Annual Convention 2019 - Issue No. 26 - Retired Teachers' Association of Ireland
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The journal of the Retired Teachers’ Association of Ireland
Issue No. 26 Spring/Summer 2019
Mr Seán McMahon
and Mr Michael
Drew (Clare),
Ms Anne McKinley
(Donegal East), and
Ms Mary Francis
Cox and Mr Danny
Dunne
(Westmeath)
Annual
Convention 2019
Editorial comment
Increased financial support for branches
Membership reaches its highest figure
Dear Members, rate per capita payment issued to each branch based on its
Welcome to the Spring/Summer edition of Comhnasc. membership. RTAI branches vary significantly in size, the 4
This issue focuses on the Association’s Annual smallest have under 100 members while the two largest
Convention which was held in the Gresham Hotel, Dublin branches have more than 1,000 members each. The new
on 5 March last. funding model – which will give all branches increased fund-
The Convention is a key event in the Association’s ing – will give greater financial support to small and medium
annual calendar where delegates have an opportunity to size branches. This in turn will enable these branches to
review the work of the National Executive Committee expand the range of activities and events for their members.
(NEC) for the previous year. Work to ensure compliance The RTAI is currently organized in the 26 counties and
with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) was delegates decided that the feasibility of establishing a
the most significant individual project undertaken by the branch of RTAI in Northern Ireland should be examined
NEC during 2018. The project to incorporate the RTAI as a and a report prepared for next year’s Convention.
Company Limited by Guarantee was also brought to a The first INTO Congress held on 16 August 1868 was
successful conclusion. The Association has been taking a attended by 24 delegates – all men. The Clare delegate
more proactive role in the recruitment of new members to this first meeting, Mr David Fitzgerald made an
and delegates were pleased to hear that membership impassioned speech about the dire financial plight
numbers have now passed the 10,000th mark which is a of national teachers. Our Convention closed with a
significant milestone for the Association. wonderful re-enactment of this speech by RTAI member
A detailed presentation on the Association’s finances and actor Mr Mick Shanley.
forms a key element of the General Secretary’s presenta- This Comhnasc also contains the regular updates on
tion to delegates. The balance sheet for year-end 2018 the reversal of the pension levy, now almost complete and
reflects an Association in a strong financial position. on pension increases, confined at present, to those teach-
The Annual Report of the General Secretary (available ers who retired within the past 7 years.
at www.rtaireland.ie ) and the Financial Report were both It is that time of year again where branches hold their
approved by delegates. Summer meetings and I hope to visit all branches in May
Delegates at last year’s convention established a and June. I hope you will be able to attend your local
committee to review the model of allocating funds to meeting.
branches. The review committee proposed a new model,
and this was approved unanimously by delegates. With best wishes,
The current system, which is now to be replaced, is a flat
Comhnasc General Editor: Correspondence to: Comhnasc is published by the responsibility will be taken by the
Billy Sheehan. The Editor, Comhnasc, R.T.A.I., Retired Teachers’ Association of R.T.A.I. for any error which might
Vere Foster House, Ireland and distributed to occur.
Advertising: Siobhán Desmond. 35 Parnell Square, Dublin 1, members and interested parties.
DO1 ET35. Comhnasc is the most widely Except where the Retired
Design: David Cooke circulated magazine for Retired Teachers’ Association of Ireland
Telephone: 01–2454130. Teachers in Ireland. has formally negotiated
Contributor: Seán Hegarty Fax: 01–8749117. agreements as part of its services
Email: The views expressed in this to members, inclusion of an
Photographs: Tommy Clancy info@rtaireland.ie journal are those of the individual advertisement does not imply any
authors and are not necessarily form of recommendation. While
Printing: Mullen Print. Website: www.rtaireland.ie endorsed by the R.T.A.I. While every effort is made to ensure the
Office Hours: 9.00am – 4.30pm every care has been taken to reliability of advertisers, the
Monday – Friday ensure that the information R.T.A.I. cannot accept liability
contained in this publication is for the quality of goods and
up to date and correct, no services offered.
Spring/Summer 2019 3
RTAI notes
Annual Convention 2019
Mr Billy Sheehan, General Secretary
continue to be a priority with a Branch Secretaries’
The RTAI Annual Convention was held on Tuesday 5 March Conference scheduled for 19 September 2019.
2019 in the Gresham Hotel, O’Connell Street, Dublin 1. Ms Delegates voted unanimously to amend the branch
Sheelagh Coyle, Association President chaired the funding model and they agreed that the RTAI will move
convention which was attended by 130 delegates repre- away from the flat-rate allocation system. The new fund-
senting all 32 branches. ing model will provide increased funding for all branches,
Mr Billy Sheehan, General Secretary outlined the work but the increase will be weighted in favour of the smaller
carried out by the NEC (National Executive Committee) and medium sized branches to give these branches
over the past year making particular reference to the greater financial security and allow them to expand their
significant progress made on pension parity, as well as range of activities.
continued growth in Association membership numbers, Convention also supported measures to encourage
now at a milestone10,000 members. branches to spend their annual allocation and the new
The Association accounts to year end 31 December funding strategy will be reviewed at Convention in 2022.
