MU Annual Women’s Getaway 2023
Our All Ireland MU Getaway this year was on the 6th and 7th of October in the Hotel Kilmore, Co Cavan. The event was organised by the All Ireland Reps Liz Greer and Wendy Halligan, under the watchful eye of All Ireland President, June Butler and Hazel Speares, VP Action and Outreach. Our bookings were up on the previous year, and we had a total of 167 attend either part or all of the Getaway. It was great seeing new faces and welcoming back our regulars. Connor Diocese was well represented at the annual Getaway the attendees included Sally, Diocesan President, Irene, Diocesan Secretary, Wendy, A&O Unit Co-coordinator and All Ireland Young Members Rep (Northern Dioceses), Roslyn, North Connor Area Chair, Jacqui, F&P Social Policy Contact, Irene P, F&C Enterprise Rep (Mid & North Connor) and Karen, Muckamore MU Branch.
Our guest speaker was Melanie Douglas, a retired assistant lay pastor from Bangor, who spoke to us on “Living an Abundant Life”. Mel was a very inspirational speaker and we had lots of fun, fellowship, food and laughter, together with some armchair aerobics which was led by Leila Beatie.
On Friday evening, our All Ireland Chaplain, Archdeacon Stephen McBride and his wife Helen joined us and after dinner, we had a session on getting to know our All Ireland Chaplain better better know as “What Helen said!”. The Kilmore, Elphin and Ardagh Diocesan President, Ann Howard and Young Members Representative, Diane Stuart organised Pauline Howard to show us some dance moves. We were very quick learners and the dance floor was alive in no time. Diane also made lovely keepsake bookmarks for everyone who attended, it was the host diocese’s way of sending love and fellowship from KEA back to all the other dioceses in Ireland. The Friday evening closed with an Epilogue led by our All Ireland chaplain Archdeacon Stephen and a short reflection by Mel.
The next morning after breakfast, June, All Ireland President welcomed everyone to the Getaway. During Saturday Mel covered 3 sessions in the morning, What is this abundant life, How can we have this abundant life and then time out for personal reflection which included the use of the lovely gardens at Hotel Kilmore. The sun shone which made it more pleasant to walk, sit, and share stories, while at the same time enjoying the Cavan autumn colours around us.
Mel played her guitar and sang some of her own pieces as well as singing several praise songs which we all joined in with. The singing was amazing by all present. During the Getaway, Mel gave everyone the opportunity to talk to her privately and to pray with them if requested. Mel was an inspiring lady who glows with positivity and the Christian faith, it was such a joy to have Mel as our guest speaker. Mid-day prayers were led by Kilmore, Elphin and Ardagh’s chaplain, Revd Richard Waller.
The Getaway was a wonderful opportunity for our members to enjoy a little “me time” in our busy lives. The Hotel Kilmore proved to be a wonderful venue, with great food and also a very relaxing atmosphere. Everyone commented on how much they enjoyed reconnecting with old friends and making new ones. There was a great sense of fun and fellowship throughout our time away. At the end of the Getaway, it was great to see new friendships being formed and the exchanging of phone numbers.
Save the date for our 2024 Getaway. Venue Armagh City Hotel, on the 11th and 12th of October 2024. See you all there!
