Young at Heart: 14 years of tea, laughter and friendship in Kilmacrennan

Some of the best things in life start with a simple cup of tea. Fourteen years ago, in Kilmacrennan, that’s exactly how a little idea grew into something big - a weekly gathering that’s been lifting spirits and sparking friendships ever since.

We first heard about the Young at Heart Group through our friends at the Kilmacrennan Men’s Shed. During one of their coffee mornings, local woman Jane McGettigan stopped by, spotted the Uccello Kettle in action, and later reached out to us to tell us about the wonderful group of women meeting every Tuesday in the village.

It all began when a new parish priest, Father Paddy Dunne, arrived in the area and quickly noticed something important. Many retired women in the parish were living alone, missing loved ones, and feeling a little disconnected from the bustle of community life. Wanting to help, the good Father turned to two friendly faces he often saw chatting after the school run - Jane McGettigan and Emma McGinley.

‘’They always had time for a chat and a walk,’’ he thought. ‘’Maybe they’d have time to bring a few ladies together?’’

Word got out fast, and one crisp October Tuesday, the Young at Heat Group was born. From the moment the doors open on a Tuesday morning you can feel the warmth (and not just because someone’s turned on the heating early!). Kettles boil, tables are set, and the smell of home baking fills the room. As the ladies arrive, the space buzzes with chat, catch-ups, and plenty of laughter.

Back row (left to right): Hilda O Donnell, Jane Mc Garvey, Geraldine Gallagher, Margaret Sweeney, Catherine Ronaghan, Sheila Healhy, Maria Coyle, Joyce Mc Nutt. Front row (left to right): Mary Mc Grenra, Kathleen Mc Daid, Marion Skelly, Ann Doherty, Susan Shields, Noreen Shields, Maureen Mc Cann, Celia Carr.

Some Tuesdays are simple: tea, cake, and good conversation - the perfect recipe for connection. Other weeks, it’s all about learning and trying something new. Over the years, the Young at Heart crew have enjoyed art classes, cookery demos, gardening tips, reflexology, chair aerobics, well-being sessions, and more.

And then there are the outings - always a highlight. Once a month, the group heads out for lunch, sampling Donegal’s finest spots (and let’s just say they’re almost local experts now). Bigger adventures have included visits to Dáil Éireann, Stormont, Wild Ireland Bloom, theatres, distilleries, and some of Ireland’s most beautiful hidden gems.

As one member once said with a smile: “We never would have gotten here or thought we’d go to such a place in our lifetime.’’

One of the group’s most special traditions is inviting local schoolchildren to join them once a year. Pupils from second and sixth class visit to swap stories, play music, and sing songs. In return, the ladies share tales of what childhood was like when they were young - no smartphones, plenty of chores, and just as much fun.

The morning always ends with tea, cake, sweets, and a lively game of bingo. Sometimes there are grandmothers and grandchildren in the same room, laughing and making memories together.

What makes Young at Heart so special isn’t just the activities. It’s the friendship, loyalty, and love that have grown over 14 years. For many, Tuesday morning is the happiest day of the week - a time to talk, laugh, share memories, and feel part of something.

Back row (left to right): Jane McGettigan, Mary Mc Grenra, Brid Mc Daid, Kathleen Mc Daid, Hilda O Donnell, Maureen Mc Cann, Susan Shields, Maria Coyle. Front row (left to right): Sheila Healy, Ann Harkin, Celia Carr, Ann Doherty, Ann O Donnell, Kathleen Mc Garvey, Mary Whoriskey. (Missing from pictures but part of the Young at Heart Group: Lesley Doherty, Sheila Friel, Sarah Mc Carroll, Jophine Murray, Mary Gallagher, Emma McGinley)

Family members often comment on how much their loved ones look forward to it. Some jokingly say there’s no chance of a babysitter on Tuesdays because ‘’Young at Heart is on!’’

There have been sad goodbyes along the way as beloved members passed on, but they’re never forgotten. Their stories and laughter still echo through the group.

For the coordinator Jane McGettigan, it’s a role that is as rewarding as it is busy.

"It’s my pleasure and a privilege to be part of this group,” she says. “They’re a wealth of knowledge on life - and everything in between - all shared with a smile, a laugh, and sometimes a good debate.’’

Loneliness can be invisible, especially for older people. Many assume retirees have full social calendars, but that’s not always true. Groups like Young at Heart provide something priceless - a reason to get up, get out, and feel part of a community.

“Social gatherings are so important,’’ Jane says. “They keep us young.”

With the support of the local community, grants, and volunteers, the group has not only survived but thrived - proof that small efforts can make a huge difference in people’s lives.

This October, the Young at Heart Group celebrates an incredible 14 years of tea, laughter, friendship, and adventure. From its humble beginnings to the vibrant, joy-filled Tuesdays it hosts today, the group shows just how powerful a warm welcome can be.

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Here’s to many more cups of tea, new memories, and good times ahead for the Young at Heart ladies of Kilmacrennan - with a little help from thoughtful tools like the Uccello Kettle that keeps tea flowing and conversations going.

Written by Kellie Anne Lee from Uccello Designs