2018, prepared by Edward F. Molloy and Co. Certified Eight other resolutions were adopted by delegates
Accountants were presented to and approved by dele- and these are outlined on page 10 of this issue.
gates. In a detailed presentation Mr Sheehan reported that INTO President Joe Killeen addressed the opening
the Association’s finances continue to be in a healthy state. session of Convention and pledged that the INTO would
In an important step the RTAI affirmed its legal status continue to work in close partnership with the RTAI to
and corporate identity this year when it was incorporated support the interests of retired members.
as a Company Limited by Guarantee (CLG). This was an At the conclusion of Annual Convention Mr Matt Reville
essential step to future proof the Association for the years (Dublin South) was installed as President and Ms Mary
ahead. Kyne (Galway) as Vice-President for 2019/2020. The
The General Secretary outlined the programme of work General Secretary made a presentation to outgoing
which the NEC would focus on during the next twelve President Ms Sheelagh Coyle for her work and leadership
months. Priority items will include, a renewed focus on during her presidential year. He also paid tribute to Mr
RTAI journal Comhnasc and a review of the Association’s Luke McGinley whose term as NEC representative for
finances. Supporting the work of branch secretaries will District 1 concluded aer 9 years dedicated service.
4 RTAI Comhnasc
Presentation to Sheila Nunan
Outgoing INTO General Secretary
Sheila Nunan was honoured at
Convention. In a short address Ms
Nunan reflected upon “the turbulent
and difficult times of the past and the
more recent victories in terms of pay
restoration and parity.” She stated,
“at a personal level I am honoured by
this tribute but more importantly I
see it as a reflection of the strong
links between our two organisations
which is of mutual benefit.”
Right: Ms Sheelagh Coyle with
outgoing INTO General Secretary
Ms Sheila Nunan
Elections 2019/2020
INTO National Executive Committee (NEC)
President President: Mr Matt Reville
Vice-President: Ms Mary Kyne
Joe Killeen Ex-President: Ms Sheelagh Coyle
District 1: Ms Charlotte Maye
District 2: Ms Máire Ní Chuinneagáin
In a warm and broad ranging District 3: Mr Brian Mangan
address INTO President Mr District 4: Mr Pádraig S Ó Conaill
Joe Killeen remarked that he District 5: Mr Joseph Cashin
was fortunate enough to District 6: Ms Mary McCarthy
know at least 90% of the peo- District 7: Mr Mick Finn
ple in the room. He reflected District 8: Ms Eileen McAuliffe
on an historic year for the
INTO, saying “This year we Standing Orders Committee (SOC)
celebrated the 150th year of Ms Carmel Niland (Galway) and Ms Catherine
our union. You the retired Coleman (Laois) were elected to replace Mr Noel
teachers in this room have Barlow (Sligo) and Mr Joe Hickey (Laois), respec-
shaped our trade union, our tively.
curriculum, our people. The
education system we have Financial Supervisory Committee (FSC)
built is world renowned, our Ms Kathleen O’Dowd (Roscommon) and Ms
graduates are sought world- Renee O Mahony (Iarchorcaí) were elected to
wide.” replace Mr Pádraig Cunnane (Mayo) and Mr Noel
Coakley (Iarchorcaí), respectively.
Spring/Summer 2019 5
RTAI notes
RTAI Bursaries 2019
The RTAI Bursary winners for 2019 have been selected. Category 2: Other courses of study
Three bursaries of €1,250 were awarded in Category 1 and • Ms Trudi Shannon (Carlow), French, Alliance Française
six bursaries of €500 were awarded in Category 2. • Ms Suzanne Donnelly (Sligo), Art and Design, Sligo
College of Further Ed.
The NEC would like to thank all the members who applied • Sr Colette Dennehy (Cork), Organ, Cork School of Music
and congratulate the 2019 RTAI Bursary recipients: • Ms Margaret Maher, (Tipperary), Alexander Technique,
ATC Galway
Category 1: Undergraduate/Post-graduate studies. • Ms Laoise Uí Chomhraí (Galway) Spanish, The Spanish
• Ms Joan Whelan (Dublin), PhD., by research, D.C.U Institute, Galway
• Mr Michael Duggan (Cork), PhD., St. Pats/DCU • Ms Siobhán Ní Dhaláigh (Killarney), Botanical Art,
• Ms Áine Uí Riain (Tipperary), M.Ed., U.L London Art College
RTAI goes Pension cut nearly reversed!
from strength Small number of members still liable for levy
to strength Many retired primary teachers are no number of retired teachers still subject
longer paying the Public Service Pension to a PSPR deduction will eventually see
Reduction (PSPR) introduced in January this deduction disappear entirely from
We are delighted to announce 2011. The phased reversal of this pension slips as the fih phase of
that the RTAI membership now pension cut started in 2016 and a fourth restoration will see the exemption
exceeds 10,000 members. phase of pension restoration came into threshold raised to €54k.
