune to run into those people I do like and the eyesight to tell the difference.

You can google up Age friendly Ireland and get lots more information or you can get a copy of County Wicklow Age friendly strategy 2023/2027 from the Council offices.

Following Kitty’s presentation, we heard John O Driscoll INTO President who assured that the union is supportive of campaigns for better pensions and the maintenance of parity.

Next there was a break for major cogar mugar with tea/coffee and pastries which was quite enjoyable with lots of photos being taken from 5 floors up in the stands.

*Now it was time for the serious business for the annual and financial reports. We were happy here that the Wicklow Remembrance Service was favourably mentioned culminating with the sentence ‘Conscious that membership of the branch came from many religious persuasions and none, careful preparation ensured that the service was ecumenical and inclusive” Take a bow everyone who assisted in any way with that great day in the Glenview.

It was nice to get such a favourable mention in the 2023 RTAI national annual report.

*The next session involved branches passing motions to improve the well being of all of us.

There were. 12 motions up for discussion and we had two of them.

John called on the National Executive to negotiate a reduction in health insurance by negotiating a group rate for or members. I supported him in this, and it was unanimously passed by all 142 delegates. Dermot Goode is to advise here and come up with a plan.

In motion 12, the last one of the days, I called on Head office to pay the expenses of delegates attending the Branch Secretary’s Conferences from central funds rather the branches paying from local funds. John seconded this and it too was passed unanimously.

*This was followed by the presentation to Billy Sheehan to mark his retirement.

*We were introduced to the new General Secretary Mr John O Brien.

*The new President of RTAI Mary Mc Carthy from Laois received her chain if office.

*We donated 5000 euros each to both Goal and UNICEF  for their work.

*There will be lots more information about the day, and future pension increases in a future Comhnasc and on www.rtaireland.ie

*We finished up the day with lasagne, finger food, wine if you weren’t driving and lots more bits and pieces. Overall, it was another good convention to comply with the niceties of company law and we were happy to have participated fully in the affairs of the day.

Mick O Callaghan

RTAI Wicklow

We had a wonderful RTAI Wicklow summer meeting on June 7^th when we assembled at the Brockagh Centre for our sip and chat. There was an infectious buzz in this superb venue with a great intermingling of members with Billy Sheehan, outgoing National Secretary, and incoming secretary John O Brien and each other, while sipping teas and coffees and nibling some tasty snacks.

Formal proceedings were started by John Connor who invited the retiring Billy Sheehan to address the assembled members and Billy spoke about Electronic Payslips, Change to Winter Fuel Allowance for over 70s, Retirees working as substitutes and Wicklow‘s great contribution to Comhnasc.

He was followed by John O Brien who gave a potted bio-op of his career to date and was warmly welcomed by the members.

Our remembrance service followed. This was a very moving experience for all present when we remembered our departed colleagues Alastair Mc Neill, Anthony Graham, Geraldine Cassidy, and Mary O Shea. Each member present received a copy of the remembrance booklet while Geraldine Lynch presented a very emotional audio-visual presentation with appropriate music which really added to the service. Thanks to Geraldine for all her work here.

This was followed by an excellent talk on personal and home security, scamming and phishing given by two members of an Garda Siochana, Detective Sergeant Barry Turner, and Sergeant John Fitzpatrick. This was a real tour de force talk presented in straight forward clear messaging and woke a lot of us up to making ourselves and homes more secure. It was a truly great information packed talk presented so professionally. Thanks to Barry and John and to our own Eileen Byrne for organising the talk.

John thanked everyone present for their attendance and wished Billy Sheehan well on his retirement and also wished John O Brien good luck in his new position as General Secretary.

He  announced that they would be needing a new branch secretary as Mick was retiring as secretary of Wicklow Branch RTAI.

We then crossed the road to the Wicklow Heather Restaurant for our meal where we dined on smoked salmon and avocado, pate and soup, as starters, Main courses included Wicklow Lamb, Chicken, A pasta dish and vegetarian and gluten free options. Desserts included cheesecake, meringue, apple tart and an ice cream selection.

