Kerry
Next Branch Meeting
Details of the next meeting will be posted here as soon as they become available.
Outing to Killarney National Park, 12 October 2023 - Report
The Kerry RTAI branch had a most convivial outing in Killarney last Thursday. Assembling in the car park of The Castlerosse Hotel the group set on a walk of the former Kenmare Estate. Under the guidance of Síobhān Clancy the group experienced stunning views of The Lakes of Killarney, the Killarney mountains and the town itself. A large herd of deer was seen roaming the estate oblivious to any trekkers.
Presentation to Billy Sheehan
Visit to Kerry Museum, May 2023 - Report
Kerry RTAI wishes to thank Kerry Museum Curator Helen O’Carroll and her team for a wonderful tour of their galleries and collections storeroom last week.
Together Again - in Person! - Killarney Outing, Oct 14th, 2021
AGM 2019 Report and Photo Gallery
Kerry Branch, held their AGM and dinner at the Brehon Hotel, Killarney on Thursday 5th ofnDecember. Killarney Parish Administrator, Fr Kieran O’Brien also said a mass in honour of deceased members.
Below is a gallery of photos taken at the event. (All photos courtesy of Eamonn Keogh.)
In order to enlarge a photo, simply click on it!
- At the Retired TeachersÕ Association of Ireland (RTAI) Kerry Branch AGM and dinnerÊ in The Brehon Hotel, Killarney were from left, Julie O Connor , Secretary, Maired U Bhrosnachin (Treasurer), Mchel î Cinnide (Chathaoirleach) presenting a cheque to Sen î Cathin, who completed a charity cycle for the Alzheimers Society of Ireland, Dan V O Connor (Outgoing Cathaoirleach) and Brid Cotter (social secretary). Picture: Eamonn Keogh
- Ina Horgan, Tom Roche, Anne Nash, Maureen O’Donoghue, Mary B Cronin and Carl Nash, Brosna, at the Retired TeachersÕ Association of Ireland (RTAI) Kerry Branch AGM and dinnerÊ in The Brehon Hotel, Killarney. Picture: Eamonn Keogh
- Mary O’Sullivan, Clonkeen, Diarmaid O’Ceallaigh, Kilcummin, Teresa Harrington and Diarmuid McCarthy, Rathmore, at the Retired TeachersÕ Association of Ireland (RTAI) Kerry Branch AGM and dinnerÊ in The Brehon Hotel, Killarney. Picture: Eamonn Keogh
- Ita Brick, Killorglin, Ina Horgan, Brosna, Catherine Horgan, Duagh and Margaret Mangan, Killorglin, at the Retired TeachersÕ Association of Ireland (RTAI) Kerry Branch AGM and dinnerÊ in The Brehon Hotel, Killarney. Picture: Eamonn Keogh
- At the Retired TeachersÕ Association of Ireland (RTAI) Kerry Branch AGM and dinnerÊ in The Brehon Hotel, Killarney were front from left, Donal Sheehy, Sr de Lourdes Fleming and Mary O’Sullivan. Back from left are Sean Sheehy, Daithi O’Conaill, Maurice Laide, Colm O’Daly and Billy Daly. Picture: Eamonn Keogh
- At the Retired TeachersÕ Association of Ireland (RTAI) Kerry Branch AGM and dinnerÊ in The Brehon Hotel, Killarney were front from left, Bernadette Noonan, Maura Gleeson and Maria Doyle. Back from left are Eileen O’Connor, Margaret Madigan, Carmel Hickey, Eilish Walsh and Maureen Moynihan. Picture: Eamonn Keogh
- At the Retired TeachersÕ Association of Ireland (RTAI) Kerry Branch AGM and dinnerÊ in The Brehon Hotel, Killarney were front from left, Mary Dillane, Kathleen Griffin and Sr Theresa McAuliffe. Back from left are Phil Reale, Maureen Kane, Mary Ryan, Breege O’Donoghue and Siobhan Kearney. Picture: Eamonn Keogh
- Bridie Cronin, Peggy Healy, Margaret Roche and Maire Ni Shuilleabhain at the Retired TeachersÕ Association of Ireland (RTAI) Kerry Branch AGM and dinnerÊ in The Brehon Hotel, Killarney. Picture: Eamonn Keogh
AGM Photos & Report 2018
At the Retired Teachers’ Association of Ireland (RTAI) Kerry Branch AGM and dinner in The Brehon Hotel,Killarney were from left, Maireád Uí Bhrosnacháin (Treasurer), Julie O’Connor (Secretary), Mícheál Ó Cinnéide (Leas Chathaoirleach), Brid Cotter, Brian Mangan, (RTAI National Executive Representative) and Kathleen Griffin.
Picture: Eamonn Keogh
Retired Teachers’ Association of Ireland (RTAI) Kerry Branch members a their AGM and dinner in The Brehon Hotel, Killarney.
Picture: Eamonn Keogh
Report from Mícheál Ó Cinnéide ,Leas Chathaoirleach
The R T A I (retired teachers association Ireland) Kerry Branch, held their A G M at the Brehon hotel ,Killarney on Wed 4th. December.
