Dec 31st 2008

Castlemahon ICA Guild who completed a Flower arranging course with Tutor Gill Finn recently.
Front Row:L to R
Ann Marie O'Brien,Renee Barrett and Ann Lynch.
Middle Row L to R :
Mary O'Connell,Bridie O'Connor,Gill Finn (Tutor),Kathleen Condon,Helen mcEnery,Carrie Mullane,Rita King,Eileen Relihan,Eileen Cremin and Ann Nash.
Back Row L to R:
Mary Hallinan,Margaret keating,Ann Daly,Pat Kennedy,Nuala Condon,Monica McCarthy,Mai Fitzgerald,Wendy McMahon,Margaret Coughlan,Maureen ,Hennessy and Clare O'Mahony.



Ag Breathnú Síar

As the old year closes people become nostalgic, remembering hopes and dreams of past years, recalling happy occasions and events, and of course recalling those who have left us.

During 2008, ICA faced many challenges, both organisational and financial. Members were given the opportunity to reinvent or close down, decisions were taken, opportunities identified, and the way forward clarified.

Grange and Cappagh guilds had reasons to celebrate their 40th birthdays and Castleconnell guild, which was formed in 1978, was also proud of its longevity.

Adding to the list of literary works which have been published by and about the Irish Countrywomen’s Association was ‘A History of Glin ICA

1971 –2008’,compiled by the members themselves.

The Adare Guild, having the advantage and wisdom of over 60 years experience, organised a most successful National Poetry Competition. Entries came from far and near and the event culminated in a poetry weekend in the village in late August where readings took place, winners were announced, and new friends made.

Guilds travelled to many parts of the country for various reasons and none. Oola members visited Aras an Uachtaráin, Kildimo checked out The Vandelour Gardens in Kilrush, while Feenagh members stayed local at ‘The Valley Heights’ garden centre in Athea. It was to the cultural city of Kilkenny that Mainistir na Féile members made their way and a considerable number travelled in Pauline’s bus to ‘Limerick Week’ in An Grianán and some even stayed on for the Garden Party there.

Foreign travel also formed part of the year’s activities and May O’Connor of Castlemahon Guild was among the group who attended the ACWW conference in Southampton.

Charity events, including sponsored walks, were organised in aid of breast cancer research, shoeboxes were filled and stands were arranged at Milford and Rathfreeda fundraising events.

Federation President Marie Hayes played a leading role as chairperson of her local Agricultural Show in Cappamore, and together with many of the local ICA ladies organised many of the categories at this longstanding Show that is now in its 55th year.

In between times members participated in Federation and National events, baked cakes, painted pictures, produced handcrafts and brought home awards to many places. They also partied for the Festival of Samhain, and any other occasion that presented itself.

The memory of long standing members who died during the year are recalled at this time and the contributions made by them to ICA is widely acknowledged. Peggy Ryan (nee Kelly), Ballinahinch was a founder member of Knockarron/Knocklong guild, Cathy Long (nee O’Sullivan), Clounleharde a founder member of Ballyhahill/Loughill Guild, and Biddy Mullane (nee Scanlon), Adare, a founder member of Adare ICA. Also remembered is Athea native, former National ICA President, Kit Ahern (1961/64) and General Secretary Maureen Holden (1983/2008) both of whom died during the past year.

‘Brón ar an mbás, ní feidir a sheanadh,

Leagann se úr is críonna le céile’

This list of selective nostalgia in no way illustrates the rich tapestry of ICA activity during 2008. With the coming of the New Year, we look forward to the new challenges it will bring to our organisation and we anticipate the creative responses these challenges will elicit from our members.