Limerick Federation ICA Notes Week ending July 16th

Ballingarry ICA Member Theresa Storey-Cosgrave & daughters Left Athene & Bella (Right) at Croagh Gaeilge Day Iúl 2011

Helen Mackessy ,Kildimo ICA with her tempting display at Croagh Gaeilge Day Iúl 2011

MILFORD HOSPICE HARVEST FAIR
This year’s Harvest Fair will be held on Sunday August 21^st. Once again, Limerick Federation ICA will run the grocery stall and we hope that all guilds will contribute as usual. The people at Milford Hospice are very grateful for all the help given over the years. Groceries, jams, cakes and any food produce will be very acceptable.
KNITTING FOR THE IRISH HEART FOUNDATION
As 2011 is the European Year of Volunteering, ICA is getting the might of the organisation behind National Day of Volunteering September 30^th. To achieve this, we are partnering with Volunteer Centres Ireland and Kilkenny Shops to knit for the Irish Heart Foundation. You can knit hats, scarves and sets of mittens. These will be packaged by Kilkenny Shops and sold around the country. All profits go directly to the Irish Heart Foundation. There is a special offer on wool and patterns available from An Grianán. Our President, Anne Gabbett, will be in An Grianán for Limerick week, which is next week, and she will bring back some wool if you contact her while she is there.
CAPPAMORE SHOW
The good news is that Edward Heyden is coming to Cappamore Show, August 20^th, to do a cookery demonstration. His big night in the Woodlands was very successful and enjoyed by all who attended. We know that many of you would like to see him again and for those who missed out that night, now is your opportunity!
We remind you again that there is a very interesting competition for a tea cosy in any medium so we hope to have lots of entries as the Biddy Mullane Trophy for Arts & Crafts will be presented at Cappamore Show for this competition.
TIPS FOR MAKING JAM
Waste not, want not! So don’t leave all that lovely fruit go for nothing. Jams, jellies and chutneys are all easy to make so get a good recipe book and here are a few tips to set you on your way.

1. Avoid overripe fruit
2. Simmer gently before adding sugar
3. Boil rapidly after sugar is dissolved
4. Setting point: 103-106 ⁰C
5. Over-boiling: dark colour, poor flavour, low yield.
6. Well-set jam: pectin, acid, sugar in the correct ratio
7. Knob of butter reduces scum
8. Fill immediately after reaching setting point
9. Store in a cool, dark, airy cupboard

ART AND CRAFT EXHIBITION
The exhibition entitled “Le Chéile 1” will be officially opened in Newcastlewest Library on Tuesday July 19^th at 3pm. Entries will include paintings in acrylic, oil, pastel, pen and wash, watercolour or any craft of choice. These will be on display to the public until Friday July 29^th.  
AROUND THE GUILDS
Broadford on their day out visited Griffins Garden Centre Dripsey and the lovely fishing town of Kinsale. Next stop was Mahon Point for the retail therapy before wining and dining in the Corbett Court Ballyhea. The highlight of the evening was a surprise birthday celebration for Joan Higgins, one of their founder members. Joan was left speechless when they presented her with a card and cake complete with sparklers! Go maireadh tú an céad!!
Health is your Wealth was the motto for Kilbeheny when 60 ladies attended a talk given by Fiona Treacy from the National Cancer Screening Programme. All being well, they went on their trip to the Sunny South East visiting Waterford Crystal, Dunbrody Famine Ship, Johnstown Castle and Avoca Handweavers. The highlight of this trip was a visit to Bree, Co. Wexford to see the beautiful ICA flower garden and monument on the site of the first ICA meeting, which took place in 1910.
FOGRAÍ
July 19^th – 29^th Art and Crafts Exhibition
August 20^th Cappamore Show
August 21^st Harvest Fair