September 2026 Update

UNITED NATIONS - DECADE OF HEALTHY AGEING.   2021 – 2030

https://www.decadeofhealthyageing.org/

Adding Life to Year

1. POST SEPTEMBER 2026 MEETING UPDATE

Eileen S welcomed everyone back to our monthly meetings after our Summer break.   She particularly welcomed those who came along for the first time.   Our monthly meetings feature a diverse range of topics of interests and a wide variety of speakers.

This month was no exception.  We welcomed Professor Anne Parle, DCU School of Biotechnology and Director of DCU Life Sciences Institute.   She explained that she is a geneticists, having graduated from Trinity College Dublin.  The whole area of genetics and DNA is one of her passions and interests.   She subsequently completed her PhD in the Royal College of Surgeons.

To a room full to capacity Professor Anne Parle explained her initial involvement and work on the Yeast genome sequencing project and since 2017/2018 in the whole area of environmental DNA and how her knowledge and skills/techniques acquired was transferrable and relevant to non human DNA.      

Prof Parle introduced us to a whole new area of DNA in our environment.   She explained how scientists are using DNA in the air, soil, water sampling, fish, potatoes, fruit flies, and others to gain insights into the ecosystems and in particular her own research and collaborations.  

At the end we thanked Professor Parle for accepting our invitation and presenting the topic in such an entertaining, enjoyable and relaxed way and wished her all the best with her ongoing research.  

2. CHRISTMAS VISIT TO NATIONAL CONCERT HALL - Dec 8 2026 – 1pm

Lillian shared the following information regarding the NCH Christmas lunchtime with the National Symphony Orchestra Ireland on December 8 2026. ​​​​​​​    Christopher Bell, conductor, will bring a lunchtime concert packed with seasonal classics. 

Individuals can book online themselves at a cost of €25.   She said that if there are more than 10 individuals listed there is a group 10% deduction at €22.50.   After concert lunch in the NCH Restaurant menu is Turkey & Ham dinner from December to January.   It will cost €45 for a two course meal – there is also a standard menu which most members availed of last year. 

Lillian will have a form ready for the October 14 2026 meeting and individuals can indicate their choice for Concert/Dinner.  Payment will be collected at the  Oct or Nov. meeting 

3. OPEN DAY BALDOYLE RACECOURSE COMMUNITY CENTRE – SEPT 19

Margaret advised that we will be displaying at the BRCC Open Day which was scheduled for September 19 2026,

4. HARVEST SOCIAL EVENT OCT 6 2026 - FINGAL OLDER PERSONS COUNCIL

Eileen advised the meeting that the Fingal OPC Harvest Social Dance will take place at Kettles Country House Hotel, Lispopple just outside Swords on Oct 6 from 2pm to 5pm.   Attendees who expressed an interest in attending have been registered but we wish to advise that there are still 2 places available.   If you wish to come along please email u3asutbal@gmail.com before Wednesday September 23 at 5pm.   There is special free transport available from Swords beside the taxi rank at the side of Fingal County Council which will depart at 13.15 for those who are registered for the Social and indicating availing of transport.  There is a €5 ‘admission’ on arrival. 

5.    DCU AGE FRIENDLY UNIVERSITY – LIFELONG LEARNING MODULES

The meeting was updated on the recent Taste of DCU event and said that registration for DCU's Lifelong Learning Programme modules was opening on Monday September 14th and to keep an eye out as some of the very popular modules are booked early .   The programme starts early October 2026 and prices range from €90-160.  

You can visit their website and register for your preferred programme there. All the information is on the Google form for each subject. - Registrations via email. 

You can see what's is available this semester here: https://www.dcu.ie/agefriendly/learning-opportunities-dcu-2026

Contact DCU: grainne.reddy@dcu.ie | Phone: 087 495 2547

6. DUBLIN HISTORY EVENTS.

The Festival of History will run from 26 September to 11 October 2026.

