Denis Commins being presented with his birthday cake by Jim Nolan, Vice-Chair of RAMS; Denis Commins and Mario Aprile, RAMS’s treasurer. Denis is also well-known for his involvement with Peamount United
RAMS member Denis is on the ball at 80th celebrations
THE Newcastle-based RAMS (Retired Active Men’s Social) kicked off 2024 in a celebratory fashion when they marked the 80th birthday of one of their members, Denis Commins.
The celebration took place last week on January 11 and marked the group’s first engagement of the year, where they presented Denis with a birthday cake from his fellow RAMS.
Denis is well-known in Newcastle due to his longstanding involvement in local groups such as Peamount United Football Club and the Newcastle Lyons Development Trust.
He has also been the chairperson of St Finian’s Community Hall – where his birthday celebration was held – and is a past recipient of South Dublin County Council’s endeavours award.
Matt Dowling, the secretary of RAMS, told The Echo: “It has become a custom of RAMS to celebrate the 80th and 90th birthdays of any of our members, and much to the joy of all of our members.
“Our musical director, Liam O’Donnell, gave a rousing rendition of ‘Happy Birthday’ and a good auld Tipperary song for Denis, ‘Slieve na mBan’.
“All the members joined in the sing-song, and a wonderful morning was had, and enjoyed by all.”
It was a fittingly uplifting occasion that set the RAMS’ choir, called RAMS in Rhythm, in good stead for their singing engagements in the coming weeks.
They will be singing in the Mill Centre in Clondalkin later this month for a customer appreciation event, and are hoping to do more performances with the aim of continuing to fundraise for charity.
The RAMS social group is also gearing up for an eventful year, which will include social events, outings and a day trip – and they will continue to meet in St Finian’s Community Hall every Thursday morning.