We extend a special welcome effect on 1 January 2019. The Minister for Public Service and
to recently retired principal From that date PSPR, at a rate of 12%, Reform is required to make an order by 31
Ms Kayren Hayes, from applies to the amount of annual pension Dec 2020, which provides for a date by
Mitchelstown, Co. Cork whose greater than €39k i.e. the first €39k of which any remaining PSPR impact will
membership application annual pension is exempt. In addition, at cease to apply. However, by that stage all
brought the numbers in our this point PSPR only applies to teachers retired teachers will have exited PSPR as
Association to the 10,000 mark. who retired prior to 1 March 2012. no teacher’s pension will exceed the
In recent years we have been From 1 January 2020, the small exemption thresholds already announced.
adopting a more active role in
recruiting new members and
reaching a membership of
10,000 is a milestone in the
Compulsory Retirement Age
development of our Association. increased to 70
New members to the
Association are always On 26 December 2018 President Higgins Working beyond age 65 will be a deci-
welcome whether they are just signed into law the Public Service sion for the individual and no approval to
retired or are retired for some Superannuation (Age of Retirement), Act remain in employment must be sought.
time. Membership application 2018 which increase the compulsory Teachers who continue beyond age 65 do
forms are available from RTAI, retirement age for teachers (and most so on their existing terms and conditions
35 Parnell Square, Dublin 1 or public service workers) to age 70. This of employment. Service to age 70 will
at www.rtaireland.ie change gives an option to teachers to reckon for pension purposes though the
continue to work beyond 65 but does maximum pension payable at retirement
not oblige any teacher to do so!. will remain capped at 40 years’ service.
6 RTAI Comhnasc
Pensions of some retirees increase
Two salary increases paid to serving will the pensions of the post-March salaries of up to €70k will be
teachers in 2018 were also applied to 2012 retirees that are linked to that achieved and some modest increase
the pensions of those who retired scale. Eventually a point will be will apply to some pre-March 2012
since 1 March 2012. The two reached where the pensions of both retirees. However, it will take a further
increases arise from the Public cohorts will become aligned i.e. the follow on agreement before full
Service Stability agreement [PSSA] pensions of those who retired since alignment is achieved (i.e. annual
2018 – 2020 which provided for a 1% March 2012 will catch up with the pensions over €35k will not increase
salary increase on 1 January 2018 and pensions of those who retired prior during the life-time of the current
a further 1% increase on 1 October to that date. Once alignment is PSSA agreement).
2018. The increases were applied to achieved any further increases will
the pensions of post-March 2012 apply to all retirees provided the Is pension parity guaranteed?
retirees from 3 May and 15 Government remains committed to Under the terms of PSSA (2018 –
November 2018 and backdated to pension parity. 2020) retirees, whose pensions are
the dates specified in PSSA. based on the current salary scale
Teachers who retired prior to 1 When will alignment be achieved? (those who retired since March
March 2012 did not receive the two Salary increases due under PSSA and 2012), are guaranteed pension
PSSA increase referred to above. This follow on agreements will eventually increase in line with pay increases
cohort of retirees have pensions restore salary scales to their previous received by their peers in employ-
linked to the previous teachers’ pay level. Different groups of workers, ment. However, this assurance only
scale which remains higher than the depending on salary level will achieve lasts “for the duration of the
current salary for serving staff. alignment at different points in time Agreement.” Accordingly, the RTAI will
Teachers who retired since March (salary scales of lower paid groups continue to work with other groups in
2012 have reduced pensions as they will achieve alignment earlier). There the Alliance of Retired Public
are based on a lower salary scale that are further PSSA salary increases due Servants, to ensure that the
resulted from significant cuts to on 1 September 2019 (1.75%) and Government’s commitment to parity
teachers’ pay. However, as teachers’ on 1 October 2020. At that point will be carried forward in any new
salaries increase due to PSSA, so too alignment of pensions linked to public sector agreement.
Solidarity Teachtaireacht ó John Boyle, Ard-Rúnaí Tofa CMÉ
Fund Grants A chairde,
Tá mé ag tnúth go mór le thoiseacht mar Rúnaí Ginearálta
A further round of grants from the RTAI Chumainn Mhuinteoirí Éireann gan mhoill agus le mo sheacht
Solidarity Fund totalling almost €9k ndícheall a dhéanamh ar bhur son sna blianta atá romhainn.
was made last December. The organi- As we enter a new era for I.NTO, I am really looking
sations which benefitted on this occa- forward to leading our union towards greener pastures for
sion – all of which have the active in- all members and to working closely with RTAI on behalf of
volvement of a member of RTAI – are: our former members.
• See Beyond Borders, Cambodia; Now that the Irish economy is in recovery mode, it is
• Vincentian Lay Missionaries, Ambo crucially important that our serving teachers and retired
Deaf School, Ethiopia; and colleagues, who made huge sacrifices during the last
• Promoting Education emPowering decade, derive some benefit from our improved economic
Youth (PEPY), Kralanh, Cambodia circumstances.
