Younger retirees in Mayo encouraged to join their local Active Retirement Association

Active Retirement Ireland is encouraging more people from Mayo, particularly younger retirees, to become members and embrace positive ageing, as the largest membership organisation for older people in the country kicked off its 14th annual National Bowls Competition, sponsored by Spry Finance, at the Gleneagle INEC Arena in Killarney.

The flagship event, taking place until Thursday, November 5 is bringing together more than 270 older people from across the country, making up 68 teams, to compete in the tournament. All teams are made up of members of Active Retirement Associations (ARA’s).

There are more than 500 local Active Retirement Associations in communities across Ireland including in Mayo. These are groups of older people who come together to organise social events and activities that foster social connection and help reduce loneliness, supported by the national body, Active Retirement Ireland.

As part of its new Strategic Plan 2026-2030, Active Retirement Ireland has set an ambitious target to grow its membership by 10,000 new members, with a particular focus on attracting younger retirees from Mayo, more men and newer arrivals to Ireland. This growth will help enhance and sustain the range of engaging activities offered by ARA’s in Mayo, and on a national level.

Kicking off this year’s National Bowls Competition in Killarney, Mai Quaid, national president of Active Retirement Ireland, said: “The National Bowls Competition illustrates what a vibrant and active membership we have at Active Retirement Ireland, and I am heartened to once again see participation from retirees with a keen interest in sport and competition from all across the country.

“Interaction and social connection are key to maintaining a healthy and fulfilling life in later life. We are particularly encouraging people from Mayo who have recently entered retirement to join us as members, and benefit from the many social events and activities we host throughout the year, helping to ensure they never lose those vital pillars of wellbeing: community, movement and purpose.”

The indoor mat bowls tournament will include 17 teams from Kerry, 13 teams from Cork, nine from Carlow, five from Galway, four teams each from Waterford and Wexford, three from each of counties Kildare, Kilkenny and Laois, two each from Meath and Cavan, and one each from Dublin, Wicklow and Westmeath.

Winners will be announced at a special presentation on the evening of Thursday, November 5.

For more information about Active Retirement Ireland, visit here.