President’s Address to RTAI Convention 2021
A Dhaoine Uaisle,
Ní féidir liom bheith libh go fisicúil ach táim buíoch bheith libh le cabhair on idir líne.
2020/21 has been a challenging, unprecedented Presidential Year. My aspirations for the year when I took up office on March 3rd 2020 was to Care and Connect with members in a meaningful way but with the arrival of Covid-19 my good intentions changed drastically. Caring and connecting took on a totally different meaning. Over 70’s were obliged to isolate within our own homes while others had to maintain 2meters distance apart.
Yes, I missed opportunities to be physically present at Branch gatherings, travelling abroad with RTAI Galway members and other joyous events and celebrations. Yet as a “Virtual President” I managed through modern technology to stay connected by text, email, face-time, phone and Zoom meetings. While we were apart yet we were together and connected spiritually as I placed a light in my window every night since March 2020 for the intentions of family, friends, and RTAI members. My chain of office stayed in its box, in isolation too for the whole year.
I’m conscious too of members who have been bereaved and suffered the loss of loved ones through the virus and other illnesses and are now feeling alone, isolated and disconnected without the support of traditional Irish wakes, funerals and human contact at this time. I extend to them and their families my sincere sympathy. Suaimhneas síoraí dóibh go léir atá imithe ar shlí na fírinne.
I sent out through Comhnasc and the support of the 32 Branch Secretaries messages of hope, solidarity and resilience letting members know that RTAI as an organisation hadn’t forgotten you our members in your hour of need. Our Christmas Card that sent good wishes was well received. Members realised that their membership was valued. Ar scáth a chéile a mhaireann na daoine. We are grateful to the members who brought joy to our hearts through their uplifting prose and poetry based on their experiences during ‘lockdown’.
Now more than ever we need each other. There is no going back to reality. Draw on your reserve of resilience as there is light at the end of the tunnel. A new chapter with members being vaccinated has opened up in our lives. May the months ahead give you courage, strength, confidence, patience, self-love and inner peace. May the days ahead bring you hope, love, a smile to your face, laughter and joy in your heart. When this time of uncertainty passes – and it will pass - we will be ready as an association to Care and Connect in a meaningful way to make this world a better place for all mankind. In the meantime, let us live life and treasure the small wonders that every day brings.
This day last week, I had the opportunity of addressing the 153rd INTO Annual Congress – also online. I gave delegates an update on some important developments in relation to pensions that occurred in the past 12 months. I also acknowledged the work of the INTO in progressing these issues and we I expressed our gratitude for the trojan work the organisation does on our behalf.
I gave a special mention to Noel Ward who is retiring at the end of the summer. For many years Noel has been our key contact person in the INTO. He has always been accessible to us and shows a genuine interest in the welfare of retired INTO members. We are grateful for his support and wish him well in his retirement.
Noel is not with us today, but he has agreed to be with us when we next meet so that we can say goodbye to him in person.
Deirdre O’Connor is the new INTO Deputy General Secretary. We look forward to working with Deirdre and we wish her well in her new role.
Caithfidh mé a rá in ainneoin gach a tharla i rith na bliana gur bhain mé sult agus taitneamh as mo bhlian mar Uachtarán. Mo mhíle buíochas do chuile dhuine a cabhraigh liom Runaí Ginearálta, Billy Sheehan, Siobhán agus Patricia san oifig, runaí na Brainse agus go mór mhór mo chairde dhíl san NEC.
Mar fhocail scor, fágaim an beannacht seo libh.
Go mairidh sibh go sonasach
Go soilbhir is go sámh,
Go raibh beannacht Dé is Muire libh,
A chóiche is go brách.
April 2021Mary Kyne
A Dhaoine Uaisle,
Ní féidir liom bheith libh go fisicúil ach táim buíoch bheith libh le cabhair on idir líne.
2020/21 has been a challenging, unprecedented Presidential Year. My aspirations for the year when I took up office on March 3rd 2020 was to Care and Connect with members in a meaningful way but with the arrival of Covid-19 my good intentions changed drastically. Caring and connecting took on a totally different meaning. Over 70’s were obliged to isolate within our own homes while others had to maintain 2meters distance apart.
Yes, I missed opportunities to be physically present at Branch gatherings, travelling abroad with RTAI Galway members and other joyous events and celebrations. Yet as a “Virtual President” I managed through modern technology to stay connected by text, email, face-time, phone and Zoom meetings. While we were apart yet we were together and connected spiritually as I placed a light in my window every night since March 2020 for the intentions of family, friends, and RTAI members. My chain of office stayed in its box, in isolation too for the whole year.
I’m conscious too of members who have been bereaved and suffered the loss of loved ones through the virus and other illnesses and are now feeling alone, isolated and disconnected without the support of traditional Irish wakes, funerals and human contact at this time. I extend to them and their families my sincere sympathy. Suaimhneas síoraí dóibh go léir atá imithe ar shlí na fírinne.
I sent out through Comhnasc and the support of the 32 Branch Secretaries messages of hope, solidarity and resilience letting members know that RTAI as an organisation hadn’t forgotten you our members in your hour of need. Our Christmas Card that sent good wishes was well received. Members realised that their membership was valued. Ar scáth a chéile a mhaireann na daoine. We are grateful to the members who brought joy to our hearts through their uplifting prose and poetry based on their experiences during ‘lockdown’.
Now more than ever we need each other. There is no going back to reality. Draw on your reserve of resilience as there is light at the end of the tunnel. A new chapter with members being vaccinated has opened up in our lives. May the months ahead give you courage, strength, confidence, patience, self-love and inner peace. May the days ahead bring you hope, love, a smile to your face, laughter and joy in your heart. When this time of uncertainty passes – and it will pass - we will be ready as an association to Care and Connect in a meaningful way to make this world a better place for all mankind. In the meantime, let us live life and treasure the small wonders that every day brings.
This day last week, I had the opportunity of addressing the 153rd INTO Annual Congress – also online. I gave delegates an update on some important developments in relation to pensions that occurred in the past 12 months. I also acknowledged the work of the INTO in progressing these issues and we I expressed our gratitude for the trojan work the organisation does on our behalf.
I gave a special mention to Noel Ward who is retiring at the end of the summer. For many years Noel has been our key contact person in the INTO. He has always been accessible to us and shows a genuine interest in the welfare of retired INTO members. We are grateful for his support and wish him well in his retirement.
Noel is not with us today, but he has agreed to be with us when we next meet so that we can say goodbye to him in person.
Deirdre O’Connor is the new INTO Deputy General Secretary. We look forward to working with Deirdre and we wish her well in her new role.
Caithfidh mé a rá in ainneoin gach a tharla i rith na bliana gur bhain mé sult agus taitneamh as mo bhlian mar Uachtarán. Mo mhíle buíochas do chuile dhuine a cabhraigh liom Runaí Ginearálta, Billy Sheehan, Siobhán agus Patricia san oifig, runaí na Brainse agus go mór mhór mo chairde dhíl san NEC.
Mar fhocail scor, fágaim an beannacht seo libh.
Go mairidh sibh go sonasach
Go soilbhir is go sámh,
Go raibh beannacht Dé is Muire libh,
A chóiche is go brách.
April 2021Mary Kyne