I remain determined as ever to defend pension parity
The first round of grants from the Incoming INTO and to advance the long-standing award for principals and
Solidarity Fund in 2019 will be made General deputy principals and to face any other challenges emerging
in early May and application forms Secretary for serving and retired teachers in the decade ahead.
and criteria are available from the Mr John Boyle Ní neart go cur le chéile
RTAI office. John Boyle, Ard-Rúnaí Tofa
Spring/Summer 2019 7
RTAI notes
Mr Matt Reville RTAI President
2019-2020
In addressing Convention incoming INTO and served on its National
RTAI President Matt Reville said, “I am Accounts Committee for many years.
humbled, honoured and privileged to Following his retirement as Deputy
serve this Association and its Principal of St. Brigid’s BNS, Foxrock he
members as President for the coming joined the RTAI and became involved
year. I will continue to promote the with the newly formed Dublin South
ongoing development of the RTAI, Branch where he served as Treasurer
and I hope to visit as many branches and then Branch Secretary for 5 years.
as possible to meet and listen to Matt has been the District 8 represen-
members over the year.” tative of the National Executive
Matt who considers himself an Committee since 2013.
adopted Dub is originally from Co. Matt has an avid interest in ICT and
Wexford and is married to Anne who enjoys giving courses to retired
is a native of Carlow. colleagues on IT skills and digital
Matt was an active member of the technology.
Mr Matt Reville RTAI President 2019/2020
Please ring us early! NEC Representative
Tel: 01 245 4130 District 2
The RTAI office is open from 9.00 a.m. to 1.00
p.m. and from 2.00 p.m. to 4.30 p.m. daily. Ms Máire Ní Chuinneagáin
Members who wish to contact the office by has been elected to replace
phone are asked to ring in the morning time. Ms Mary Kyne who becomes
By doing so we can respond to your call on the the Association’s Vice
day it is received. President. A native of
The office will remain open until 4.30 p.m. Corofin, Co. Galway, Máire
each day but the priority in the aernoon has lived in Galway City
switches to other activities such as meetings since beginning teaching in
with members and responding to members’ Scoil Fhursa in 1974. She
letters and emails. became Principal in 2006
Telephone calls and retired in 2015. Máire
received in the was active in INTO, serving
aernoon may on the CEC from 1997 until
not receive a 2011 and as President
response until 2009/10. Her interests
the following include walking, learning
morning. For a Spanish, local history and
quick response reading.
please give us a ring
in the morning! Ms Máire Ní Chuinneagáin
8 RTAI Comhnasc
INTO Substitute Membership
New deduction procedure Substitute membership of the INTO is a very cost effective
Under new payroll procedures introduced by the DES last and necessary protection. Based on the current daily
January, teachers who are working in a substitute capacity substitute rate applicable to retired teachers, the cost of
can have an INTO subscription deducted from their INTO membership is €1.26 per day. [Note: The INTO
substitute salary payment. membership deduction applies to salary payments only
Previously, the DES deduced INTO subscriptions from and is not deducted from fortnightly pension payments.]
teachers working in permanent or fixed-term positions Teachers who are happy to have an INTO subscription
only and substitute teachers had to pay an annual deducted in this manner should contact the INTO to have
subscription of €85 directly to the INTO. Since January the their contact details updated for mailing purposes.
‘deduction at source’ facility covers teachers working in a Teachers who do not want an INTO deduction made
substitute capacity, including retired teachers working as from salary payments should contact the INTO and cancel
substitutes. their subscription deduction authorisation.
The INTO deduction only applies to retired teachers Ring INTO at 01 8047700 and ask for the Membership
who were previously members of the INTO and who Section.
authorised the DES to deduct an INTO subscription via
payroll. Although this authorisation was signed many What is the daily rate for a substitute teacher?
years ago, when the teacher initially joined the INTO, it The current rate for retired teachers is €188.34 per day
remains active until such time as it is cancelled. (since 1 October 2018). However, initially €167.62 per day
The RTAI strongly recommends that retired teachers will be processed through fortnightly payroll. The balance
working in a substitute capacity retain their INTO of €20.72 per day for ‘holiday pay’ is paid at the end of the
membership. The RTAI is not a trade union and does not Christmas, Easter and summer terms.
advise or represent members on workplace issues that A word of caution: Please note that the usual statutory
arise during periods of employment as a teacher. payroll deductions will apply.
Cork AGM
Officers of the Cork branch photographed at
their AGM. (front l to r) Ms Mary Cahill, Ms
Marian O’Callaghan (Secretary), Ms Sheelagh
Coyle (President 2018/2019), Mr Pádraig S Ó
Conaill (Cathaoirleach), Ms Kathleen Lowney
(Treasurer); (back l to r) Mr Frank Tobin, Mr
Seán McCarthy, Ms Clare Shelly, Mr Pat
Crowley and Mr Derry Keogh (Leas-
Chathaoirleach) [Photo; Mr Seán Radley]
Members’ Competition – Jean’s Journal Competition Winners
To win a copy of Jean’s Journal – A look at The winners of our compe-
life through the decades, by Jean Farrell, tition for a copy of the
Chairperson Athlone RTAI, (See p15), please Spindle Tree by Mr Danny
answer the following question: Q. What is Dunne are
the name of Jean’s one woman show? Ms Marion Reilly (Cavan)
Answer by email to info@rtaireland.ie or by Ms Violet Walsh (Dublin
mail to RTAI, 35 Parnell square, Dublin 1 South)
by Fri 31 May 2019. Ms Ann Murtagh (Kilkenny)
Spring/Summer 2019 9
Annual Convention Resolutions 2019
Branch Funding
Convention determines:
(i) that the annual allocation to
branches will be based on the
following formula:
• up to 199 members*:
€22 per member
• between 200 and 599
members:€20 per member
• 600 or more members:
€18 per member
(*subject to a minimum grant
based on 100 members);
(ii) that the allocation to branches
will be paid on 1 October each
year (commencing on 1 October
2019); Medical Card be automatically on an equitable basis.