The food, venue and company were excellent and there was a great atmosphere. It was very obvious that there was great comradery and bonding here among a mighty group of people who have got to know each other so well from shared activities and events. As they say in The Kingdom of Kerry the crack was mighty. We chatted long into the evening with yours truly finally arriving home around 18.00 hours after one hell of a great day. Thanks to Ann Savage for all her work in organising the Brockagh and Wicklow Heather in addition of course to the awesome amount of work she does with the Wicklow Way walking group.

Please put Wednesday December 6^th, the 340^th day of the year and the feast of St Nicholas, in your planners now as we will be having our Christmas Dinner in The Park Hotel, Newtownmounkennedy on that day. Final registration day for registering for the dinner will be Friday December 1^st, 2023, at rtaiwicklow@gmail.com Go on, be brave, mark in the date now on your phone, tablet, diary or whatever gadget you are using now .I still like to use the old reliable calendar which you can see every day.

PHOTO GALLERY

Enjoy the summer and look out for further walking dates for The Wicklow Way.

Stay well, stay in touch with us and each other and keep walking.

Go raibh míle maith agaibh go léir as ucht bhur gcairdeachas agus go raibh fada buan sibh. uilig.

Mick O Callaghan

So, our year has ended,

And we have seen it through

Overcome the “ups and downs”

With a strength we never knew!

It was a year when friendships blossomed,

That will last the test of time,

When knowing we had each other’s back,

Helped with hills we had to climb!

There was talking, there was walking,

As we breathed in the Wicklow air,

A celebration of our freedom,

And we felt blessed that we were there.

In Glenview’s peaceful vale,

On a sombre Summer’s Day,

We remembered friends we lost,

As we gathered there to pray.

The little things we take for granted,

Are not little any more

They help recharge the batteries,

To face what lies in store.

So never lose the hope,

That helped us through the year,

Enjoy walks, and talks, and coffee

Our antidotes to fear!

Let us return to where we were

Before covid came our way

Be grateful for what we have,

And make the most of every day. 

June 16th.     2022

We held our AGM in the Glenview Hotel on Thursday December 8^th, 2022, with 86 members present with special guests Billy Sheehan, National Secretary RTAI and Mick Mangan web co-ordinator for www.rtaireland.ie

Our welcome /registration group of Eibhlin Kinsella, Kitty O Connell, Mary O Connor, Emer Breen from the Branch Committee welcomed everyone on entry to the hotel.

Many members strayed into the coffee dock for an early morning caffeine boost during our 45 minutes gathering/getting to know you time.

The meeting started at 11.40 with Chairperson John Connor welcoming all in his very warm opening address which set the tone for the day.

As we had circulated minutes, finance report, as prepared by our treasurer Eibhlin Kinsella, and annual review to all members via email prior to the meeting there were no long delays reading out these which added greatly to the smooth speedy pace of the meeting.

These were all passed by the branch as were

1. The nomination of Mary Mc Carthy for National President of RTAI for 2023/24.
2. The new remuneration for the incoming secretary of RTAI.
3. Our revised Bye Laws incorporating the sentence that we are part of the RTAI company.
4. John Connor, Mick O Callaghan, Ann Savage appointed delegates to Convention 2023
5. Three motions for convention 2023 dealing with Group Health Rates, Increased funding for branches and that Head Office should pay all expenses for NEC organised National events such as the National Secretary’s Conference and National Convention.

*Following this John presented Deirdre Gill with her prize for winning the Christmas Quiz.

*John then introduced our national secretary who dealt with improvements in our pensions, with further increases due in 2023 and taxation relief as announced in the budget.

*This was followed by a very comprehensive easy to follow guide to the Fair Deal Scheme and Billy presented a handout to all members present which was much appreciated.

*We then had a special presentation ceremony for Billy who is retiring.

*Mick Mangan was also presented with a gift from the Branch and was thanked for his great IT work in keeping all the RTAI website up to date with our photos and accounts.

*This was followed by a sumptuous 4 course Christmas dinner which was much enjoyed by all 86 members present.