The meeting was very well attended with 86 members present.
Proceedings began with a mass in honour of our deceased members at 11 a m. We thank Fr. Kieran O Brien for saying the Mass.
The meeting followed and was very informative for our members.
Understandably at such a meeting issues of pension, taxation,etc were discussed. We are indebted to Brian Mangan from the National Executive
Committee(NEC) for the information he gave us.
Reports were given by our Treasurer ,our Secretary and by our Social Secretary.
All officers were re elected unopposed. I suppose it is easier get into a voluntary position than it is to get out, or perhaps people are happy that the officers are doing the work.
The social side of RTAI is very important and many interesting things were undertaken in 2018. There were a number of walks undertaken in Listowel ,Killarney , and in West Kerry especially to Loughadoon where Br Daithí O Conaill was giving very valuable and interesting information on the passage tomb ( akin To Newgrange) which has been uncovered there.
We had a very interesting day visit to Spike Island in Cork in the most pleasant of weather.
We are already planning events for 2019. We are travelling to Annascaul to visit the birthplace and tomb of Tom Crean and also of Sculptor Jerome O Connor. There will be many more exciting trips also.
At the conclusion of the meeting we enjoyed a most pleasant and enjoyable lunch at the Brehon.
A presentation was made to Fr. Kieran for his help and consideration in saying the annual Mass.
Presentation made to Killarney Parish Adm Fr. Kieran O'Brien
The Retired Teachers’ Association of Ireland (RTAI) Kerry Branch made a presentation was made to Killarney Parish Adm Fr. Kieran O’Brien to mark his 25 years as a priest at their AGM and dinner in The Brehon Hotel,Killarney. Included are Julie O’Connor (Secretary) and Maireád Uí Bhrosnacháin (Treasurer).
The Retired Teachers’ Association of Ireland (RTAI) Kerry Branch made a presentation was made to Killarney Parish Adm Fr. Kieran O’Brien to mark his 25 years as a priest at their AGM and dinner in The Brehon Hotel,Killarney. From left are Brian Mangan NEC , Dan V O Connor Cathaoirleach , Julie O Connor , Rúnaí , Fr Kieran O’Brien, Maireád Uí Bhrosnacháin (Treasurer), Cisteoir and Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin Iar Chathaoirleach
Guided Walk - Killarney, October 18th, 2018
Kerry RTAI members gather for lunch after a guided walk in Killarney National Park on Thurs., 18/X/2018
Presentation to Retired Officers
The Kerry branch has 450 members and those Retired Teachers who have not as yet joined the R.T.A.I. are urged to do so as we need a vibrant association in our fight for full pension restoration for all teachers and parity with serving teachers.
In 2017 on the Social side members did a number of organized walks, visited Kells Gardens, did a trip to Listowel to the John B. Keane’s Pub to be entertained by Billy, visited the Seanachaí Centre, did a guided walk of Listowel town with evening dinner in The Listowel Arms Hotel. Members attended a number of informative talks including a talk by Dermot Goode on Total Health Care and Health Plans on the invitation of the Limerick Branch R.T.A.I.
Trips and Talks are currently being organized for 2018.
Branch History
History of the Kerry Branch of RTAI
On Thursday January 25th 1973 a group of retired primary teachers from all parts of the county met in the Grand Hotel, Tralee, with the object of reviving the Kerry Branch of” Pensioned Teachers Association” which had become inactive for some years. The meeting was convened by Jerry Allman on the suggestion of Dan Finn, Dublin, Secretary of P.T.A. & Tom Lynch of Limerick. Those present were enthusiastic in supporting the revival. Liam Langford, Killorglin was unanimously selected as Chairman & Jerry Allman, Causeway as Honorary Secretary .The meeting agreed to support the association in it’s demands for:
- Continuing parity of pensions with future retiring salary structures
- Pension payments to be free of income tax.
Members from each of the 9 I.N.T.O branch districts in the county were appointed to collect the names & addresses of retired teachers in their area & forward them to Jerry Allman without undue delay. Members were requested to contact retired members of religious orders. Contact was not to be made with retired lay teachers who were not members of the I.N.T O. while in service.
The following were appointed:
Tralee : Mrs E. Murphy, Cristín Bn. Uí Dhomhnaill, Mrs K. Kitzgerald
Killarney: Micheál Galvin, Eugene Moriarty
Listowel : Mrs P. Scanlon, Liam De Brún
Dingle : Seamus Mac Gearailt
Caherciveen : Pádraig Breathnach, Pádraig Sugrue
Kenmare: Mr. & Mrs Tadhg Scully
Killorglin: Liam Langford, Seamus Doherty
Rathmore: Tadhg O’Connor
Castleisland: Maurice Walshe
It was also decided that contact should be made with other retired state pensioner associations i.e. Army, Gardaí, Civil Service etc. with a view to pursuing a common policy for the future.
25 members attended this preliminary meeting.