(iii) that from 1 October 2020 a granted to all citizens on reaching age
branch’s allocation shall be 70 years. RTAI Website
adjusted downwards to ensure Convention demands that greater
that the branch’s opening balance Pensions (Auto-enrolment) prominence be given to Branch
will not exceed two years’ alloca- Convention: websites on the RTAI Website home-
tion; and (a) welcomes and supports the page.
(iv) that the operation of this revised response of the Irish Congress of
funding arrangement will be Trade Unions to the government’s Income Tax Relief on Health
reviewed in 3 years’ time i.e. at proposals on an auto-enrolment Insurance
Convention 2022. pension scheme for all workers; Convention demands that there
and should be full income tax relief on
Delegates to Annual Convention (b) instructs the National Executive private health insurance.
Convention agrees to amend the first Committee to use the influence of
sentence of Rule 11 to read: RTAI with both INTO and ICTU to
The number of delegates which a
branch may send to Annual
ensure that the total annual
commissions, fees and manage-
1868 INTO
Convention shall be in accordance
with the following scale: One delegate
ment charges which will apply to
the proposed auto enrolment
Congress
per one hundred branch members or pension scheme are capped at
part thereof, subject to a minimum of 0.75% per annum. Mick Shanley
two delegates per branch. re-enacts the
Pensions (Supplementary) speech of
Extending RTAI to Northern Convention: Clare delegate
Ireland (i) notes that retirees in receipt of a Mr David
Convention directs the NEC: co-ordinated pension are treated Fitzgerald to
(a) to examine the feasibility of estab- less favourably than retirees in the first INTO
lishing a branch of RTAI in receipt of an un co-ordinated Congress.
Northern Ireland; and pension if they want to become
(b) to report back to Convention 2020. employed; and
(ii) instructs the NEC to liaise with
Medical Cards the INTO in order to ensure
Convention demands that a full that all retirees are treated
10 RTAI ComhnascEnhancing Life
in Retirement By Professor
Mark Morgan
In this article I draw on two sources Regarding the importance of relation- emerged the people over 50
that should help you to enjoy a better ships is the finding that volunteering performed well on the cognitive tests
life in the retirement years. The first is is associated with a high quality of life with only small declines in their
the TILDA study of ageing in Ireland and few symptoms of depression for performance. There was, however, a
while the second draws on recent both males and females. small decline in verbal memory, espe-
research from various national and As regards health and related cially in adults aged 75 and older. It
international sources which aims at factors, the majority rated their should be stressed that this is one
giving guidelines to help us decide health as good – an outcome that aspect of intellectual performance
what approach we should take to life was related to social involvement. that in various studies had been
events. However, a significant minority shown to decline. Effectively, the
reported having symptoms of cardio- implication is that short-term
Highlights of the TILDA study vascular disease particularly memory is not as good as it is for
The Irish Longitudinal Study on hypertension. There was also a signifi- young people. An important feature
Ageing (TILDA), carried out by Trinity cant percentage who reported having that makes a difference is the context.
College, is ground-breaking in the arthritis. The number who reported Older people can well remember
sense that it seeks to examine the falling during the last year was 9% of what they learned in school in the
life-style, health and well-being of the group. It is especially noteworthy various subjects, especially when the
over 8,000 Irish people who signed up that a large number (close to half) of information links with ideas or events
for the study when they were aged 50 the respondents did not walk the that they have encountered over the
years or more. It seeks to answer recommended number of minutes, years.
several important questions includ- that is, they walked for less than 150 Overall, the results are extremely
ing the ways in which health can minutes each week. This was espe- positive.
change over a ten-year period. The cially the case for people who were
study also looks at the capacity to aged 75 years or more. Challenges and Opportunities
learn as we age and gives particular This is an important finding from The TILDA study underlines a number
attention to how memory changes the study because of the importance of important issues regarding ageing
with age. There is also a focus on how of exercise/walking for a variety of and how the various challenges can
activities, relationships and quality of outcomes. While it is well known that be addressed. It is also worthwhile to
life changes over time. consistent walking benefits physical look at the international literature to
One recent report is concerned with health, it is also the case that such see whether there are additional rele-
Well-being and Health of people over exercise has great benefits for the vant points that are of special
50. It is worth giving a flavour of the maintenance of cognitive capacity. interest. Below we look at a number
findings of this report because of its Indeed, it has been shown that regular of these, beginning with Education
focus on issues of interest to retired exercise helps to keep our brains func- and Learning.
