Limerick Federation ICA Notes Week ending June 18

INFORMATION NIGHT
How would you join the ICA? This was the question asked at the Information Night held by Limerick Federation in The Dunraven Arms Hotel Adare. The answer is very simple. There are thirty three guilds scattered throughout the county and city of Limerick and you can join any one of them at any time. Get in contact with Anne Gabbett 061-228017 or Joan Hayes 061-355357 and they will put you in touch with the guild of your choice.
On the night, Anne Gabett, Federation President, gave a talk on the structure of ICA and how it works. Joan Hayes, Federation Secretary, added a little humour by telling us that her husband was the driving force in getting her to join the organisation over thirty years ago. In fact he had to drive her all around the country to meetings in the early years.
A discussion followed on the value of membership of an organisation which offers support, friendship, personal development and education to women of all ages .Guild activities include cookery, gardening, arts and crafts, painting, drama, computers, health and fitness, travel and entertainment. Guilds also get involved in community activities and we support many charitable organisations. “Variety is the spice of life”  and this is what you get in the ICA.


PITCH AND PUTT
Kathleen Griffin, Sports and Leisure Officer, is delighted to say that pitch and putt got started on Tuesday June 7. If you want to play meet up any Tuesday at 7pm in Adare. The fee for a night is €5.For further information contact Kathleen at 061-394241/087 2172225.


AN GRIANAN GIFT VOUCHERS
Why not treat someone special to a breakaway and while relaxing at An Grianán they can learn a new skill or improve an old one. The choices are endless. Gift Vouchers are available and they are an ideal gift for family or friends.
LACE MAKING As the lacemakers of Limerick ICA get to work they are helping to continue a long tradition which goes back to 1828 when Charles Walker, a native of Oxford, brought twenty four girls to Limerick to teach lace-making.
Limerick lace is a form of embroidery on net: being either chain stitch (tambour) or darned net also called run-lace, or a combination of both techniques. The making of this type of lace became possible when machine made net became readily available. The first factory in Limerick was set up in Mount Kennet, on the river side. To get a place in the factory was quite difficult. Each girl had to provide a certificate from a doctor as well as one giving her age which was to be between eleven and fourteen years. A reference from some influential citizen had also to be provided .The hours of working were from 6am to 6pm.By 1953 it was reported that Walker employed 1,100 females, about 800 of whom were apprentices working in the factories at Limerick and Kilrush; while about 300 were employed in their own homes in Counties Limerick and Clare.
These facts are taken from a book called Limerick Lace  by Nellie Ó Cléirigh and Veronica Rowe.


NEWS FROM THE GUILDS.
Congratulations to Eileen Cronin of Ballingarry guild on her recent television appearance.
Well done to Askeaton/Ballysteen guild on a very successful Sunflower Day.
All members have an opportunity to display their artistic skills and talent in the craft competition at Cappamore Show.It is for a homemade tea cosy in any medium.


COMHBHRÓN
Condolences are extended to Mary Hanley Kilmeedy Guild on the death of her daughter and also Sheila Roche on the death of her Sister.