Renmore woman Eithne Carey has become Active Retirement Ireland's (ARI ) new vice president.
Ms Carey was elected to the position by members of ARI during the organisation's three-day AGM, which was held in the Citywest Hotel, Dublin, from April 16 to 18 last. She was previously elected president of ARI in 2004 and will hold the post for a one-year term.
Congratulating Ms Carey on her election, ARI chief executive officer Maureen Kavanagh said she was looking forward to working with her.
"We're delighted to have Eithne back on the National Executive board of Active Retirement Ireland. Given her past experience as president, she brings a wealth of experience to the role of vice president, which will no doubt be invaluable as the organisation aims to grow even more over the next year," Ms Kavanagh said.
"In particular, I look forward to working closely with Eithne over the next year to further develop Active Retirement Ireland in the areas of membership, development and advocacy," she added.
Active Retirement Ireland is the national body for over 500 Active Retirement Associations throughout Ireland. Founded in 1978, the movement aims to help retired men and women enjoy a healthy and happy retirement by offering organised activities including sports, community work, outings, holidays, socials, and creative programmes. It has a total membership of over 22,500 people.
The AGM was highly successful and one highlight was the attendance of President Michael D Higgins. President Higgins accepted the invitation to become patron of the organisation and spoke on the final day of the meeting.
"The Active Retirement Ireland network celebrates ageing, your ethos being to enable older people live a full and active life and advocate for them. As the largest community-based older people's association in Ireland, the success of the network in achieving such a wide representation across Ireland bears testimony to the important and life-enhancing work that you do," he said.
"I believe that next year will mark the 35th birthday of the network and I congratulate you in anticipation of achieving that milestone. I wish you continued success in all the years ahead."
Among the other highlights of the AGM was the 2012 Trade and Tourism Show, which included events such as the over 55 fashion show and cookery demo by chef Kevin Dundon. Over 80 exhibitors were on hand to show the best Ireland has to offer the actively retired who want to holiday at home this year.