teachers. An important initial point tioning better than any other regime
emerging in this study is that older that we put in place. Furthermore, Contribution of Education and
people in this study experience a good consistent exercise gives a sense of Learning
quality of life. What emerges is that confidence that other challenges can People who retire are always
social influences have a crucial impact. be taken on and overcome. concerned about the need to keep
It is especially noteworthy that main- A crucially important question active intellectually and they oen
taining a large network of friends as well concerns what happens wonder about the best approach to
as experiencing support from friends cognitive/intellectual capacity as take. Should they try a new subject
is a major factor in quality of life. people age. In the TILDA study, it like learning a foreign language? Are
Spring/Summer 2019 11Your
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Comhar Linn INTO Credit Union Limited is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Registered Number 393cuthey better in class with the same-age include muscle tension, sleep prob- example, this is the case when the
group or should they join a conven- lems and stomach upset. There are bereavement is due to suicide.
tional higher education course? also a number of effects on moods As is the case with stress, there
There is now a major body of and feelings. These include a higher are a variety of responses to
evidence that is helpful in guiding level of anxiety than is usually experi- bereavement including physical,
people in these decisions. Firstly, it is enced and more generally a feeling of psychological and behavioural
less important what is studied than being overwhelmed. As well as physi- responses. Physical responses can
other features. In particular, it is a cal effects and effects on mood, include illnesses with a cause that is
great help to study an area in which stress has an impact on aspects of hard to specify as well as vulnerability
they have an interest so that they can behaviour. For example, anger levels to colds and infections. As regards
maintain a momentum. Related to may be more intense or there may be psychological reactions, the bereaved
this is the value of the peer group. If an increase in alcohol intake. person may experience depression,
the group in the class sustain a A major body of work now testifies anxiety or panic attacks, while in the
momentum, it can help to persist, to how stress can be managed. behavioural realm, there may be
and this is a major benefit since ‘drop- Generally speaking, solutions to anger outbursts or social withdrawal.
ping out’ can be a problem when stress problems break down into two There is now a consensus as to
examinations are less of an issue. broad categories. On the one hand what approaches are most helpful in
What has emerged in the research is the individual can focus on their feel- coping with the pain of loss. It is now
that maintaining momentum has a ings and try to reduce the emotions agreed by experts in this area that
benefit not only for the specific that are clouding their vision and people need to work through their
content being learned but there is a awareness. A second approach is to reactions and emotions in order to
transfer to other forms of learning focus on the problem that has given adjust to the new context where the
outside that context. rise to the stress and attempt to work loved one is no longer present. It is
These are the reasons why initia- out a solution. There is now a consen- suggested that there is a certain
tives like the Age Friendly University sus that the latter approach is amount of ‘grief work’ that needs to
are so valuable. Higher education insti- generally more effective. This is the be gone through in order to cope
tutions are aware of the contribution case even when only a partial solution with the new reality. These include in
mature and older students can make can be worked out. Indeed, to accu- the first place an acceptance of the
and have developed several initiatives rately identify the cause of the stress reality of loss. Part of this change
to encourage participation. It is likely is a great beginning. involves an adjustment to the envi-
that this trend will gain more momen- ronment without the deceased
tum. It is especially significant that Bereavement and Loss person. There is also a need to work
some forms of learning can help Grief and Loss brought about by the through the pain of grief. Finally, there
prevent various dementia conditions. death of a loved one can happen at is a great deal of emphasis in recent
Research in Canada has shown that any time in a person's life but is espe- writing on 'continuing bonds'. From
people who grow up in a bilingual envi- cially relevant for older people. The that perspective there is a process of
ronment and learn both French and loss of a person whether spouse or keeping connected with the
English have a lower rate of dementia family member causes a number of deceased loved one.
than those learning only one language. responses which result in the bereaved For sure the death of a loved one
How significant in the Irish context! person having to adapt to changes in changes the bereaved person's life in
all aspects of their life. People grieve several ways. However, most people
Dealing with Stress in different ways and there is no path- manage to find their way through the
It is inevitable that stresses arise at way that guarantees recovery from pain and as noted above, the support
every stage and some stressors are the sense of loss. However, there is of family and friends is crucial.
more likely to occur with ageing. There agreement that the support and Professor Mark Morgan began his
are sources of stress in all aspects of understanding of others is a major career as a teaching principal in North
interaction with family, society and help to people who are mourning. A Roscommon. Later he was lecturer in
friends. These include changes in rela- major factor influencing the strength Psychology and Head of the Education
tionships including divorce or of feeling is the relationship with the Department at St. Patrick’s College
separation, moving to a new home deceased person. Furthermore, some (now DCU). Following his formal
and illnesses of various kinds. Stress deaths are more difficult than others retirement, he was appointed joint
can have major influences on every and may have consequences for director of the study ‘Growing up in
aspect of living. Physical outcomes several aspects of their lives. For Ireland.’
Spring/Summer 2019 13Creative Writing
Galway City Kenning Group
Ms Henrietta Broderick is a member of
Galway RTAI Creative Writing Group which
has been meeting in the Galway Education
City of tribes, Festival of Oyster, Medieval-walled, Centre since the spring of 2016. There are
City of vibes, Poor Clares' Cloister, Red Earl-halled. between 10 and 12 members in the group.
Jewel of the west, Festival of Arts, Claddagh-ringed, The group enjoys writing poetry, short
De Burgh's conquest. Mc Cambridge's tarts. O Conor-kinged. stories and memoir and there is always lots
Eyre-squared, Ballybrit Races, Heaven-on-sea, of sharing and laughter. The group is facili-
Spanish-arched, Connemara faces. Beloved of me. tated by author, Ms Geraldine Mills.
