Melissa Roche receives a cheque on behalf of Western Alzheimers from Ballyhaunis Active Retirement Association members Either Glynn, Maura Fitzmaurice and Maureen Higgins.
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Pictured at a presentation to members of Mayo SPCA on the last day of activities of Ballyhaunis Active Retirement Association were (from left): Eithne Glynn, Maura Fitzmaurice, Jackie Reilly, Lucy Kavanagh and Maureen Higgins.
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Kathy Andrewartwa receives cheque on behalf of Mayo Roscommon Hospice from members of Ballyhaunis Active Retirement Association Eithne Glynn, Maura Fitzmaurice and Maureen Higgins.
Published:
Sat 7 Mar 2026, 8:38 AM
LAST week saw the end of an era as Ballyhaunis Active Retirement, founded almost 30 years ago, held its very last meeting, writes Mike Byrne.
It was a sad day for the members of the group who had been attending the Clare Court gatherings week in and week out now for many years as they said their farewells to each other on on this particularly sad occasion.
Treasurer Maureen Higgins addressed the group on the day, saying: “Today is a special occasion, but also a sad one and the end of an era.
“Ballyhaunis Active Retirement started almost 30 years ago, and in that time we have seen many members and friends come and go. We’ve had membership of well over 30 at times, both women and men, but sadly, over the last few years, our membership has dwindled to about half of that, and half of that again now attend meetings regularly, and now we’re down to just one brave man.
“We’ve enjoyed a variety of activities over the years – some great trips and cruises on Clew Bay and Lough Corrib, and down the Shannon on a Viking ship. We’ve also visited places like Lissadell House in Sligo, Bunratty Castle in Clare, St. Brigid’s Gardens in Galway, Turlough Museum, Horkan’s Garden Centre, and, of course, had some retail therapy along the way.”
While there was enjoyment and laughter among the group over the years, members also worked hard to raise very valuable funds for quite a number of worthy causes. In a recent letter of thanks from Mayo Roscommon Hospice, after the last tea/coffee day fundraining initiative, they were told that to date, the group had raised a total of €7,319 for the organisation – a massive achievement in itself.
At the end of her address, Maureen said: “As a legacy of ours years together, we’ve decided that instead of spending our accumulated funds on a rip-roaring party, we’re donating them to three local charities which are close to our homes and our hearts.”
The three chosen charities who each received a sum of €700 from the group at their last meeting were: Sunflower Children’s Hospice, Western Alzheimers and Mayo SPCA.
Published:
Sat 7 Mar 2026, 8:38 AM