Ballinasloe retirement book set to be launched

The retirement community of Ballinasloe are preparing to welcome esteemed RTÉ’s GAA broadcaster Mícheál ” Muircheartaigh and friends to Gullane’s Hotel on Friday, November 5, at 7pm. Mícheál will be launching a new book entitled 'A Note to Self’ written by Maureen Cahalan with the generous support of the Ballinasloe Retirement Focus Group. Mayor Pat O’Sullivan who was part of the group said: “It was very fitting for Mícheál to launch this beautiful book as he has just retired from broadcasting and we are all delighted to welcome him in good health to our beautiful town.” The book explores the opportunities that life does not end with change; rather, it creates a new horizon which allows us an opportunity to understand ourselves better. This is Maureen’s first publication and reflects on the experience of being bereaved and the journey to retirement. Maureen explained: “One day, we find ourselves in a lonely and isolated place which can create fear, anxiety and a sense of hopefulness. I discovered that I was not alone. People who have found themselves bereaved, retired or separated go through lonely times. Without choosing to, we become the silent voices of our community.” With time agony and anxiety turn to hope and with hope comes freedom to see who we are and what we have. We are all made to feel uniquely different; therefore, our way of coping with change is unique to ourselves,” she explained. The book is complemented with stunning photographic images of Connemara where Maureen was inspired to write this, her debut book 'A Note to Self.’ Maureen was supported with her book by contributions from people in Ballinasloe and England who wanted to share their own experiences. The book is a must for people who are nearing retirement, in retirement and who have been bereaved. 'A Note to Self’ replaces the isolation that people experience with bereavement and replace with messages of hope and encouragement.