All 30 members of the Retired Active Men’s Social, RAMS from Newcastle, Co. Dublin, had their second annual trip in 2024 to The Royal County, Newgrange Co. Meath. One of the many Age Friendly counties. The coach trip to Newgrange takes about one hour, and there was lots of banter on board, talk of politics, Euro football, health issues, and TV programmes. On arrival at Newgrange, and disembarked, as they availed of more morning coffee and beautiful freshly baked scones in the Bro na Bru cafe.
The staff were so friendly, and so helpful to all members, and all smiling young people, rather than do the usual queue for counter service. On hearing they had a singing group among our membership, the Manager requested they give them a song, and brighten their day, and also for the overseas visitors who were visiting the “site”. Musical Director, Liam O’Donnell duly obliged, and gave a wonderful rendition of The Ferry Man, and The Galway Girl. It was great to see the young staff, encourage the singers, with their clapping along, and everyone all smiles, dancing and jiving.
Travelling on to Navan town centre, where the “RAMS in Rhythm” performed at the shopping centre, and sang there for 30 minutes, all to the delight of the patrons, shoppers, proprietors, and staff. They sang a few songs to raise funds for local St. Vincent de Paul. The patrons and shoppers were so generous, and enjoyed the singing, that they raised €500.
The group then headed on to the Boyne Valley tour. The group enjoyed a meal in the Headford Arms in Kells. The Headford Arms Hotel is one of the hotels who entertain and give great hospitality to Active Retirement groups, like the Retired Active Men’s Social RAMS. Following on from dinner, the RAMS adjourned to the library for more beverages, and Liam O Donnell again obliged again, with a few more songs, to entertain our now weary members and to rejuvenate them with some lively songs.
The RAMS will be singing and fundraising again on the 27th July at the Square Shopping Centre Tallaght, and fundraising for Our Lady’s Hospice Harold’s Cross.
