Pictures: Kilkenny hosts 27th annual Retired Nurses Association of Ireland conference

Hundreds of retired nurses gathered in Kilkenny’s Rivercourt Hotel last week for the 27th annual conference of the Retired Nurses Association of Ireland (RNAI).

The event also marked the 30th anniversary of the founding of the RNAI. ​Members enjoyed a busy couple of days, with events ranging from a golf classic on Monday and a gala dinner in the evening.

The conference was opened by Mayor of Kilkenny Andrew McGuinness, who highlighted the crucial role nurses play in healthcare and noted that everyone at some point in their lives will be helped by a nurse.

Attendees were welcomed by RNAI national president Kevin Igoe, who said Kilkenny was a fitting setting, where history, creativity and conversation come together.

Cllr John Coonan, who is chair of the Kilkenny branch of the Retired Nurses Association of Ireland, said the 30th anniversary was a proud milestone for the organisation. He thanked attendees and speakers for their contributions, as well as local and national committees, and conference coordinators.

Guest speakers included Patricia Rickard Clarke on the topic of safeguarding and planning aghead, as well as Dr Evan Matthews, whose talk was titled ‘How our Lifestyles Effect our Mental Health’. Dr Matthews is a lecturer in health and mental health promotion, and a researcher in the facutly of Health Sciences,  Centre for Health Behaviour Research, South East Technological University.

The event concluded on Tuesday with an ecumenical service hosted by Fr Dan Carroll and Rev Heidi Good, followed by a conference dinner and music by The Checkers.