Fed Notes W/E July 17 2010

Cappamore ICA Members at Killusty Bridge en route to Sliabh na mBan June 2010

Cappamore Guild Day Out

An early June visit to the village of Mullinahone in Co Tipperary, birthplace of Charles Kickham one of Tipperary’s historical figures, reminded me of his most famous song ‘ Slievenamon ’or as it was originally known ‘The Maid of Slievenamon.
Coincidently some days later the girls from the Cappamore guild set off for Sliabh Na mBan, a very appropriate destination to commemorate this centenary year in the history of ICA. Having viewed the plaque at Killusty Bridge marking the first ICA Summer School, which was held on the slopes of Sliabh Na mBan in 1929, the Cappamore members walked in the footsteps of those pioneering women of the Fethard guild of The United Irishwomen who organised this very first summer school. The organisation’s aims and objectives were to improve the conditions of Irish women and some years later (1935) the organisation became known as The Irish Country Women’s Association. The East Limerick ladies climbed the slopes of Sliabh Na mBan, admiring the beautiful views while remembering the visionary ladies of the organisation whose foresight has made such a difference to the lifestyle of thousands of Irish women in later years.
They also remembered the women of that era who endured hardship and poverty, poor conditions and lack of opportunity. The organisation through the provision of education to their members, through lobbying for improved conditions such as electricity and piped water, and better health facilities, succeeded to meet their goals and our present generation of women are reaping the benefits of those founding members and those who followed them.

As they retraced their steps and realizing that their next destination was the village of Kilsheelan, Maura Walsh sang a verse of  ‘Caoine Cill Chais’

‘Cad a dhéanfaimid feasta gan adhmad,
tá deireadh na gcoillte ar lár;
níl trácht ar Chill Chais ná a teaghlach,
is ní bainfear a cling go bráth;
an áit úd ina gcónaíodh an deighbhean
a fuair gradam is meidhir tar mhná,
bhíodh iarlaí ag tarraing tar toinn ann,
is an tAifreann binn á rá.’
The Castle of Cill Chais (Kilcash) was the chief seat of one of the branches of the Butler family until well into the eighteenth century and   is situated at the foot of Sliabh Na mBan not far from Kilsheelan.
The day was still young as the group made their way to another Butler stronghold Cahir Castle and the Swiss cottage orné, finally finishing off their tour in Caisheal Mumhan.
Having been ‘wined and dined Hynan’s coach driver brought everybody home slán sabháilte.
.
Centenary Art Exhibition
The final date for receipt of expressions of interest for inclusion in the catalogue for the Centenary Art Exhibition is this Friday July 16.
Open to all guild members, handing in day is Tuesday August 3 between 11am and 1pm at the library. All paintings to be mounted, framed, and ready for hanging, with title, medium, artists name and guild on back. One painting per member. Forward details of your entry, by Fri July 16, to Federation PRO Phyllis O’Halloran email: ardcanny@iolfree.ie /(087) 2452336
National ICA President Dr Anne Maria Dennison will officially open the exhibition on Wednesday August 4