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Annual General Meeting
The annual general meeting of the Omeath Active Retirement Group took place in the Dolmen Centre, Omeath, on Wednesday, 30th March, 2005.

The following committee was elected; Honorary President - Bernadette Gaskin, Chairperson - Mary Callaghan, Vice Chairperson - Mary O' Shea, Secretary - Mai Bruen, Assistant Secretary - Eileen Dyson, Treasurer - Dympna Woods, Assistant Treasurer - Eileen Guy, Committee members - Mary O' Hagan, Chris Doyle, Peggy Bruen, Mona Daly and Teresa Reilly.

Following the meeting, the group enjoyed a beautiful meal in the Park Hotel.

Omeath Active Retirement Group was established in April 2003 on the initiative of Omeath District Development (ODD), having identified a need for a recreational and social facility for mature members of the community. Following consultation and discussion, it was decided to form an Active Retirement Group. Under the Fás Social Economy Programme, Omeath District Development employed Patricia O' Hagan to the position of facilitator.

In March 2003, Tony Henry manager of ODD and Patricia O' Hagan, began to research the project by making contact with groups both North and South of the border who were involved in similar activities. Following intensive community consultation, ideas and suggestions were heard and discussed by prospective members of the group. Following these discussions, visits were arranged to a number of established groups such as Summer Hill Active Retirement Group, Drogheda Active Retirement Group and Newry's Active Retirement Group and University 3rd Age. We received wonderful support and encouragement from these groups who offered to address our meetings. The North Eastern Health Board and Public Health Nurse were notified about our intention to establish an Active Retirement Group in the area. Omeath District Development agreed to act as sponsor of the group.

The first official meeting of the group took place on the 6th of May 2003 in the Dolmen Centre, Omeath. At this meeting, it was decided that the group would adopt a consultation format in which all activities chosen are directed exclusively to the members. The objectives of the group were also discussed and set at this meeting, these include:

	Providing the optimal, dignified and secure living conditions for the aged in their homes.
	Secondly to create individual and community based social networks to enhance life quality and reduce loneliness and generally provide opportunities for people to have a good time.
	Thirdly to develop professional support networks through the agencies i.e. Health Board officials and the Gardai.
	The final objective of the group was to provide a drop in centre to accommodate a variety of needs and activities at any given time.

Since those very early stages, the group has enjoyed many outings and practical activities, including trips, art classes and very popular table quizzes. They have adopted their own constitution and become members of The Federation of Active Retirement Groups.

As of 2004, the members of the Omeath Active Retirement Group are embarking on their second year and are currently involved in art classes, " get active" sessions which promote healthy living, socialising and cross border communications. They also make good use of the Louth County Council Library service based in the drop in centre.

For the future, the group want to develop a service for those senior citizens in our community who for a variety of reasons have not attended the drop in centre and may require a different support service and also community support.