Members attending their 15th Anniversary Function – Front row, L-R – Phillip Devlin, Ciarán Dowling, Paddy Becton, Liam Sheedy, Hugh Rooney, Eddie Mc Crory, John Keegan, Bill Mc Mahon. Back row – L-R – Joe Lilly, Michael Fogerty, Liam Kenny, Michael Baneham, Liam O Donnell, Matt Dowling, Paddy Duggan, Damian Byrne, Adrian Byrne, Tay Nvo, Joe Delaney, Mario Aprile.
The RAMS, Retired Active Men’s Social, RAMS, celebrated their 15th Anniversary with a wonderful day in the Louis Fitzgerald hotel Clondalkin on Friday 17th October.
Where have they gone those fifteen great year’s
Since that small group of men got together
They’ve flown away like birds on a wing
Or leaves I the wintertime weather.
With 60% of our members and their guests attending, the day started with a lovely reception in the hotel foyer, hosted by the RAMS. Everyone arriving in their good attire, some proudly displaying their RAMS ties, and tie pins, and a great sense of laughter heard ringing in the air.
We were honoured to have our local TD’S attend our function, and we were so grateful to Minister Emer Higgins, TD Shane Moynihan, and our very own Cllr. Shirley O Hara, to give of their valuable time to attend. With the opening speeches given by our master of ceremonies, Mario Aprile, and calling our Chairman Mr Paddy Becton to address the members and distinguished guests.
Our founder member Matt Dowling spoke of the foundation of RAMS in 2010, and the formation of the name RAMS. Retired Active Men’s Social. Matt joked of all the visits wht RAMS went to, including many castles, museums, Breweries, distilleries, and the famous Cliffs of Moher, and Doolin village. Matt spoke of the tremendous support the RAMS received from the HSE Lottery, to upgrade the Community centre, purchased equipment, repair equipment, and provided funding for hospitality.
The RAMS were formed in October 2010, we had our first meeting, and elected Jim Nolan as our Chair. Matt continued of the success and the initial activities of RAMS. Graveyard mapping, Educational trips, Clare was a wonderful overnight experience, Acknowledging members 80 and 90 birthdays. Continued Christmas functions each year, invitation the Aras an Uachtarán to meet with President Higgins, thanks to Emer Higgans. Visits to Leinster house, Dublin castle, Mansion house, recognition by Pride of Place and Best Community group by South Dublin County Council, and Lord Mayors recognition award from the SDCC
Matt was very optimistic, in gesturing he will be at the next 15th Anniversary??? Minister Emer Higgins gave a tremendous speech, and congratulated them on the RAMS success, and reaching 15 years as a great group of men. Following the speeches, the RAMS in Rhythm, and their Musical Director Mr Liam O Donnell, made a financial donation of €1000 to each of our four charities.
- Down syndrome Kildare
- 4 District St Vincent de Paul
- Capuchin de Centre
- Our Lady’s Hospice Harold’s Cross
Or long time member Mr John Keegan presented Matt Dowling witha wonderful poem and plaque on the success of the RAMS.
A TRIBUTE TO THE RAMS ON THEIR 15 YEARS CELEBRATION
FIFTEEN YEARS A -GROWING
Where have they gone those fifteen great years
Since that small group of men got together
They’ve flown away like birds on a wing
Or leaves I the wintertime weather
Some laughed and made fun when first heard our name,
And gave us no chance of surviving
Now 15 years gone, it’s clear they were wrong,
For the RAMS are still active and thriving.
They year after year, new friends would appear,
When news of the RAMS Spread around,
For men “the right age” it became “all the rage”
As a new way of living they found.
Now life is a cycle, the years take their toll,
With many true loyal friends new departed
We remember them all, their names we recall,
And pray they were justly rewarded.
Today we give thanks to those first gallant men,
And their “Founder in Chief” You Know who!!
Now raise up your glass, to the years that have passed,
And in chorus shout out-RAMS ABU
John Keegan, October 2025
With a super lunch, and some great entertainment by the Elderly Brothers, and our very own members doing their party piece, we had a wonderful afternoon.
With many thanks to the Louis Fitzgerald Hotel for all their hospitality, and wonderful service, and to Louis Fitzgerald would personally call to wish us all a very Happy Anniversary.
Not happy to sit on our laurels, the RAMS in Rhythm will be back in The Whitewater Shopping centre on Saturday 8th November ad fundraising for Down syndrome Kildare.
