by Seán Lawless
10/11/2009
The Contact After Retirement (CAR) group visited Croke Park Stadium on Nov 10th when they first of all enjoyed a presentation on the history of the GAA and the Stadium both old and new. This was followed by a short Video film taking us back through the years in black/ white and colour showing the games played in primitive conditions complete with cloth caps and right up to date showing us the latest hurling and football finals.
We were brought into the dressing rooms and shown the pre-match warm up area which accompanies each dressing room, our dressing room had all the 32 county jerseys on display , there was great excitement as most wanted their photo taken with their county jersey, one member was so keen that he brought along his own Mayo jersey ( just in case).
A visit to the GAA museum followed where one could view sporting finals of yesteryear and indeed listen to Micháel O Heir and the Artane Boys Band, view Michael Collins, Dev' and others enjoying a day out.
A very enjoyable Lunch was had and Robert Prole welcomed new attendees and reported that attendance on the day was 51, he went on to say that the Christmas outing would happen in the New Year due to seasonal diary pressures. The venue will be the Burlington Hotel Ballsbridge on the 21st Jan 2010. On being notified of the precise arrangements members were requested to book early to assist planning.
Other outings scheduled for the New Year include a visit to Dunsink Observatory, date yet to be agreed, but we are to be aware that this visit needs to be made at night time and can be effected by the weather. Also planned for 2010 are visits to Kilkenny Castle, Kilmainham Gaol, and Birr Castle. It is also hoped to include Strokestown House and Gardens.
C.A.R President James Barton welcomed all to Croke Park and expressed his delight with the attendance but wondered what could to be done to encourage more females to take part?
For further information contact Robert Prole or visit www.contact-after-retirement.com.
S.L.