*There was great chatting for a good stretch of the evening with no one in too much of a hurry to depart the relaxed surroundings of The Glenview Hotel in the lovely Glen of The Downs in County Wicklow.

Personal Thanks

*At year’s end I wish to thank our Chairperson John Connor for all his help, advice, and support during the past year.

*Thanks to Eibhlin Kinsella for doing a great job minding our finances for the past 12 months.

*Buíochas ó chroí le Anne Savage, Ciaran Byrne agus Annemarie Mc Kenna for their huge commitment to setting up the WWWRT what’s app group which makes the messaging to the 90 members involved in our super organised walking group much more efficient. It also gives us instant mes§saging at short notice in case we must change dates or cancel an event due to inclement weather. This was a huge leap into the modern techie era for Wicklow Branch RTAI in 2022. Thanks again for your huge commitment.

*My sincere thanks to Eileen Byrne for taking lovely photographs of all our events.

*We are most grateful to Geraldine Lynch for looking after all our IT work and especially for her work with the Remembrance Ceremony in June and The Poetry Book which were superb productions. Go raibh míle maith agat Gearóidín.

*We are all inspired and moved by the poems of our own Poet Laureate Seamus Kavanagh. Thank you, Seamus. We are most grateful to you for your generosity of time and spirit.

*Thanks to our branch committee members Emer Breen, Mary O Connor, our walk guides, and leaders for their huge voluntary commitment to work for all our benefit.

*A special thanks to Kitty O Connell, a tireless RTAI branch committee member, who is retiring this year after many years organising events, proof reading copy for me and being a constant support. We look forward to seeing Kitty at future meetings.

*I have been involved with RTAI for the past 13 years but something special happened at this year’s AGM. We had Maureen Doyle, one of our longest serving members and her recently retired daughter, Mary present. It was my first time seeing mother and daughter retirees attending a meeting. History was made and it was great to see them both present.

*Finally, a special word of thanks to my wife Margaret for her valuable support and advice and to the gang at home who set up our modern up to the minute IT System for RTAI Wicklow. They keep me on the right track with weekly updating and tweaking of the system enabling us to speedily instant message you all when the need arises.

*Thanks to everyone of one of you out there in the 256-membership base for all your participation, encouragement, and support. I feel privileged to be involved with such a great group of people. Go raibh fada buan sibh go léir.

*Go raibh beatha agus sláinte agaibh uilig go gcasfaimíd ar a chéile arís, pén áit, pén uair.

Le gach dea ghuí i gcomhair na Nollag agus na hAthbhliana.

Mick O Callaghan

Below is a Photo Gallery of the event:

Below is a selection of articles and poems from members of Wicklow Branch. We would very much welcome contributions from any member who would like to submit their written work. Please contact Mick O’Callaghan if interested!

Click on the title to access each piece:

