Waterford active retirement visit to Dáil Éireann recalled
Pictured in 2019 (L-R): Front row: Minister Mary Butler TD, 2nd row: Eileen Rabbett, Biddy Carroll, Teresa Power, Mary B Bowden, Eileen Browne, Maureen Browne, Breda O Rourke, Maureen O Sullivan, Mary Walsh, Roslyn Keane, Mary Daye/Guiry, Anne Power, Mildred King, Agnes Thomas and Monica Gough. Back row: Breda Bolger, Tom Bolger, Paddy O Shea, Nicholas Casey, Tom Murphy, Tom Gough, Dick Clancy (RIP) and Jim O Byrne.
Members of a County Waterford active retirement group recently recalled a visit they took to the Dáíl.
Members of Tay and Mahon Valley ARA took the trip to Dublin in 2019 and it was something that was thoroughly enjoyed by all the members.
Recalling memories of long ago one of the members commented on the way in the 1940s, older people used to say the first swallow of the year came on April 6 and it was taken as a a sign better things to come.
"I saw the first swallow of 2026 on April 7th," he said.
"The swallow would have emigrated from the Southern to Northern hemisphere," he added.
He went on to comment: "Only the strongest swallows survived flying over the Sahara desert. When in Ireland they would rear two clutches of chicks, sometimes even three clutches".
The association is currently planning their day trip and if members have any suggestions they are encouraged to share them.
For the association's most recent meeting, a group of friends joined the members with music and song.
For more information about the group or any queries contact Eileen on 087 9365035 or Tom on 087 9386209.
