RMA News December 2021

As I prepare this article it is early January so I would like to begin by wishing everyone a very happy and safe New Year even though we may be well into 2022 when you get to read this.  We again begin this New Year in very difficult times and I urge you all to stay safe.

After eighteen months of zoom meetings the RMA management committee resumed our normal meetings in September and had planned to continue but of course we will be governed by public health restrictions. The next management committee meeting is scheduled for February 16th in Ennis.

We also held an EGM in Tralee in October 2021 to ratify decisions taken by the management committee in the absence of AGMs in May 2020 and 2021 as per RMA constitution. It is hoped that the AGM can take place in May 2022 in line with the RMA constitution.

Many RMA branches had resumed holding meetings during the last school term but due to the current public health restrictions, meetings cannot be held but I would encourage branch officers to keep in contact with RMA members as best they can.

Spring Break.

Normally, about this time, regulars on our Breaks would be contacted by email or letter advising about the booking arrangements.  This year there are some changes:

We are assuming that a degree of normality will have returned to the Hospitality Industry by the end of March.  The Break is scheduled for Treacy’s West County Hotel in Ennis on March 29th, 30th and 31st.  Tours have not yet been finalised, but we are planning a visit to Limerick’s King John’s Castle and the Hunt Museum on one day, and a ferry trip to Inis Oirr returning under the Cliffs of Moher the next day.

Booking arrangements:  Intending participants on the Break should wait until it is clear that the Break will be possible under Government Health guidelines in force before attempting to book.  We would advise waiting until February 7th at least.  Assuming all is well, that leaves a three-week window – as the hotel would need to know numbers by March 1st.  The price is €180.00 pps and €210 for a single, covering three nights DBB.  Booking forms are not being used this year, so you ring Treacy’s West County Hotel on 065 6869600 quoting RMATUI as the reference.

If you are joining us in Ennis you are also asked to email the RMATUI Chairperson: rmachair@tuimail.ie giving names, and indicating whether you want to be included in the tour numbers for each day.  This is important for confirming our needs with our bus driver(s).

We are also assuming that all intending participants are fully vaccinated and have received the Booster shot, and naturally will be required to comply with all public health regulations in force at the time.

RMA AGM.

Members and in particular branch secretaries should note that as a result of motions passed at AGM 2018  March 1st is the deadline for the submission of amendments to the RMA constitution and  for motions to AGM which will take place on May 18th in Galway’s Harbour Hotel. If you have any amendments or motions please submit them to me at rmasec@tuimail.ie before that date March 1st.

Keep safe everyone

Dan Keane, RMA Secretary.