Congratulations,
Mary, on recently becoming President of the RTAI, this must be a
great personal achievement, and is in keeping with your lifetime of
energetic public service in Oughterard and elsewhere. Firstly,
could you briefly fill us in on the RTAI?
The
Retired Teachers' Association of Ireland was founded in Dublin in
the early 50's and
it has grown to over 10,300 members organised in 32 branches
throughout the 26 counties. It is a vibrant and energetic fellowship
of retired primary teachers. The growth of the organisation didn't
happen by chance but evolved from the commitment and dedication of
Branch officers and members over the past 70 years.
What
benefits does the Association provide members?
There
are two key aspects to the work of the Association, one at national
level and one at local level.
At
national level there is a strong focus on looking after the interests
of retired teachers in relation to pensions, social welfare
entitlements, taxation, health insurance and other issues that impact
on teachers'
well-being
and welfare;
providing
counseling, advice and services to individual members is central to
the Association's
work.
At
local level there is a strong social element to its work. It provides
an opportunity for members to engage in a variety of activities and
events such as day tours, tours abroad, book clubs, choirs, bridge
clubs, yarn clubs, lectures, computer courses, yoga, Tai chi, and
golf outings to name a few. Those activities provide an opportunity
for members to remain in touch with former colleagues as part of a
collegiate and supportive network.
How
do members keep in touch?
Members
meet at branch AGMs in June, at annual memorial masses for deceased
members of the Association, and at lunches and coffee mornings in
outlining areas of the branches to facilitate those who cannot
attended regular meetings. Social activities and events are posted on
the RTAI website. Branch members also get together to celebrate
special events.
Our
RTAI
magazine
“Comhnasc”
is
delivered three times a year to our membership. Members living alone
or in residential homes welcome this contact with the general cohort
of members as it keeps them entertained and in touch with their
former colleagues. A recent personal example of how the magazine can
bring members together was that during the pandemic I had a pleasant
surprise when Seán
Smyth, a former colleague of my husband Frank, made contact with me,
as a result of seeing my photo in
Comhnasc.
Seán explained: “Back
in 1955 when I celebrated my 17th
birthday I was a member of my local parish football team that won the
County Monaghan Intermediate Championship. On that team was a young
footballer (teacher) from Galway called Frankie Kyne. I admired this
young man and it was Frankie's
encouragement that led me to take up teaching as a career. In 1984 I
met Frankie at a Football Banquet celebration in Clones. There are
just four surviving members of the team now and we often wondered
what happened to Frankie Kyne - the fastest forward in our area.”
Your
Presidency has coincided with the Covid-19 outbreak, how did this
impact your work?
My
aspiration on taking up office on the 3rd
of March was to reach out in a meaningful way to members confined to
their homes and in residential care. I was aware that social
isolation, loneliness, loss and bereavement all have a direct impact
on well-being and mental health. I wanted members to know that their
membership was valued and that they were not abandoned. I had
unwittingly chosen as my motto for my year as President - Care &
Connect. Just one week later, life changed. Coronavirus hit the
country with a bang. Suddenly we were caught off guard. Care &
Connect took on a totally different meaning. Over 70's
were obliged to isolate within their own homes and others had to stay
two meters apart. Now in the month of June we have moved on. All
conferences, branch and executive meetings have been cancelled so as
an Association we now rely on Zoom meetings to conduct our business.
My chain of office is still in its box and will remain there until
restrictions are lifted.
I'm
conscious of members who are suffering, who have been bereaved by the
virus or any death and who are now feeling alone, isolated and
disconnected without the support of wakes, funerals or human contact
at this time. I extend to them and their families my sincere
sympathy.
When
this time of fear and uncertainty passes, and it will pass,we will be
ready as an association to Care & Connect in a meaningful way to
make this world a better place for all mankind.
Thank
you, Mary, for sharing this with us, and we wish you every success in
this most difficult of years.