Atlantic-licked, Cultured pearl,
Atlantic-lashed. Mundy's girl. Henrietta Broderick Interested in
submitting an article
for publication?
A future edition of Comhnasc
will focus on articles submitted
by members of the Association
and we would welcome
contributions. We have prepared
some simple guidelines to assist
writers (type of articles,
preferred word count etc). A
copy of these guidelines can be
requested at info@rtaireland.ie
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14 RTAI ComhnascHow I became a stand-up
comedienne
By Jean Farrell, Cathaoirleach Athlone Branch
Once upon a time I was a shy timid that of all the meetings he’d attended
little girl attending national school in regarding this strike, my chairing of
Athlone. Every child in my class was that particular meeting was by far the
shy and timid also. This was because best.
self-esteem had not yet been ‘Mól an óige,’ we know works
invented. “You think you’re great,” was wonders. Well, the same applies at
an insult. Our role model for life was any age – for it was that remark of
Our Lady, portrayed as a meek mild Maurice’s that gave me the courage,
virgin. To question a nun, or express the very next day, to apply for a new
an opinion, deemed one to be ‘a job. This was in 1996 and I was forty-
notice box’ or ‘a show-off.’ This is how five years of age.
life was in 1950s Ireland – and for Relationship and Sexuality
every decade before that. Education was to be introduced into
The Swinging ‘60 finally arrived in Irish Schools. Twenty people were
Ireland in the 1970s. By this stage I required to provide in-service to
had spent eight years in an all-girls teachers on this topic. They would be
national school – as well as five years speak. I knew that everyone there was seconded from their school for a
in boarding school – with wall to wall going to look at her, and because that number of years. Well, thanks to
nuns. My older sister got ‘a call to meant that they would be looking in Maurice’s words the previous night, I
training’, and headed off to Carysfort, my direction, I blushed to the two had the confidence to apply, was
in 1966. I waited, with bated breath, to ears and my heart raced. What kind of called for interview and got the job.
know – was this living at last? Was it a foolish mouse was I, at all? A new world opened for me and I
wonderful to be ‘in college’ in exciting Gradually I found myself. As the loved every minute of it. First, we had
Dublin? I’ll never ever forget her years passed I, too, began to training and then we hit the road. In-
answer. “It’s even worse than board- contribute at my INTO meeting. Finally, service days were a whole new
ing school!’ she told me. aer more than twenty years teaching, concept at that time. On three days a
I followed her there and, sadly, I found the courage to allow my name week my partner and I faced thirty
agreed heartily with her opinion. And to go forward for chairperson of the disgruntled teachers. They did not
what made it even worse was that we Athlone/Moate branch of the INTO. want to know that Relationship and
were now older, in our twenties. We This was a daunting prospect for me, Sexuality Education was about to be
were young adults being treated like the bravest move I had made to date, introduced. They did not want to hear
little children. Here too, we were to and I was terrified at first. that they would be expected to teach
conform and fade into the wallpaper. However, I decided I’d just be the words penis and vagina to senior
By the time we eventually myself and it worked, which was infants, nor sexual intercourse to
completed our education and began wonderful. Maurice Kearney was our sixth. Remember that, in 1996, there
teaching we’d had very little exposure CEC rep. and he was most encourag- were many teachers still working who
to real life. On my first day as I teacher ing all the time. At one particular had been reared in the years of ‘see
I walked into a busy staff room and meeting – about taking strike action – no sex, speak no sex, hear no sex.’
was totally in awe of the twenty glam- a larger than usual number of teach- There were also nuns and brothers
ourous Dublin teachers there. ers attended. There was much angst galore around then. We had our work
At my first INTO meeting the and anger expressed, which I had to cut out of us!
woman beside me put up her hand to manage. Aerwards Maurice told me, We also had meetings in hotels at
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16 RTAI Comhnascnight to inform parents about the Mary White, Mary Grey and Mary diaries Mary Grey announced “My
contents of the programme. Some Golden. As the narrator I told about husband is great in bed. He goes
marched up and down outside, the lives of these girls, growing up in straight to sleep!”
saying the rosary. Others came in and Ireland, through the decades. Mary Eventually the six Marys realise
kept shouting as we tried to talk! Grey was grey, dull and boring. Mary that you make your own dreams
I learnt early on that a good way to Golden was golden, cracked and wild. come true. The theme is universal.
defuse tension is through humour. I She was the girl we all wished we had I put on my show for small local
discovered hidden talents within the courage to be. The others four charity events at first and word
myself! Stories about the stork and Marys were ordinary. spread. Since then I have performed
how things were in the past lightened In my 1950s diaries I wrote about ‘The six Marys’ in theatres all over the
the mood a lot. And I learned marvel- the comics and catechism we read, as country. 9,000 people have seen it to
lous presentation skills. I had to. we waited for the stork to come to our date, at 88 performances. Some RTAI
And my tale moves on. I retired in houses – again and again and again. I branches have invited me to perform
2011. For my sixtieth birthday my told about the nuns, the processions, it for them, also.
daughter took me to see the comedi- gym slips and much more. Isn’t it marvellous to have become
enne Joan Rivers perform in Vicar In the diaries from the 1960s our a stand-up comedienne and writer at
Street. Fascinated, I sat there watch- search for Mr. Wonderful, at hops, this hour of my life? I was 68 recently.
