Fed Notes W/E May 15 2010

Double celebrations in Bree ,Co Wexford ,last week end for May O'Connor,Castlemahon who was born ten years after the ICA was formed

Centenary Celebrations

The Pugin Church of the Assumption in Bree, Co Wexford was packed to overflowing on May 6^th last as ICA women from all parts of the country travelled to celebrate their centenary. From Askeaton to Abbeyknockmoyle, from Donegal to Dromsally and many places in between they came to this village in County Wexford where Anita Lette founded the Irish Country Womens Association just 100 years ago. Originally known as The United Irishwomen their aims and objectives were to improve the conditions   of Irish women and some 25 years later the organisation became known as The Irish Country Women’s Association. The day commenced with an ecumenical service followed by unveiling of a plaque and the planting of a tree on the site of St Aidans Hall, Bree where the first ICA meeting took place céad bliain ó shin.
Representatives of Church and State, of farming and community organisations, joined the celebrations with National ICA President Anne Maria Dennison and her colleagues from an association with   over 700 guilds  throughout  the country including  the  founder Anita Letts   granddaughter Anita McNamara of Kildare. The Limerick delegation ,led by recently elected Federation President Anne Gabbett of Mungret, included  members from Askeaton, Caherdavin,
Cappamore, Castlemahon, and Kildimo together with former federation presidents Marie Hayes, Sarah McNamara, May O’Connor and Carol O’Keeffe.
The party in Bree continued ‘til late after which the members returned to their hotel in Wexford where reminisces and stories were still being exchanged, having stepped out for Fallaí Luimnigh , Ionsaí na hÍnse and many other dances.
Among the toasts proposed was one to National ICA President Anne Maria Dennison who will be conferred with an Honorary Doctorate in Arts by NUI Galway next month.
In recognition of the contribution by the Irish Country Womens Association to Irish society National University of Ireland, Galway (NUI Galway) is honouring the organisation in its centenary year with an Honorary Doctorate.
Founded in 1845, some six years after the Church of the Assumption in Bree was opened, who could have envisaged that many years later this seat of learning would honour the organisation closely associated with Bree.
President Anne Maria Dennison with be conferred with this honour during a special ceremony at the university on Friday June 25. ICA women throughout the country will celebrate in spirit  with her as this conferring takes place and who knows what surprise celebrations our Galway colleagues may produce.
Well-done Doctor Anne Maria Dennison.