It’s doubtful if any group of retired folk travel as much as retired teachers do, what with children, grandchildren and other relatives spread throughout the world whom we have to visit. Then once our passports get the feet of movement no corner of the earth is safe from us dropping in. It seems the very skills that got us through a teaching career are easily adaptable to overseas travel and foreign parts become irresistable. How wonderful then when a large group of RTAI members descend on Knockadoon for a home fixture as it were, with a relaxed mindset ready for adventure.
Taking no chances with the weather our welcoming hostess, Mary Cahill, who generously makes her home our destination, arranged to twin Knockadoon and the Dominican Republic- weatherwise for one day only. With weather worries creatively parked we applied our factor 50 sun cream.
As we walked the “cliff walk plus” with Derry Keogh leading and Dick Waide as sweeper we met students of the Coláiste Ghaeilge. Such was our vibe it was easy to think we were as carefree as they were. It the students were very lucky the grub awaiting them was half as good as what we faced and devoured with relish. Martin’s apprenticeship in the kitchen is back on track. Having to repeat the “washing up” module has not proved too great a burden and he got “A” plus for “heavy-lifting” in this year’s test. A.N.Other, on lifting a slightly damp tea towel, reawakened the elbow strain that last year’s gold medal-winning feat had caused. Thankfully the injury did not kick in until after the photo was taken!
With nobody needed for yard duty, all the assembled relaxed and relived the 14km walked and explained the 20,000 steps taken to the non-techie members. Such was the array of goodies for dessert it’s likely the good work of the walk was largely undone. Mary Cahill’s Céad Míle Fáilte once more leaves us in her debt. Well done and thanks to all who chipped in to make Cnoc an Dúin 2025 a total Wow!
Seán O Callanáin
Griangrafanna ó Martin Conroy (A+ “heavy-lifting”)
RTAI CORK BLOG - Suíomh na Múinteoirí Scortha Chorcaí 