RTAI Social Walk Wednesday, 16 th April 2025.

Leader: Una McDonald Phone 087 293 2572

Start: front of Bord Gais Theatre at red Poles on Grand Canal Dock

Dodder, Grand Canal Dock to Donnybrook, Return to Ballsbridge.

Route: Outwards: GCD, Southside of Liffey, Mouth of Canal + Dodder, Three Locks,

Dodder on left to Ringsend, Dodder on rt to Lansdowne Rd, to Ballsbridge.

South of Herbert Park Hotel and Herbert Park, Dodder on left, to Donnybrook

Greenway, Dodder on Left, Bective Rangers Football ground etc to right. Time 1.5

hrs

Return: to Ballsbridge. Time 30mins. Lunch or snack in Roly’s Restaurant if not too

busy. Reasonable prices. If not enough seating, depends on our numbers (a booking

would have to be made days ahead), we can go to Herbert Park Hotel, more

expensive but very spacious.

Public Transport: Dart to Grand Canal or Westland Row, Buses to Grand Canal

Quay Stop 353 C1,2,3,4 etc., Red Luas to Mayor Sq. North of Liffey, all within 10mins of start.

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Walk in Portrane April 9th . 

Our easier walk this month on Wednesday April 9th  , is a coastal one from Portrane to Rogerstown Estuary, back to Portrane and then along the coastal path to Donabate, returning to Portrane via St Ita’s Hospital.  Total time about 3.5 hours. 

Meet at Portrane beside the beach at 11am, to start walk at 11.15am. The later time is because high tide is at 10.27am and we need to wait for at least 45 minutes for the beach to be accessible.  

It takes about 40 minutes to get to Portrane from Rathfarnham/ Templeogue. Unfortunately, using public transport to get get there is not really an option, as people would have to be collected from Donabate.. 

Directions to Portrane from the southside of the city: 

Take the M50 to the airport exit, then follow M1 for about 6.5 km. At junction 4, take the R132 signed Rush, Donabate, Skerries. Turn right, crossing over the M1 to the next roundabout. Here, take the 2nd exit onto the R126 for Donabate, Portrane. Drive almost 7km to Portrane village, turning left just beyond the green area beside the beach. There is a small grey toilet block here. There is space for quite a few cars but it’s best to try to travel in groups, if possible.  

Parts of the path are very rough and stony, so boots or strong walking shoes are best. Bring lunch and a drink- nothing is open in Portrane at that time of day. Bring Binoculars also if you are interested in wildlife. Rogerstown Estuary is well known for its bird life. Also, a small seat or beach chair is useful and can be left in the car,  as we will be having lunch when we get back to Portrane, before we continue to Donabate. (Lunch can also be left in the car). 

If you need further information,   

Contact  

Deirdre McGloughlin  087-7741953. 

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April Miscellany


 

Next miscellany is Tuesday 8th April  @ 11.30 in the Teachers’ Club.

Nollaig Feiritéar will give a presentation for about an hour entitled 

A riot of words 3

€5 payable at door to cover a light lunch.

Hope to see a good crowd there!

Doreen & Carmel

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Howth Walk

A crowd of about 25 turned up last Wednesday on a glorious day for our walk in Howth led by Katriona and Isobel. A very enjoyable walk, taking in the Cliff path, the Bog of Frogs, the golf course, passing the placid Hylan Coos to descend by the old tram line, arriving back opposite the Dart Station after about 4 hours. Well done everyone !

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Cycle Trip to Malahide

16 Happy Cyclists hit the trail to Malahide today (April 2) in blazing sunshine !

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Cycling for April Fools’ Day

The RTA cycle on Tuesday, 1 st April, will be from Fairview to Malahide. We will meet beside

the car park in Fairview and set off from there at 10.30. We cycle on the cycle track towards

Sutton and from there on road through Baldoyle. There is a dedicated cycle-track from

Baldoyle towards Portmarnock; we cycle by the coast from Portmarnock to Malahide where

we will take a lunch stop. We return by the same route to Fairview.

Some cyclists drive to Fairview and park the car there – the first carpark on the right as you

head from Fairview towards Clontarf. Please note that that there is a charge for car parking

in that carpark. Those who cycle from south of the River Liffey to Fairview will welcome the

dedicated cycle track from Connolly Station to Fairview – a major enhancement of cyclists’

safety on this busy artery.

All cyclists are required to wear a helmet and should wear a hi-vis top.

Let’s look forward to a fine day – and pleasant cycling.

Note that this cycle is on Tuesday, 1 st April.