• ACCENTS by Mick O’Callaghan
• A HISTORICAL RAMBLE by Sean O’Gorman
• A HISTORICAL RAMBLE – PART 2 by Sean O’Gorman
• THE WHITE SPIDER by Mick O’Callaghan
• LOCKDOWN 2020 – MORRISCASTLE by Carmel Dempsey
• THE KIOSK  by Mick O’Callaghan
• MY 5km OF HOPE – poem by Séamus Kavanagh
• THE GREENAN MAZE  by Mick O’Callaghan
• WE’VE GOT TO  poem by Séamus Kavanagh
• COFFEE WITH JOHN HUME by Seán Ó Gormáin
• COURTOWN MUSINGS  by Mick O’Callaghan
• GRANDAD CAN YOU TELL ME  poem by Séamus Kavanagh
• MASTERCHEF by Mick O’Callaghan
• THE FEVER – poem by Séamus Kavanagh
• DRESSING FOR THE OCCASION by Mick O’Callaghan
• A LONG THREATENING by Mick O’Callaghan
• WHEN – poem by Séamus Kavanagh
• A GARDEN IS A THING. OF BEAUTY AND A JOB FOREVER by Mick O’Callaghan
• A COVID DIARY – poem by Séamus Kavanagh
• MY FIRST SCHOOL TOUR by Mick O’Callaghan
• DIETING by Mick O’Callaghan
• ON THE FIRST DAY OF CHRISTMAS… by Carol Reynolds
• LONELINESS by Mick O’Callaghan
• A DAY IN THE BOG byMick O’Callaghan
• FITNESS AND BREAKFASTING FOR SENIORS by Mick O’Callaghan
• TOWNLANDS I LOVE SO WELL! by Seán Ó Gormáin
• THE BLUE by Mick O’Callaghan
• RELATIVES AT CHRISTMAS by Mick O’Callaghan
• SEALS by Mick O’Callaghan
• 2021 – A YEAR OF HOPE poem by Seamus Kavanagh
• BEACH WALKING ON A COLD AND FROSTY MORNING by Mick O’Callaghan
• THE PHONE CALL  poem by Seamus Kavanagh
• MY IKEA MOMENTS by Mick O’Callaghan
• THE GAMES WE PLAYED poem by Seamus Kavanagh
• BOOKS by Carol Louise Reynolds
• HOW MUCH IS THAT DOGGIE IN THE WINDOW? by Mick O’Callaghan
• A LITTLE BIT OF HEAVEN poem by Seamus Kavanagh
• SELF ANALYSIS poem by Mick O’Callaghan
• YOU ARE NOT ALONE poem by Seamus Kavanagh
• ME AND HIM poem by seamus Kavanagh
• PFIZER JAB DAY ONE by Mick O’Callaghan
• PFIZER JAB, DAY TWO by Mick O’Callaghan
• NATURE SPRINGING INTO SUMMER by Mick O’Callaghan
• DIGS & DIGOUTS by Mick O’Callaghan
• EMIGRATION THEN AND NOW by Mick O’Callaghan
• THE ATTIC by Mick O’Callaghan
• DIET AND HEALTH PLANS by Mick O’Callaghan
• FOOD, GLORIOUS FOOD  by Mick O’Callaghan
• THE VILLAGE OF MY YOUTH poem by Seamus Kavanagh
• FROM DUSTERS TO WHITEBOARDS by Mick O’Callaghan
• HALLOWEEN by Mick O’Callaghan
• FREEDOM WALK by Mick O’Callaghan

SPRINGMOUNT GARDEN CENTRE by Mick O’Callaghan

WEXFORD LAVENDAR PARK by Mick O’Callaghan

WEDDING DAY by Carol Louise Reynolds

CROGHAN KINSELLA MOUNTAIN by Mick O’Callaghan

ECO is 21 Years Old this Year by Mick O’Callaghan

WALK IN COURTOWN WOODS by Micck O’Callaghan

The Retired Teachers’ Association of Ireland (RTAI) is a vibrant and energetic Association of retired primary teachers. Founded in Dublin in the 1950s it now has over 10,000 members organised in 32 branches throughout the 26 counties.

There are two key aspects to the work of the Association. Firstly, at national level there is a strong focus of looking after the interests of retired teachers in relation to pensions and other issues that impact on their welfare and wellbeing. Providing advice and support to individual members is central to this aspect of our work.

Secondly, at branch level there is a strong social element that provides opportunities for members to engage in a variety of activities and events and enables members to remain in touch with former colleagues as part of a collegiate and supportive network.

Why join the RTAI?

Your membership will assist and support the core work and activities of the Association which include:

Protecting our pensions

• Securing benefits and facilities for members
• Providing information and advice to individual members
• Supporting a broad range of social activities and networking opportunities for members throughout all 32 branches of the Association.
• Maintain strong links with the INTO especially of matters that can impact on retired teachers.
• Working with other groups that advocate on behalf of retired workers including the Alliance of Retired Public Servants{ARPS} and the Retired Workers Committee of ICTU.
• Making sure that though we are no longer in the workforce, our voices are still heard, and our opinions still count.

We are Better Together!

Please join us and be part of a very vibrant and supportive Association that is doing valuable and important work for its members.

Membership Cost

The RTAI annual subscription is €65, deducted from pension at a rate of €2.50 per fortnight.

