Limerick Federation ICA Notes Week ending May 26TH

ICA AGM 2012 :-

The Annual General  Meeting of the ICA is being held on May 26th in The County Arms Hotel, Birr, Co. Offaly. It is a time when the organisation takes a look back at all that was achieved in the past year and at the same time the focus must be on the future when the organisation takes on the challenge of representing women in an ever changing world. As Anne Maria Dennison comes to the end of her term of office she tells us that the first comprehensive elections under the new Constitution have taken place successfully and she looks forward to handing over an organisation with a clear sense of direction and good business plans. There are much improved structures and systems as well as a strengthening of staff.

John O Callaghan has completed his first year as CEO and he is glad to report that “we are on the right track”. He believes that ICA must be seen to be relevant by playing an active part in community activity. It is very important to attract new members and to make them feel welcome in our guilds. He believes that fun and lots of activity in the guilds is important if we are to grow and take in new members.

2012 has been declared The Year of An Grianán and he stresses that this is critical for the survival of the college. Last year saw a lot of development and necessary maintenance which cost a lot of money. In return we now have a museum and coffee shop, we have a beauty salon and garden centre. The Centenary Garden is developing into a lovely attraction and all visitors to An Grianán will be able to enjoy it.  There are good computer rooms and a greater range of courses available. As well as this there is a wider range of classrooms and buildings available which means there is much more on offer.

Members must make every effort to visit An Grianán and enjoy all the wonderful facilities available there

Guilds are also asked to support the raffle for the Refurbishment Fund. Tickets are available from guild Secretaries and you could be the lucky winner of A flat screen TV or a laptop. Or maybe you will be the lucky person to win a Weekend Break in Bewleys Hotel or a weekend in An Grianán.

AROUND THE GUILDS:-

At the recent AGM of Kilbehenny ICA  Mary O Brien takes a well deserved rest from the top table and Margaret O Doherty is the new secretary. They are planning a four day trip to Sligo/Roscommon and for their next meeting they have booked a craft lady from Ballyduff in Co Waterford.

Ballyhahill/Loughill situated on the scenic route along the Shannon Estuary had a year filled with fun and learning. They got off to a good start by winning County honours in The Elenora Gibbon Competition. They supported Margaret Walsh and “A pitch for Shane “ foundation by making clay figures for a display in City Hall Limerick. Members took part in Limerick Lace as well as gardening and jewellery classes.Most of all their out going secretary Pauline Sharp points out they supported one another in the good times and the bad. At their AGM the new officers elected were President; Peggie Kelly,Vice President ; Maureen Long, Secretary; Peg Prenderville, Treasurer; Geraldine Hayes, PRO; Daisy Kearney

Information Officer , Carol O Keeffe attended on the night and we wish them the best of luck in the year ahead.