Branch Email: rstaclarebranch@gmail.com.

Secretary:  Mary Carroll

Branch AGM was held on November 19th 2024.

Officers elected:  Chairperson: Helen Meade,  Vice-chair: Nora Liddy, Secretary: Mary Carroll, Treasurer: Marie Burke

Branch Christmas Lunch 2025

Date: 3rd December at 1.30 pm

Venue:  Old Ground Hotel, Ennis.

RSTA Midland Branch

Branch Email: rstamidlandbranch@gmail.com.

View more photos of the trips below and other branch activities here: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmLSnfHS

REPORT ON THE CANADA CONTRASTS TRIP 2025

Midland Branch and friends embarked on yet another of their famous group trips in September this year and Rosemary Kiernan has wrtitten an account of their very exciting and eventful trip. More photos in the link above.

Read Rosemary's report here: Canadian_Tour_September_2025.pdf

REPORT ON TRIP TO ISTANBUL AND ANCIENT TURKEY - APRIL 14th to 21st 2024

What an amazing trip! From Istanbul to Gallipoli, the legendary city of Troy and Kusadasai - and much more . . . . . .

Read the full report of the trip here: Branch_Visit_to_Istanbul_and_Ancient_Turkey_April_2024.pdf

Email: kiernanrm45@gmail.com.      Phone: 087 7589287

REPORT ON TRIP TO SOUTH AFRICA -  2023 - Rosemary Kiernan

View more photos of the trip here: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmLSnfHS

On September 20th RSTA members and friends headed off with The Travel Department to South Africa.  We visited Cape Town, Table Mountain, the wine regions, got marooned in quaint Arniston, swam in the Indian Ocean, chatted to penguins on Boulder Beach, ate wonderful food, met lovely travel companions but Kariega Safari Park, for me, was the highlight. Four days immersed in nature as God intended.  Big shout out to rangers Amber and Rachel who brought us up close and personal with amazing wildlife, arranged surprises like coffee on safari, boat trip, ponchos in the rain (useless . . . we were soaked through!) and were so knowledgeable and passionate about the wildlife in Kariega.  Thank you Amber and Rachel!

South Africa is a beautiful place to visit, it exceeded my expectations.

:

Wexford Branch

Branch Email: rstawexfordbranch@gmail.com

View more photos from Wexford  Branch:  https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjzWDDE 

Branch Christmas Lunch: 4th December at 1.00 pm in Ferrycarrig Hotel

Thursday 11th  September 2025:  Branch meeting and group outing to Wells House

Members assembled at the venue at 11.15 am and enjoyed a guided tour of the historic house followed by a welcome break for coffee and scones in the adjoining café.  Read  the report of the outing here: Wexford_RSTA_Sept_25.pdf

Wednesday 21st May 2025:  Report of Branch Annual Outing.

Destination: Cashel, Co Tipperary

Read the full report of the tour here:  Wexford_Summer_tour_2025.pdf

Group Outing - Guided Tour of Duncannon Fort

On 25th February branch members enjoyed an outing to Duncannon Fort. 

Read a report of the outing here: Duncannon_Tour.pdf

 View more photos of some Wexford Branchactivities here: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjzWDDE

Upcoming Activities in RSTA Wicklow Branch

Wicklow Branch

Scheduled Outings 2022

Note: All our outings conclude with light refreshments and a chat at a local establishment.

Christmas Lunch:  Monday 4th December at 1 pm in Delgany Golf Club.

October 2023 - Branch Outings

Branch members enjoyed a tour of Kilmacurry Botanic Gardens and a guided tour of Dublin Castle which included a visit to the Chapel Royal.

September 2022:  Treetop Walk , Avondale

Click on the links to read a report of the walk and view photos: Wicklow_Branch_on_the_Treetop_Walk.docx

Photos of Treetop Walk: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjAcDA5

October 10th: Branch members enjoyed a guided walk of historic Dun Laoghaire led by Committee Member and National Tour Guide, Michael O'Flaherty.

October 22nd:Members visted the Mermaid Theatre, Bray for a production of Shirley Valentine.

November 21st: Vartry Lake Walk.  11.30 am - to 1pm.  Meet at the carpark in Roundwood at 11.30 am

Photos from Wicklow Branch Here: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjAcDA5 

Branch Contact:  rstasligobranch@gmail.com

View Branch Photos here: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjAcxeV

Report of Branch Christmas Lunch - December 2025

28 of our members gathered in Strandhill Golf Club for a most enjoyable afternoon to kick off the Christmas festivities with delicious food and wine finished off with some extra special gourmet chocolates.

