In 1988 the Summerhill Active Retirement Group was established in response to the lack of facilities available to many members of the older community. This was the brainchild of Mary Nally, who from her first-hand experience of nursing older people at St. Joseph's Hospital in Trim, Co. Meath, was well aware of the negative health implications of lack of activities and isolation on older people. An approach to the older people in the village was met with great enthusiasm and support.

Initial monthly meetings were held and socials and outings for retired people were organised. Interest grew and membership increased as more older people wished to become more active and involved with their community. In June 1997, the North Eastern Health Board made premises available to the Active Retirement group, now with their own premises in Summerhill the group could set about establishing the Third Age Resource and Information Centre. This made it possible for the group to develop a greater cohesion, to improve the quality of meetings, to operate more efficiently and to establish a support office to progress projects, plan activities and represent the interests of the members both nationally and internationally.

At present the active retirement group consists of about 90 members, ranging in age from 55 to 95. The members of our group are not only extremely active for their age, but show an enormous passion for learning and a willingness to help others.

The group take part in many different activities. Click here to view list of activities - you might be surprised! Send us a mail and let us know what you are doing in your area or post your upcoming event on our noticeboard by submitting details by mail and don't forget to check out what's on.