University of the Third Age moving into the digital age
The perception that older people often struggle with the digital world is being quashed by the members of the Monaghan U3A or University of the Third Age.
Friday, February 13th’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the 700-member-strong group, which operates a wide range of social, educational, cultural, artistic, wellbeing and travel events for the over 50s, heard of considerable progress towards becoming cashless in its operations.
Chairperson Pauline Treanor thanked the members for favouring electronic payments for most of their activities, significantly reducing the risks associated with cash transactions. “We are moving towards cashless functioning and I want to thank you all for embracing the changes,” she stated.
Treasurer Michael Halton said that in the last three years Monaghan U3A has made great strides with technology.
“People think older people don’t adapt to change easily,” he remarked, “but we as an organisation have really embraced change. Instead of paying our €15 annual membership fee in cash, we now tap or pay online.
“Hopefully in the next little while we will be using QR codes to record our payments for classes.”
The members’ desire to become more ICT-proficient was reflected in a presentation from students Michael, Lucas and Morgan of St Macartan’s College in Monaghan Town, Transition Years who are involved in a school initiative to assist older learners in building their digital knowledge.
“This turned out to be one of the most rewarding parts of my Transition Year,” Michael reflected. “I quickly learned that many older people didn’t grow up with technology so things we find simple can be overwhelming.
“The exercise was not just teaching ICT – we spent time chatting and this allowed real connections to grow. This showed me that interaction between younger and older people is very important and made the experience more meaningful and rewarding.”
Michael said he gained a lot from the experience including developing his patience and empathy. “Technology is not just about communication screens; it is about people.”
The students told the U3A members that anyone who wishes to improve their skills should contact St Macartan’s and they will be paired with a student to help them learn.
TRAVEL CLUB
The AGM, held in Monaghan’s Four Seasons Hotel, also heard a presentation from Monaghan Town’s O’Hanrahan Travel Ltd, which has established a new Travel Club for U3A members, details of which were circulated to the attendees.
“It is an absolute pleasure and honour to take you away to far-flung places,” said the company’s Managing Director Mark Clifford, pointing out that O’Hanrahan’s had celebrated its 100th birthday in 2025.
Monaghan U3A already has a busy 2026 in terms of itineraries for trips and outings. Geraldine Kelly, in delivering the secretary’s report, mentioned a four-night Danube cruise with stops in Vienna, Budapest and Bratislava; and a visit by the U3A Spanish class to Cádiz.
Trips to Cork and Munich, a foreign exchange sojourn to Tours, and visits to Dublin’s Botanic Gardens, Kilmainham Gaol Museum and the Gaiety Theatre to see a performance of Arthur Miller’s ‘The Crucible’ starring Monaghan actor Charlene McKenna are also planned.
Tributes were paid to Treasurer Michael Halton who is stepping down from the role after his three-year term to be replaced by Padraig Rocks.
Presenting a detailed picture of the accounts, Mr Halton said that €117,000 was the total expenditure for a year, which had seen Monaghan U3A members engage in 14 activities and seven trips. He described the cash balance as “reasonably healthy”.
Vice-Chair Gerry O’Toole, who has also reached the end of his term, was given a warm ovation by the attendance for what the chairperson described as his “unstinting leadership and commitment”.
It was also stated at the AGM that members who reach the age of 90 years will enjoy honorary membership.
Donation to Palliative Care
Separately, a presentation was made to the Cavan Monaghan Palliative Care organisation at the meeting.
The need for end-of-life care is increasing in the Cavan/Monaghan area, members heard.
This was stated by Peter McDermott of the Cavan Monaghan Palliative Care organisation when he attended the AGM of the Monaghan U3A or University of the Third Age at the Four Seasons Hotel in Monaghan Town last Friday, February 13.
Mr McDermott attended to receive a cheque presentation from Monaghan U3A Chairperson Pauline Treanor, who said that €3,000 was being given to the palliative care provider from the proceeds of a fund-raising Christmas carol service.
Thanking the U3A members for their contribution, Mr McDermott explained that it would be used to boost the Cavan Monaghan Palliative Care Fund, which was established in 1993 and is used to support the work of the specialist palliative care team in the two counties.
He noted that his organisation receives no Government funding whatsoever. All its funds come from “people like yourselves”, individuals and organisations across Cavan and Monaghan who wish to support their work.
Mr McDermott said the fund works to support the specialist care team in whatever way they require. It purchases equipment and provides a hardship fund for families.
“There is no bureaucracy attached to this fund,” he stressed. “If word comes through that a family is in need, a cheque is with the relevant nurse within two hours.
“There are no delays because the needs picked up by the nurses when they visit patients in their own homes are immediate. All funds spent are spent through the palliative care team – if they do not authorise a payment, it is not made.
“It is all spent on the people of Cavan and Monaghan being treated by the team, and unfortunately the need for this care, and for the fund, is increasing every year.”
He encouraged the AGM attendees to visit the fund website to learn more about how it came into being, its aims and its constitution.