Read the full report of the event with more photos here: Sligo_Report_Dec25.pdf

November 5th 2025: Branch AGM and Talk

The following officers were re-elected:

Chairperson: Imelda Harte, Secretary: Frances Horan,  Treasurer: Mary Benson

For our November meeting, the branch invited Orla Barry, Development Manager North Connaught and Ulster Citizens Information Service Sligo, to speak to us on a variety of issues concerning benefits and entitlements available to retired people.  She aslo touched on Enduring Power of Attorney and the Fair Deal Scheme during a Questions and Answers session.

This was a most enlightening and informative talk from Orla and she encouraged everyone to call to the Citizens Awareness Offce for advice and assstance at any time. Report from Frances Horan, RSTA Branch Secretary.

October 2025: Branch Presentation:  Crime Prevention

The branch invited a Garda Crime Prevention Officer to make a presentation to our members on the issues of online safety and personal security. Read the report of the presentation here: Sligo_Pres.jpg

Branch Trip to Cornwall September 2025

A number of Sligo members and friends enjoyed a visit to  Cornwall in September. 

Based in Newquay the group travelled to the east coast and visited the Eden Project, the Lost Gardens of Heligan and Cornwall Gold and Telgus tin mines.

Read a report of the trip here: Cornwall_Trip.pdf

Branch Summer Lunch August 2025

Report from Frances Horan 

Twenty seven of our members attended a wonderful lunch in the vegan restaurant, Edergole Kitchen, Dromahair, Co Leitrim.

It was a fantastic afternoon with beautiful food in a lovely setting. 

Thanks to Mchael Kilcoyne who entertained us with song and story - an unexpected and very enjoyable muscal interlude.

Report on the second event in Sligo hosted by the three retired teachers' associations in March 2024

The event was organised through the co-operative efforts of the retired members of the three teacher unions RSTA, RTAI and TUIRMA.

A lecture entitled The Wisdom of Our Ages by Gerry Farrell was presented in the Black Box of the Model and Niland Centre Sligo on 12th March 2024.

This is the second successful event the RTS (Retired Teacher Sligp) has hosted.

Read a full report and view photos of the event here: Sligo_report.pdf

Report on "The Best is Yet to Come Event"

"In the world of retired teachers a truly ground breaking event happened in Sligo  . . . . . ." writes Annette O'Connell

Read the full report on the very successful  well-being night The Best is Yet to Come co-hosted by the three retired teachers' associations. Click here for the report.

View Photos of the event here: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjAcxeV

Cork Branch

Branch Email: rstacork24@gmail.com

Monthly Meetings: First Wednesday of each month at 11am in Hayfield Manor Hotel.

Members are notified in advance by email of all branch activities.

REPORT: Cork Branch Activities 2025

Read the full report of the branch activities here: Coprk_branch_activities_2025.pdf

View more branch photos here: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjzQwc8

Cork RSTA Branch Trip to Tuscany 2025

Read a report of the trip here: Tuscany_2025.pdf

Activities in RSTA Galway Branch

Branch Email: rstagalwaybranch@gmail.com.

Branch Secretary: Dorothy Robinsom

Coffee and Chat - on second Tuesday of each month at 11 am

Members meet at the Poppyseed at Galway Crystal.

Christmas Lunch 2025:  17th December at 1.00 pm in Galway Bay Hotel

Report on Events 2024

Thursday 28th November:  Branch AGM

Thursday 12th December: Christmas Lunch in the Galway Bay Hotel

Visit to Dáil Éireann  - October 17th 2024

Galway members were welcomed and hosted by the Leas Ceann Comhairle, Galway Deputy Catherine Connolly TD.

Mayo Branch

Branch Email: rstamayobranch@gmail.com.

Branch meetings are held in Mayo Teachers' Centre, Castlebar.  Members are notified of all branch meetings and activities by email.  New members should contact the branch to join the email contact list.

View photos and video of Mayo Branch activities here: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjzX1ez

BRANCH OFFICERS 2024/2025

Officers elected:  Chairperson: Carmel Heneghan, Secretary: Kevin McMahon, Treasurer: Antoinette Casey

PROGRAM OF EVENTS TO DECEMBER 2025

Tuesday 4th November:  Members assembled for a Group Walk in Tourmakeady Woods on a beautiful Autumn morning. We retired to the Crave Cafe after the walk for an enjoyable lunch and chat.

Thursday 27th November at 11 am:  Branch AGM and Annual Mass for deceased members was held in the historic setting of Ballintubber Abbey this year. Over 40 members attended the Mass and enjoyed a wonderful lunch in Corley's after the Mass. 

Tuesday 16th December: Christmas Lunch in Ashford Castle 

Mulled wine Reception at 1.00 pm followed by lunch at 1.30 pm

If you have not already confirmed you booking please send text message to Carmel at 087 2258978 as as soon as possible. 

Money will be collected on the day - please place the correct amount in an envelope and write the name/s on the front.  