Michael Griffin

Pat Fitzgerald

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Bog of Frogs Walk, Howth Wed 26 th March 202

This is a popular loop- walk around scenic Howth Head and is just over 12 km

long.

It takes about four hours, including the usual stop for a snack in the beautiful

cove, just over the halfway point.

This walk is graded as ‘strenuous’ by Sport Ireland and others, and boots and

walking poles are essential. Care must be taken on some narrow pathways and

when clambering at Red Rock.

The advance forecast for next Wednesday is good but nearer the time, rain

gear may be required.

Getting There:

By Dart: Whichever Dart station you are coming from be sure to get the

HOWTH Dart as some Darts go to Malahide!

By Bus: Howth is on the H3 route and buses are timetabled to leave Lower

Abbey Street every half hour e.g. 09:22, 09:52 etc.

By Car: There is parking in the harbour area but this may be very limited during

the week as many commuters do ‘park and ride’ from there. There may

also be parking further up in the village but you will need to do your own

research on this.

We will assemble in the usual place on the East Pier at 10.45. This is a few

minutes’ walk from the Dart Station, towards the far end of the harbour from

the station, near The King Sitric restaurant and beside the public toilets. Our

walk will start at 11am sharp.

Public toilets are available at the East Pier.

Howth has a variety of cafes so there will be lots of choice of refreshments, if

desired, after the walk.

You can contact 0868054183 if you have any queries.

Walk Leaders: Katriona Maher and Isobel Ryan.

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*National gathering of RTAI Singers!*

Join us for a heartwarming afternoon of music performed by the talented National RTAI Singers.

*Details* :
* Date: Saturday  March 22nd
* Time: 3:00 PM
* Location: St. Saviour’s Church, Dominic Street

Over 200 dedicated retired primary teachers, after weeks of rehearsal, are ready to share their passion for music in a special performance.

Enjoy a delightful program in the beautiful St. Saviour’s Church. All are welcome!

Spread the word and join us for a wonderful occasion.

We look forward to seeing you there! ‎

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Comhar Linn Membership for Retired Members

As a retired member of Comhar Linn, you might wonder if maintaining an active account still offers
you significant benefits. The answer is a resounding yes!
Credit unions are unique financial institutions, and our not-for-profit structure means we are
committed to serving our members, not making profits for shareholders.
Top benefits of Comhar Linn Membership once you retire:
Account Nomination
A unique (and free) feature of credit unions is the ability for members over 16 to nominate
beneficiaries for their accounts. A member can nominate a person(s) of their choice to receive up to
€27,000, bypassing the often lengthy probate process.
The nominated property does not form part of the deceased’s estate, allowing access to nominated
funds by the nominee within a very short period of the member’s death. And while it will not relieve the
loss suffered by the nominee, it reduces potential cash-flow difficulties.
You may change your nominee(s) choice as many times as you like, once the form is signed and
witnessed.
Insured Loans
Loans with Comhar Linn are insured at no direct cost to you. Should the unforeseen happen, the
insurance policy will cover your loan balance, relieving your family of any financial burden. This peace
of mind is particularly valuable in retirement, knowing your financial responsibilities are covered.
Flexible Loan Repayments
Comhar Linn offers remarkable flexibility with loan repayments. If your financial situation changes, the
credit union will work with you to adjust your repayment terms. Moreover, if you’re able to repay your
loan faster than planned, you can do so without incurring penalties or additional fees. This flexibility
ensures that your financial plan remains manageable throughout your retirement.
Shares (savings)
If you’re considering where to invest your lump sum, bear in mind that as of July 2024, you can save
up to €100,000 with Comhar Linn.

Share (savings) Insurance
Comhar Linn offers life savings insurance at no cost to members. This insurance is payable on the
death of an eligible member subject to the policy terms and conditions. Comhar Linn INTO Credit
Union has a maximum cover limit of €13,000.
The amount payable in the event of death is determined by the member’s age at the time that
deposits are made. The amount of insurance is in proportion to the value of shares a member has at
certain ages.
This insurance is subject to policy terms and conditions but simply summarised, the following rules
apply regarding savings:

