The Laois Association Dublin is looking for new members to help them continue the proud tradition which dates back to 1949.
In keeping with its history of providing engaging guest speakers at their events, the Laois Association Dublin will have Minister for Foreign Affairs Charlie Flanagan to speak on Ireland and Brexit.
He will speak on April 11 in the Jackson Court Hotel.
The association in its present guise was established in 1949 to provide a welcome to and cater for the Laois Senior Hurling team who reached that year’s All Ireland Final. An association of sorts had existed back in the 1930s, although no official records remain from it.
“Our membership numbers about 75 of which obviously the vast majority are Laois natives, a few spouses sneaked in along the way, but they are most welcome,” explained association chairman Gerry Thompson.
Membership of the association is made up for the most part by retired people, many former gardai, civil servants and teachers.
“We have about six or seven events each year. These range from trips, normally one in Dublin and one to Laois, to guest speakers , table quizzes, ecumenical services and of course our Christmas Party,” Mr Thompson said.
“The majority of our events take place in the Jackson Court Hotel, Harcourt Street. A venue perhaps more famous for its Coppers Nightclub. The owners of The Jackson Court are Cathal and Paula Jackson who we owe a big debt of gratitude. Cathal is of course a Laois man,” he said.
Like any organisation, Laois Association Dublin faces a challenge in attracting new members. Last year they wrote to everyone they knew from Laois living in Dublin to entice new members to join and they are continuously on the look-out for new members.
“Moving to Dublin in 1940s was a life changing odyssey, now it is a daily commute,” Mr Thompson said.
The need the association filled back then is probably not there anymore, but the members are still very committed ones.
“Everyone in the association loves being in it,” he said.
The chairman added that it is an important outlet for the members in Dublin.
“About 95% of our members are retired but they are a very up-to-date, informed group of people. They are very in tune with current affairs so we try and pick speakers who appeal to them,” Mr Thompson said.
High profile
And they also enjoy some high profile members, with Senator David Norris a regular attendee. He has strong Laois connections and is on the record that he will be buried in with his ancestors near Trumera in Mountrath.
RTÉ weather presenter Evelyn Cusack is a past guest speaker and regularly attends their events, as does another RTÉ colleague Eileen Dunne.
Speakers for the association in the past have included Liam O’Neill, who was about to take over as GAA president, and RTÉ’s Claire Byrne.
Anyone who is interested in joining the Association can email laoisindublin@eircom.net or contact Mr Thompson on 087 9547389.
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