An initial membership fee of £1 was agreed. A general meeting was arranged for Saturday March 10th1973 to be held in the Grand Hotel, Tralee.
Annual General Meeting
Kerry Branch
The first Annual General meeting of the revived Kerry Branch of the Pensioned Teachers Association was held in the Grand Hotel, Tralee on Saturday March 10th 1973. The meeting was well attended with members & intending members present from all parts of the county. Judging from the subscriptions forwarded to Mr. Dan Finn, the membership was in the region of 65 to 70. It was agreed that meetings should be held twice yearly. The next meeting was fixed for Killarney for October 1973.
By October 1973 the membership had risen to 139. The total income from membership was £141.50. When all expenses were paid there was a balance of £92.82. It was then decided to forward £50.00 to the Central Committee.
By October 1974 the membership had further increased to 166 – 142 lay members & 24 religious. Delegates to A.G.M. were allowed £20 expenses each & £75 was sent to Dan Finn as the annual subscription for 1974.
On October 4th 1975 Mass was celebrated in the Franciscan Friary, Killarney for deceased members prior to the Half-Yearly meeting which was held in the Royal Hotel, Killarney. The tradition of celebrating Mass for deceased members prior to the winter meeting has continued each year since then. Afternoon tea was served after the meeting & that practice continued each year & was replaced with a Christmas lunch in 2002. Afternoon tea continued at the summer meetings until 2012 & was replaced with a lunch in 2013.
In 1977 the name changed from “Pensioned Teachers Association, Kerry Branch ” to “Association of Retired Teachers, Kerry Branch”. It was also decided in 1977 to increase the annual subscription from £1 to £2 because of the rising cost of postage & stationery. In !981 the Annual Subscription was again increased from £2 to £3. Again because of the cost of postage & stationery.
In 1983 the system of having the Annual Subscription deducted at source was introduced.
The word “parity” was common to every meeting up to 1984 & is now discussed again at meetings since 2009.
Jerry Allman.
All his life Jerry fought for better conditions for teachers and was elected President of the I.N.T.O. in 1967. It was during his term in office as President of the I.N.T.O. that the teachers of Ardfert & Kilmoyley schools went on strike over the conditions of their school buildings. As one of those striking teachers I must put on record the tremendous support we got from Jerry Allman, Brendan Scannell & Sen. Jackie Brosnan & they were in daily telephonic communication with us. The three of them worked behind the scenes during that strike and they are due an enormous amount of credit for its effects. The strike led to improvements in National Schools all over the country.
Jerry retired from teaching in 1972. In 1973 he revived the Pensioned Teachers’ Association, Kerry Branch which had become inactive for a number of years and was elected its first Honorary Secretary .He worked tirelessly for the R.T.A.in Kerry & because of his hard work & dedication he saw its membership and influence grow year by year. Jerry Allman was elected Honorary Secretary of the R.T.A. Kerry Branch on March 19th 1983 for the 11th time but unfortunately had died before the next meeting in October. He had requested to be relieved of the secretary’s position a number of times over the previous 3 years.
Breandán Ó Scannail
Brendan Scannell was appointed secretary of R.T.A, Kerry Branch on the death of Jerry Allman. Brendan continued the great work started by Jerry Allman and fought for better conditions for retired teacher but unfortunately ill health forced him to retire as secretary. Brendan passed away in 1986.
Brendan was elected to the C.E.C. of the I.N.T.O. on the Election of Jerry Allman as Vice President. Brendan was later elected President of the I.N.T.O. in 1977.
Chairpersons:
Liam de Lungphort 1973 – 1974
Liam De Brún 1974 – 1976
Tadhg Dunne 1976 – 1978
Peter Coughlan 1978 – 1980
Michael Murphy 1980 – 1982
Kathleen Mulvihill 1982 – 1984
Batt Griffin 1984 – 1986
Martin Daly 1986 – 1989
Eibhlín Talbóid 1989 – 1991
Pádraig Ó Siochrú 1991 – 1993
Máire Bn. Mhic Mhathúna 1993 – 2000
Micheál Ó Duinnín 2000 – 2003
Pádraig Ó Murchú 2003 – 2005
Tomás Mac Cionnaith 2005 – 2009
Breanndán Breathnach 2009 – 2013
Micheál Ó Súilleabhán 2013 –
Honorary Secretary/Treasurer:
Jerry Allman 1973 – 1983
Brendan Scannell 1983 – 1986
Eibhlín Talbóid 1986 – 1989
Margery Long 1989 – 2011
Bríd Uí Chróinín 2011 – 2017
Honorary Secretary:
Julie O’Connor 2017 –
Treasurer:
Mairéad Uí Bhrosnacháin 2017 –
Branch Officers
Micheál Ó Cinnéide
Cathaoirleach
Julie O'Connor
Secretary
Bríd Cronin
Treasurer
Contact us:
Micheál Ó Cinnéide 087-6177543
Email: michealocinneide@hotmail.com
Julie O’Connor, Secretary, 087-2034477
Email – juliekerryrta@gmail.com