ing her and marvelled at how she brought great hope to our lonely And it’s all thanks to having first found
could entertain an audience so hearts. Our expectations were ridicu- my feet as chairperson of my local
wonderfully well. I decided that I too lous! In the 1970s, failing to meet Mr. branch of the INTO.
wanted to be a stand-up comedi- Wonderful, we settled for Mr.
enne. However, being now in my Ordinary and began married life. Jean writes a weekly column in the
sixties, I decided I’d better hurry up!! In the 80s and 90s we met at Westmeath Independent. She has
In one weekend I sat down and Weightwatchers. Mary Black said she recently published Jean’s Journal a
wrote a one-woman-show called ‘The married a lovely sexy man who had collection of her favourite articles
six Marys’. Into six diaries, spanning turned into a sofa that grunts. Other which is available to purchase for
six decades, I wrote about the lives of Marys were similarly disillusioned €12 plus €2 postage. Jean can be
Mary Black, Mary Brown, Mary Green, with ‘wedded bliss!’. In the 2000s contacted at: jeanfarrell@live.ie
Notices & Reunions
Donegal North West Branch – Golf graduation at The Red Cow Hotel, bers to the hotel. You can contact any of
Outing Dublin, on Wednesday, 5 June next. the following:
18 Hole Stapleford – Monday 17 June For further details please contact one dsguckian@gmail.com
2019 of the Organising Committee: des.slowey@gmail.com
• Meet at Dunfanaghy Club House dermottoomey@gmail.com flanquigney@yahoo.ie
from 12 noon for tea and scone. 01 8311978 patted1@eircom.net
• Tee off from 1pm lamacmathuna@gmail.com nugents@eircom.net
• Cost of meal and Green Fees: €30 01 4902874
We would be delighted to welcome donaldomeara0@gmail.com St Patrick’s College/DCU – 1969
visitors from other branches. Details of 01 8388780 Graduates
local attractions and accommodation The 50th anniversary reunion of class-
are available at www.rtaireland.ie St Patrick’s College/DCU – Class of mates who graduated in 1969 will take
If interested, please contact Branch 1963-1965 place on the evening of Friday 23 Au-
Secretary Ms Brighidín Hawke by email This year we plan to celebrate the 54th gust 2019.If you are a member of this
at rtai.brighidin@gmail.com or by text Anniversary of our graduation from St graduating class and wish to attend, or
at 086-0865758 Pat’s with an informal lunch and chat be notified of further event details, get
in the Ashling Hotel, Parkgate Street, in touch with the alumni office to up-
St. Patrick’s College/DCU – 1959 Dublin (near Heuston Station) at 12.30 date your contact information.
Graduates’ Teacht Le Chéile p.m. on Thursday 23 May 2019. Please Tel 01 7008689; Email: alumni@dcu.ie
Up to forty former colleagues will cele- let us know as soon as possible if you Slán go fóill
brate the 60th anniversary of their can make it as we need to provide num- Jimmy Kavanagh & Maurice Daly
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18 RTAI ComhnascComhnasc Crossword 26
A draw for €100.00 will be made from all correct entries. Simply complete the crossword and send to: Comhnasc,
R.T.A.I., Vere Foster House, 35 Parnell Square, Dublin 1, before close of business on 31 May 2019
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Across with an Eastern connection! (4)
1. Over-intensive publicity. (4)
8
3. An underground fighter Down
9 10 against an occupying force. (8) 1. A Spanish house and estate. (8)
9. A historic mode of transport 2. Freedom from anxiety or
used in Europe but most conflict. (5)
famously by the Romans. (7) 4. Shrewd. (6)
11
10. A very holy place for Muslims. 5. Respected for its long
12 (5) existence. (4-8)
11. Last minute. Only longer! (8,4) 6. A whole gang of female
13 14 15
13. A public discussion. (6) demons that prey on men. (7)
16 15. A deeper shade of blue. (6) 7. Leavened Indian bread. (4)
17. A crowd's chaotic din, once 8. Deprive of an official status.
17 18
associated with toil and trou- (12)
ble! (6-6) 12. Alcohol created in the house! (8)
19
20. A very popular type of 14. What you like to see above you
20 21 Japanese cuisine. (5) on your holidays even if it's not
21. A voter for democracy! (7) yet practicable or profitable!
22. Related to a strong, repeated (4-3)
22 23 pattern of sound or 16. A citizen of Aden. (6)
movement. (8) 18. Aggressively masculine and
23. Sounds like an Italian farewell, not in a Sundance way! (5)
but it’s a slang word for food 19 A Russian ruler. (4)
A D R I F T O R P H A N Winner of
Scribble Pad
R U I C A I A Crossword No. 25
C A R E F U L B I G H T Mr Patrick O ’Dwyer,
A A T E B H U Clarina, Co. Limerick
D O L C E A V I A T O R
E E R E E
T R E N C H E R MA N
A A E E B
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O E E D A I A
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14340 Recanvas March 2019 02-19You can also read
