Fed Notes W/E Jan 8 2011

National Launch of ICA centenary celebrations January20 2010

Ar Bhóthairín Na Smaointe 2010

I invite you to join with me as we take a trip together ar Bhóthairín Na Smaointe

remembering past events, absent friends and the many successes of the past twelve months.

As members of Bantracht na Tuaithe review the past year memories come crowding back of the many celebrations held throughout the length and breath of Ireland commerating the centenary year of the founding of The Irish Country Women’s Association.

Commencing at the beginning of 2010 ICA women from all parts of the country, those who held high office and none, gathered in the great hall of Dublin Castle  to hear National President of ICA Anne Maria Dennison introduce Uachtarán na hEirenann Mary McAleese who launched the centenary year of their organisation … Bantracht na Tuaithe.

In her address President McAlleese commended those women who founded the organisation in Bree Co Wexford in 1910. and also paid tribute to all the women of the time 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 benefit of those founding members and those who followed them.
The organisation still continues its work for women not alone in this country but also in less fortunate areas and strongly supports the Association of Country Women of the World.
Some months later the Pugin Church of the Assumption in Bree, Co Wexford was packed to overflowing as ICA women from all parts of the country travelled to this village in County Wexford where Anita Lette founded the Irish Country Womens Association in 1910. 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.
It was so fitting that Anita Letts granddaughter Anita McNamara of Kildare was present to hear the tributes paid and be part of the celebrations of an organisation who are reaping the benefit of those founding members and those who followed them.
And so the celebrations continued with many other social and cultural events. Comhairle Chontae Luimnigh hosted a Civic Reception for delegates to the National AGM of the association in Adare with Cathaoirleach David Naughton MCC making a presentation to National ICA President Anne Maria Dennison of Mainistir na Féile an Anne Maria in turn presenting An Cathaoirleach with a framed first day cover of the ICA postage stamp.
Limerick Federation marked the year with a number of events including two   Ecumenical Services one in the Augustine Church and a Carol Service with the Federation choir performing in St Michael’s Church, Barrington Street. Other events included an Art Exhibition ‘Comóradh Céad Bliain’in Dooradoyle Library. Nollag na mBan and Halloween festivities were celebrated in Woodlands Hotel, Adare with many former Federation Presidents attending.
Guilds throughout the city and county marked the occasion …a tree was planted by the Mainistir na Féile members, Cappamore ladies climbed Sliabh na mBan, Kildimo  ICA Art group ‘The Killulta Painters’ participated in aTG4 programme as Gaeilge and so the list continues.
We are conscious that as a new year unfolds there are many members who will not be joining us on our journey forward. To their loved ones we offer our condolences and prayers and acknowledge their contribution over the years to ICA including Chrissie Scanlon, Adare, Nellie Ryan, Askeaton,Dina
Fitzgerald, Clarina, Nell Dillon, Galbally and Nancy McGrath, Pallasgreen.
During the year it was with great sadness that we also learnt of the death of our esteemed past national president,(1994 /1997) Mrs Brídín Twist of Ennis, Co Clare.Bridín  was present at University College Galway in June when our Association was honoured with the conferring of a honorary doctorate  on our current National President, Anne Maria Dennison and passed away  some weeks later.
Ní  imithe uainn ach imithe rómhainn.