How to Join

An application form can be downloaded from www.rtaireland.ie

To request an application form you can email: info@rtaireland.ie or call: 01 245 4130.

 Your local contact

Mick O Callaghan rtaiwicklow@gmail.com

Mobile Contact      0870612072

Since I sent out my Personal Covid experience piece I have received considerable correspondence. I was particularly taken by this piece below from one of our own RTAI members. If you have any suggestions, please send them on to me and I will forward them to her.

I look forward to many more replies and if you have any other eggy stories, please send them on to me.I have already heard of whisked eggs in a glass with sugar added. There was also my grand uncle whose daily breakfast consisted of two raw eggs in a glass of Powers Gold label straight down the hatch. He lived till 91 years of age. We  had the glass of sherry and eggs. Lots of people have tried sucking eggs. So come on share your eggy stories or any local customs or lore built around eggs . As usual your name will not be posted unless you request it. I look forward to hearing from you.

Members reply to my Covid Experience Article

Hi Mick,

I’m glad you had a good vaccine experience. I too felt much relieved when I received my first Pfizer jab a fortnight ago. The other oldies queueing with me were chatty and happy our turn had come. Medical staff were very nice. My nurse never mentioned paracetamol or anything else, but I had no negative symptoms nor discomfort from the vaccine. I must say I didn’t worry much all year about catching Covid myself as I cocooned a lot, but I worried and still do about family here and abroad. I have always had a heavy head of hair but noticed each time I washed it I seemed to shed more hairs than usual – a sign of stress, though I didn’t feel stressed. My hair still looks okay

but it is definitely lighter. I wonder if any branch members experienced hair loss. It is always reassuring to feel you are not the only one !

I am hoping the hair will get back to normal when normal life returns. Meanwhile I am taking the occasional raw egg. Having grown up on a farm, my siblings and I were in the habit of sucking eggs from the henhouse. Of course, we all knew how to spot dogs which had found eggs outside. Their glossy coats told the tale.

Fortunately, I have retained my taste for raw egg. I mentioned it to my hairdresser once and found he too took

raw eggs as he was losing his hair. He asked me if I sipped – his was strictly ‘down the hatch’.

My husband has already reached full vaccine protection since it is over a fortnight since he got his second

jab but one can still be a carrier and, as you might note from today’s report on the now being withdrawn hotel quarantine court challenge, there remains the possibility of contracting a variant of Covid -19, so we are still advised to wear masks till others catch up on vaccination.

There is little risk out in the open, especially if there is a bit of a breeze, so I feel the worst is over and hopefully we will get a good summer.

Tonight, I viewed the RTE ‘ Reeling in The Years’ on the year 2010 and was amazed that January of that year was the coldest in 50 years with a record temperature of minus 16. I have a vague recollection of slippery pavements but that’s about it. Our Covid Year will probably mellow likewise.

Here’s hoping.!

Le meas,         Name submitted to me but withheld

Mick O Callaghan.

Rúnaí

RTAI      Wicklow          12/04/2021                   RTAI Wicklow Branc

 Wicklow Branch RTAI was formed on Saturday 10^th September 1977 at 3pm having waited sufficiently for late comers [35 minutes I believe}. The venue was Lawless’s hotel, Aughrim. Mr Hugh Byrne acted as Chairman. Jerry Kelly from the National Executive in Dublin urged retired teachers to organise themselves as a branch at a time of strong government when public servants and retired ones would be more at risk of pay cuts and imposition of income tax than other citizens.

      Mr Gregory Doyle of Rathdrum proposed that the retired teachers of County Wicklow should establish a Wicklow branch of retired teachers. This proposition was unanimously adopted by the meeting to form the branch with Hugh Byrne voted in as chairman and Gregory Doyle as Secretary / Treasurer. The meeting proposed that the Bank of Ireland be requested to open an account in the name of the retired Teachers Association. Permission was granted to purchase a minute book and all members should pay an annual fee of £2.

      At the end of the meeting Mr Brehony from Dublin invited all 7 members present to attend the AGM of national Retired teachers’ group to be held the following Saturday 17/09/1977 at 2.30pm in 36 Parnell Square, Dublin.