A Glorious Day Out in Achill - The Colony Mission Tour

Upcoming Activities in RSTA Waterford Branch

Branch Email: rstawaterford@gmail.com

View photos of RSTAw members here: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjADHAx

NOTICE OF TABLE QUIZ DATE CORRECTION

RSTAw invites you to an afternoon of fun on WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 26th.

RSTAw TABLE QUIZ with  Quizmaster Kieran McCarthy

Venue:  Holy Cross Bar and Restaurant, Butlerstown, Co Waterford (just down the road from Whitfield.)

Time:  2.30 pm:  Tea/ Coffee and Scones.             3.00 pm: Table Quiz

No fee required but we would lke you to book at rstaw.treasurer@gmail.com so that we have numbers for catering.

Closing date for entries is Friday 21st February.

You can come solo or with pals as we will be putting teams together on the day.

Looking forward to seeing you there.  The event is subsidised by the Branch.

RSTAw Schedule of Events Autumn/Winter 2024

Click on the link to read/download/print the program of events: RSTAW_24_AutumnWiner_Program_1.pdf

Annual Report  - RSTAw Activities and Events 2022/2023

Read the report of a very busy year for members of RSTAw here: Annual_Report.pdf

VALENTIA TRIP POSTONED UNTIL THE SPRING

The Travel Committee regrets that it has not been possible to assemble a package for an RSTAw Autumn trip to Valencia. The Committee looked at various dates and hotel options but there were difficulties with each of them. The tour operator agreed with the Committee to return in September with a definite itinerary that can be put to members for a trip to Valencia in May 2024.

Cookery Demonstration with Edward Hayden - March 2023

Some 40 members of the branch were thrilled to return

to this very popular event.

Edward demonstrated a range of sweet and savoury dishes

which were available for tasting afterwards.

Photo/Orienteering Event - June 2023

A new event this year which we hope might become and annual one!

The event took place around the Viking Triangle area of the city. 

A glorious mornng in the sunny south east and a very lively event which we hope to repeat next year in another partof the country.

Dublin Branch

Branch contact: rstadublinbranch@gmail.com

Branch Officers elected for  2024/25: 

Bernadine O'Sullivan (Chairperson), Margaret Grogan (Secretary), Eddie McCarthy (Treasurer)

Dublin Branch Photos - click link to view:     https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjAdAoE

UPCOMING DUBLIN BRANCH EVENTS 2025

Annual Seasonal Branch Lunch 2026: 14th January at 1.00 pm in Wynns Hotel

Dublin branch has arranged a programme of events for 2025. Full details available in the link to read/download/print:

Branch_events_2025.pdf

REPORT: Branch Salamanca Trip October 2025

Members of RSTA Dublin and friends, led by Marian Lyons, enjoyed an eventful trip to Salamanca recently.

Quote from a group member: If laughter is the best medicine then we should all have a very healthy winter!

Read the full reort of the trip here: Salamanca_Report.pdf

BRANCH OUTING JULY 2025:  Croke Parke Tour

 Members decided in the middle of All Ireland fever that it would be a good time to visit Croke Park. We had a tour of the stadium, a visit to the museum and the highlight was the Skywalk on the roof.

We would recommend the tour to all members.  It is a great day out. There is a very good café which serves lunch and snacks.

Report on Dublin Branch Outings and Activities - SUMMER 2024. 

Click on the link to read the report and view more photos:   News_Dublin_Branch.pdf

Report - Branch Meeting 7th February

The first Branch meeting of the year was addressed by a solicitor on the subject of making a will.  The meeting was followed by a "Meet and Greet" event with tea/coffee and scones. Click on the link to read the full report of the meeting and future branch activities with more photos from the meeting: Dublin_Branch_Feb24.pdf

6th March Meetiing: Talk on Smock Alley Theatre

3rd April Meeting: We will discuss the motions for the Annual Conference so that our voting delegates can bring forward the wishes of the branch members.Since it will be Easter week, the meeting will be followed by a 'finger food' lunch which can be booked at the March branch meeting.

 Branch Visit to National Maritime Museum - July 2023

Some 20 members visited the National Maritime Museum in Dunlaoghaire for a guided tour led by Joe varley, retired ASTI member.

Following the tour, members had lunch in some of the many restaurants in the vicinity.

Read the full report of the visit here: National_Museum_visit.png

 Dublin Branch Summer Lunch 2023

On June 21st the Dublin Branch celebrated another successful year of activities with our tradtional Summer Lunch, which was attended by 37 members.

A delicious lunch was served in the magnifcent Art Deco dining room of Wynn"s Hotel. On arrival, members were given a ticket and after the lunch there was a draw for prizes. 

Everone was in excellent spirits and all declared that it had been a really wonderful day.

View more photos from the lunch here: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjAMTvb

Report on Branch Outing to Russborough House:  Outing_to_Russborough_House.pdf

View some more photos from the Russborough trip

and other branch events here: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjAdAo