More than 300 retired nurses from throughout the country will attend their 13th annual conference at the Carlton Shearwater Hotel, Ballinasloe on May 11 and 12.
The late Tomas O’Baoill, a Ballinasloe psychiatric nurse, was the first national secretary of the Retired Nurses’ Association of Ireland which was formed in 1996. It caters for general, psychiatric and public health nurses who have retired and aims to protect and promote the interests of retired nurses regarding to social welfare, health, superannuation, taxation and related matters.
With branches in every county, the association also gives advice on pensions, legal issues and entitlements. It also organises social events, outings and weekends away.
The Ballinasloe branch, which is hosting the annual conference, is inviting all retired nurses to attend.
“If they are not already members they can join up with registration commencing at 11 am on the Wednesday morning,” explains a spokesperson. “At 1pm the conference will be opened by the Mayor of Ballinasloe, Cllr Johnny Walshe and for the next three hours delegates will discuss several motions and hear guest speakers. A thanksgiving Mass will be celebrated in the hotel at 5pm and this will be followed by a gala dinner at 8pm.
“On the preceding night (Tuesday ) a social evening will get under way at 8.30pm to welcome old and new members, many of whom trained in either Portiuncula or St Brigid’s hospitals. A variety concert and dancing to Country Comfort is also planned with refreshments provided.”
Information will be provided to delegates who want to stay on longer in the town after the conference and who may be interested in visiting places of interest, such as Clonmacnoise, Kilconnell and Clontuskert abbeys, Clonfert Cathedral and the Battlefield of Aughrim.
Mayor of Ballinasloe, Clr Johnny Walshe, says he is delighted that the Retired Nurses’ Association of Ireland selected Ballinasloe for its annual conference.
“As well as being a tribute to its first national secretary, Tomas O Baoill, it showed confidence in the facilities provided in the town and I hope they will visit many places of interest in the locality during their stay. I also want to welcome back many of those who received their training at the hospitals in Ballinasloe and I’m sure they will be anxious to renew old acquaintances during their visit.”
