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

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 

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

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.

View photos from Cork Branch trips and activities here: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjzQwc8

Update September 2025

• 38 members attended our monthly gathering in Hayfield Manor Hotel.
• A group of 20 members will travel to Bantry on Wednesday17th for a guided historical walk of the town followed by lunch in a nearby hotel.
• Our book club recommences after the summer break on  Sepember 24th.
• Branch trip to Italy is on October 1st.

EVENTS 2024

Following our most successful Spring break to The Dunraven Arms in Adare we spent a wonderful morning in early April being guided around the little church of the Ascension in Timoleague. Parts of the exterior have been restored and the interior continues to be a work in progress. The story of the mosaics in the church is worth the trip alone. Unfortunately the foggy weather prevented us from continuing to Courtmacsherry . . . all for another day.

Over 20 members of the branch attended our Annual Conference in Wexford.

On May 23rd we visited Lismore Castle Gardens. The guide (paid for by the branch) greatly enhanced our visit, not only talking about the plants but also the history of the castle and the surrounding area.

Our book club met in May and we will continue our regular meetings again in September.  Meanwhile our monthly gatherings take place in Hayfield Manor Hotel on the first Wednesday of every month at 12 noon. Members are emailed in advance of all activities.

View photos of the events at the link above.

Report on Trip to Sardinia 2023

A very large group left Cork Airport on Oct 2nd for a 4-night stay in Sardinia. Alghero was our base. The hotel was situated by the sea and a lovely walk to the old town.

We did a day trip along the coast to the beatiful town of Bosa where we enjoyed a tasting of the local Malvasia wine and cheeses. This was followed by a fantastic meal in a restaurant in Bosa Marina. 

The weather was gorgeous with sun filled days and warm evenings. Lots of fun and lovely memories made.

 Blarney Castle Tour - Summer 2023

RSTA Cork had a wonderful mid-summer outing to Blarney Castle and gardens attended by 30 members. 

The sun was shining and we were guided around the gardens by Adam, the head gardener, who not only showed us the rare plants and trees but had stories as to how they got there. 

The branch kindly paid for the tour guide.

 Spring Break in Dunraven Arms Hotel - March 2023

30 members and friends enjoyed a most relaxing two night stay in the lovely Dunraven Arms Hotel in Adare, Co Limerick. 

Dinner was included on one night of our stay and some of us dined in the 1826 Restaurant where we were lucky enough to meet the wonderful chef himself, Wade Murphy.

View more photos from the visit here:  https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjzQwc8

Cork Branch welcomes new members!          

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.

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 11 am:  Group Walk in Tourmakeady Woods.

Assemble at the car park in the woods at 10.50 am for prompt start to the walk at 11 am. Refreshments after the walk in the Crave Café beside the Celtic Furrow in Ballintubber.

Thursday 27th November at 11 am:  Branch AGM followed by Annual Mass for deceased members in Ballintubber Abbey.

The Abbey has kindly provided a room for our meeting which will be followed by the Mass at 12 noon.

Lunch after Mass in Corley's restaurant.  The branch will contribute a subsidy.  

Christmas Lunch: At the recent Branch meeting it was decided to seek quotations from a number of venues.  Details including available dates/prices etc will be circulated and members will have the opportunity to choose their preferred option by a text vote.  Majority rule will apply.

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

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