  • Any savings lodged by a member on or after age 70 will not form part of the benefit
    calculation and,
  • any withdrawals of savings may reduce any benefit payable and,
  • any savings lodged must be done when the member was actively at work and regularly
    performing all the usual duties of their occupation or when they were in good health.
    Free Automated Regular Payments
    As an active teacher, you may have availed of our ‘Deduction At Source’ facility whereby deductions
    were taken directly from your fortnightly pay and paid into your Comhar Linn savings and/or loan
    account(s).
  • As a retired teacher, you can continue to avail of this service, with the payment source becoming your
  • pension payments (as opposed to your salary).
  •  Budget Account
  • Don’t struggle with managing bills once you’ve retired. It’s challenging for all of us to keep on top of
  • rising costs these days, and for those who would like a little guidance and support, we offer a Budget
  • Account to members at a small annual fee.
  • Comhar Linn’s Budget Account facility is an efficient, stress-free way of managing your bills. We offer
  • a personal one-to-one service whereby we plan your monthly and annual outlay together. Our Budget
  • Account service guarantees your bills are paid on time, giving you peace of mind that you’re on top of
  • your finances & are prepared for a rainy day.
  • You can apply online or download our application form. A friendly member of our team will then be in
  • touch with you. Should you require support completing the application please feel free to give us a
  • call 01-873 1011.
  • Member Draw
  • You don’t have to leave the Member Draw just because you’ve retired! You can continue to pay into
  • the draw through automatic deductions from your pension, in the same way you might have from your
  • fortnightly pay when you were working.
  • The cost of entry remains a low €1.27 per fortnight, with prizes ranging from €1,000 – €15,000 per
  • month.
  • Family Members
  • As a relative of an RTAI member your family members are eligible to join Comhar Linn & enjoy the
  • many benefits on offer. This extends to any family member, not just those living in the same abode as
  • you!
  • Many of our retired members have already encouraged their family to join our community, from a
  • spouse to siblings and even grandchildren. Remember, we’re stronger together!
  • Volunteer: Meet new people and give something back to the community
  • Volunteers are at the heart of every credit union and Comhar Linn is no different.
  • The credit union movement is built upon the efforts of thousands of volunteers who give freely of their
  • time and skills in the spirit of co-operation.
  • Comhar Linn has a fantastic team of volunteers and our Board of Directors is drawn from members
  • who have the enthusiasm, commitment, skills and knowledge to lead and achieve its strategic goals.
  • Policies, procedures and training are in place to support volunteers and in addition to the induction
  • training provided for all new volunteers, ongoing training is available and people are encouraged to
  • develop new skills.
  • Committees offer an excellent starting point for new volunteers. These committees provide
  • experience, learning and an active role within Comhar Linn.
  • Benefits of Volunteering with Comhar Linn:
  • Gain skills and experience with a financial services provider.
  • Education and training.
  • Personal development.
  • Meet new people and give something back to the community.
    Retired Members: Keep in touch!
    At Comhar Linn staying connected with our members is a top priority. Your feedback is invaluable to
    us, and we encourage you to reach out with any comments or queries you might have. Whether it’s
    about our products, services, or anything else, we’re here to listen and assist.
    To keep you informed and empowered, we blog regularly with updates on our latest offerings and
    share essential tips to help you avoid financial fraud. Stay tuned to our blog for the latest news,
    insights, and advice designed to enhance your financial well-being.

Most of us, as retired teachers, appear to have the same concerns! WE wish to enjoy the fruits of our labours for as long as possible! We also want to enjoy the frugal comforts that our pension allows. That means enjoying the comforts of a warm home. Nowadays, the costs of heating a home have escalated exponentially; electricity prices have soared, weather extremes plunge the country regularly into frigid arctic conditions or cascading floods that sweep away our gardens and walls.

In such conditions, many of us are faced with sudden unexpected and unanticipated expenditures as we face the necessity of installing solar panels, triple glazed windows, external cladding or attic insulation to keep us warm. Why dig into your precious lump sum to purchase such necessaries? The Credit Union is at your beck and call for those small but necessary loans and you can avail of deduction at source to cover the cost of defraying your loan while still keeping hold of your lump sum for a rainy day.
For more information on how to maximise your Comhar Linn benefits or to learn about the
straightforward process of reactivating your account, visit our office in Parnell Square or phone us on
01 873 1011.
Remember, we are here to serve you, so make the most of the advantages it offers!

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Dates for your social calendar

Just reminding you that there is a cycle on Tuesday, 18th, A social walk on Wednesday  19th and a performance by the choir on Saturday 22nd.

Cycle- meeting point is the SDCC carpark on Wellington Lane, beside St. Judes GAA club at  10.30.

Social walk-meet at Clontarf Road DART station from 10.45 for an 11am departure.

Retired Teachers National choir will perform in St. Xaviers Church , Parnell Square on Saturday, March 22nd – time to be confirmed.

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