A number of brochures were distributed listing the free Fingal events organised by Fingal libraries.  Have a look and reserve your place.

https://www.fingal.ie/news/fingal-festival-history-celebrates-decade-discovery

Dublin City Council, and organised by Dublin City Libraries, in partnership with the Dublin City Council Culture Company also has extensive free events .

https://dublinfestivalofhistory.ie/

https://dublinfestivalofhistory.ie/events/

Extra European History Day Event Added

There is a fifth event to the line up in The Royal Irish Academy of Music on Sunday 11th October 2026.  ‘  The Victory of a Peaceful Revolution: The Story of Solidarność

7. AGE ACTION – POSITIVE AGING WEEK September 25th - October 2nd 2026

Go to their website to get some ideas.  https://www.ageaction.ie/get-involved/positive-ageing-week/

Look out for local events.

8. INTERNATIONAL DAY OF OLDER PERSONS – OCT 1 2026

Again lots of international events you may wish to join including  

•    To mark the International Day of Older Persons on 1 October 2026, IFA will host a global virtual dialogue bringing together colleagues from the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations, and countries around the world to explore progress, persistent gaps and priorities for action. The discussion will spotlight multisectoral action and innovation, considering how the policies, partnerships and investments we make today can help build longevity-ready societies for decades to come. 

• Oct 8 2026  the United Nations Headquarters in New York - Event Details

Date: Thursday, 8 October 2026

Time: 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Go on to the UN website.

9. AGE ACTION – 5K RUN,  ST ANNES PARK RAHENY October 4th  https://www.ageaction.ie/events-challenges/age-actions-big-5k/

This email has been sent to the wider  U3A community in Dublin, from Ciara Monaghan, Age Action  

The Age Action’s BIG 5K charity walk will be taking place next month  

October 4th  2026, in St Annes Park, Raheny.

What: Age Action’s Big 5K
Where: St Anne’s Park, Dublin 5
When: Sunday, 4th October, 11am
Why: To support Age Action and make a difference

Tickets including booking fee €19.80

Age Action would like to invite some U3A members to share the day as their guests and to express their gratitude for our ongoing support and interest.  

As these places are limited Ciara asks that the names of those interested be sent as soon as possible and for inclusion to a guest list.

This event will be used to raise vital funds towards Age Action’s work and we would be grateful if any participating U3A groups or individuals joining us would consider making a donation towards the event.

For all inquiries regarding this event and to confirm for our guestlist, please contact Thomas McEvoy (thomas.mcevoy@ageaction.ie) and he would be delighted to help

10. EUROPA EXPERIENCE DUBLIN OFFICE. 

Sheila updated the meeting on her visit to the above office.   This office is 11 Chatham Stree Dublin. It is certainly worth putting on your list.    It is open to the public 7 days per week and entry is free of charge.   Groups over 10 are encouraged to book in advance and there is a opportunity to try out the interactive ‘role play game’.    

Further information on the following website.

 https://irish-presidency.consilium.europa.eu/

11.  NEXT MEETING – OCTOBER 14 2026.

Our next meeting will take place on Wednesday Oct 14 2026.

For this meeting it is hoped to have tea/coffee available on arrival and suggest that, if possible, could you bring your own cup. 

We will welcome Ciara Monaghan, Policy & Engagement Officer with Age Action to our Group.  

For the first section of our meeting Ciara will brief us on  The Priorities, Strategic Approach and Practice of the Age Action Advocacy Team in shaping and informing public policy that affects all of us as we age.  This meeting will be one week after the budget – you will recall Age Actions Budget 27 submission was circulated previously.

The second section of our meeting there will be group discussion on the opportunities for the development and organisation of our U3A group.   Ciara’s role includes engagement with U3A Groups in Ireland and setting up new ones and will help to facilitate group discussion

At this stage of our growth and development more volunteers are needed to be part of the ongoing organising teams, especially researching, sourcing,  booking speakers and social/cultural events that continues to deliver our high quality extensive programme.   A number of information leaflets were circulated at the September 2026 meeting.

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Next Meeting

BALDOYLE RACECOURSE COMMUNITY CENTRE

OCTOBER 14 2026

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ES/September 21 2026.