       And so RTAI Wicklow was launched. The teachers were pleased that Hugh Byrne was their leader as he was held in such high esteem in the county and throughout Ireland. He had been installed as President of the GAA in the Aberdeen Hall of the Gresham Hotel on April 2^nd, 1961, and served for 1961/63.

In a recent interview {March 20th, 2021} his daughter Marcella, now in her eighties, recalls a certain privilege they had as young children because Hugh had a motor car. There were only two cars in Rathdangan, one owned by Hugh and the other by the Parish Priest, with the two cars parked side by side at Sunday mass amid the bikes and pony and traps, while most people walked to Mass. RTAI Wicklow was in safe hands with a proven national leader who drove a car.

      All members present were asked to recruit retired teachers and by 27/05/1978 they had 24 paid up members each paying the £2 membership fee by cheque giving them a grand total of £48 out of which they sent £19.30 to Dublin, and they had to pay a booking fee of £1 for use of the hall.

      The fledgling group were in difficulty in calling a meeting in 1979 because the secretary and his wife were both ill and there was also a national postal strike which lasted for 18 weeks. It is worth noting that 1979 was the worst year for strikes.

      They struggled again in 1980. The chairman wished to express his disappointment, indeed his complete chagrin at the attendance of only 3 members, himself, his wife, and the secretary, for the AGM while two members sent apologies, but they sent in their £2 membership fee. Because of the lack of a quorum, agenda items and the election of officers had to be abandoned and the meeting was adjourned sine die. One member said the attendance was low because it was such a fine day. Another said people were sparing petrol because of the scarcity of petrol at that time because of the world petrol and gas shortage from 1979 to 1983 due to the Iranian crisis. People were sparing petrol for necessary journeys. The officers decided to stay on in their positions for another year.

      There was further trouble in 1982 when it was stated at a meeting that four of the original founding members were two years in arrears with their membership fees. They went so far as to name the four people involved. They were certainly living in different times and pre GDPR, but new members were still joining.

In 1983 the branch had a surplus of £215.46 having spent £3.60 on postage and a whopping £1.80 on refreshments for the AGM while they sent a cheque for £34.50 to Dublin.

    The meeting, held in 1985 was a happy occasion because of the granting of synchronisation of pension increase with increases to serving teachers. Secondly the check off system of paying subs increased membership and made it easier for paying up. The membership of the national association went from 2013 in 1983 to 2487 this year. The branch went wild at the AGM spending a whopping £3.40 on refreshments while their credit balance went up to £ 242.12. They also felt they should support the Matt Griffin fund to help sponsor research in the Children’s Hospital, Dublin and they sent £25 to support the fund.

      In 1987 the secretary reported that he was perplexed because they had 54 names on roll but only 30 paid up members. Of the remaining 24 people 11 were nuns who had no notion of paying up and others he reported were hopeless cases. Later, that year they reported a Wicklow roll of 46 but 6 of them were nuns who had no notion of joining RTAI.

      In 1988 the meeting was told that they had received the 2% of the 25^th wage agreement and that they could look forward to a 3.5 % arbitration award on 1/12/87. They were further told that increases due in1/6/88 were doubtful.

Interestingly the members were impressed that RTAI had built up financial reserves of £3000 over their 39-year existence being £77 a year saved. This big sum of money was now invested in government stock and was earning the not inconsiderable sum of £259.80 per annum in interest. How many members remember getting interest?

      In 1989 membership dropped from 33 to 28 and the Secretary read out all the names of non-affiliated retired teaches and urged a recruitment drive. Every retired teacher should be a member. This was their name and shame policy.

      The Chairman in 1990 noted that there was an influx of early retirees who generously threw in their lot with RTAI. Their comparative youth and energy will be a great boost to the morale of the Association. [Denis Garvey 05/06/90]

       The year 1992 was an annus horribilis for Wicklow Branch. This was the famous year in which the annual fee went up to £5. Fifteen members wrote in cancelling their membership. This was also the year in which retired teachers got the option of bimonthly instalments of pension.

