The weather was wet, grey and dismal as 14 stalwarts (not being put off by a drop of rain ! ) gathered at Donabate/Portrane Community Centre for a trip to Glasnevin Cemetery and Casino in Marino. On arrival at Glasnevin Cemetery we met our guide for the tour, Grainne. Our first stop was at the Daniel O’Connell crypt which is beneath the cemeterys’ most conspicuous architectural feature, a round tower, the tallest in Ireland. It was a fitting place as Grainne explained that Daniel O’Connell,’ The Liberator’, was the founder of the cemetery. It was opened in 1832 as a non-denominational graveyard, the first of its kind in Ireland, and is the final resting place of some 1.5 million people. Since the first burial on 22nd February 1832 the Glasnevin authorities have maintained a record of every single burial in the cemetery. We finished our tour at the grave of Michael Collins near the main building;. After a lovely lunch in the cafe we set off to our second destination of the day Casino in Marino. The Casino ( casino= small house, not a gambling establishment) was built as a summer or pleasure house for James Caulfield the 1st Earl of Charlmont and is all that remains of his 18th century demesne at Marino. All in all a very enjoyable day, the weather relented and both places were fascinating with excellent guides.Just a reminder that Registration for our Spring Term takes place on the 9th and 10th of January between 11.00 - 14.00 so come along and meet your friends and sign up for one of our classes. You have such a choice from Pilates to Singing and Art to Yoga, Tai Chi, Sit and Get Fit to Stronger for Longer. Our age profile is from 55 to 90 so I am sure you will find something to suit you. Reminder Our AGM will take place on the 17th of January at 11.00a.m. and we hope to have a speaker at it to talk about the Healthy Age Friendly Homes Programme. To finish we would like to wish all our members a happy and healthy 2023!