       Denis Desmond, national secretary, announced in 1994 that each retired member would now be enrolled in the county they retired in. The membership of Wicklow rose from 43 to 78. They spent the staggering sum of £14 on AGM refreshments and had a credit balance of £900.12. with bank interest of £1.14.

During the years up to 1999 the branch meetings moved around the county meeting in Arklow, Woodenbridge,  Aughrim, Poulaphouca and Baltinglass. This was in response to members suggestions that there should be a change of venues for meetings to increase attendance, but it did not achieve this.

      The members were happy after the 2000 meeting held in the Wooden bridge Hotel when they heard of free ESB, phone rental and free TV license for over 70s.

      The mood music at the AGM in 2002 In Poulaphuca House Hotel was more sombre when we heard the report on The Commission on public service pensions. The traditional parity as a method of calculating pensions was in danger and benchmarking was still under discussion.

During 2003/2004 there were sustained attacks being made on the bench marking payments being paid to public servants.

      The 2004 meeting rejoiced that the payment of pensions every fortnight was finalised after a 13-year campaign.

The 2005 meetings were dominated by discussions on nursing home care, covenants for elderly people in full time care, tax relief for nursing home fees, medical cards for over 70’s and the 2% health levy abolished for over 70’s.

In 2007 there was much rejoicing with the announcement of a new scheme for nursing home care, with a basic cost for full time care now being mentioned.

      The benchmarking report of 2008 was viewed with some disappointment although the section dealing with the increase to retired principals and vice principals was welcomed. We are still waiting the payment in 2021.

     We all owe a great debt of gratitude to those pioneering members who set up RTAI. They had difficulty getting to meetings, they had no mobile phones, laptops, or internet but they helped set up the basis of the structure of RTAI we have today. Minutes were written by hand, as were the envelopes and then stamped and posted. They struggled to recruit members and retain them.

     We were so lucky in County Wicklow to have had such wonderful people like Hugh Byrne and latterly people like Maureen Quigley who took on the leadership role and whose selfless dedication to the cause of retired teachers was exemplary. They worked tirelessly for us without the funds to have dinner in hotels or restaurant. They had skimpy funds with no gratuity or reward other than the satisfaction of working to ensure that retired teachers’ conditions were improved. They had fewer cars but still managed to get to meetings often held on Saturdays and at great inconvenience to themselves. They were true trail blazers.

       Now we have 262 members, and we have sufficient funds to treat members properly when they meet. Most members have mobile phones and the internet and communication is much easier. We can send delegates to meetings without them having to dip into their own pockets to cover petrol and maybe an overnight stay.

We must however avoid complacency and ensure that the advances we have achieved over the years are not eroded. FEMPI cutbacks and the financial disaster of 2008/2010 hit us hard. The cutbacks have been rolled back but we have, lost a lot in that process.

      The years 2019 to 2021 in our history have been a different narrative for all of us. Covid 19 was tough for everyone when our very physical survival was uppermost in all our minds. It gave us all a new perspective in life which we value dearly. We will survive and continue to look out for each other and support our great community in RTAI Wicklow.

In 2022 there was much rejoicing when Covid 19 restrictions were lifted. Financially we were a bit better off when we got a 1% increase in our pension in October and then mirabile dictu we were paid our retrospective bench marking pay award. Christmas 2022 saw us with an extra pep in our step. The budget also gave us a further tax relief and pensioners smiled again. The 12 years pay freeze ended.

      We have come a long way in the evolving RTAI over our 46 years representing Wicklow retired teachers. We have kept the needs and conditions of retired teachers to the fore. Let us be proud to continue to beat that drum and remember to constantly be a flea in the ear of politicians. We must get direct negotiating rights at the wage talks table now by lobbying and using the grey crew voting bloc at election times.

Is ar scáth a chéile a mhaireann na daoine.

Mick O Callaghan.  17/02/2023

Below is a link to the facsimile of the minutes of the meeting at which Wicklow Branch RTAI was founded in 1977:

Minutes from Wicklow Branch Foundation 1977