Limerick Federation ICA Notes Week ending June2nd

AMONG THE WICKLOW HILLS:-

A blaze of colour welcomed Liz Wall as she entered the meeting hall in The County Arms Hotel Birr on Saturday May 26th. Liz from Wicklow Federation was on her way to take on her new role as National President of The Irish Countrywomen’s Association. Her colleagues from Wicklow were there in strength waving flags and cheering as this is the first ever Wicklow President. In the audience also were her guests including husband Donal and daughters Ann and Aileen as well as other family members. Anne Maria Dennison passed on the chain of office and the crowd were treated to a beautiful rendering of The Wicklow Hills and The Streams of Bunclody by Liz’s sister Maria. Gold oak leaves were presented to outgoing officers and Gwen Carter RIP who sadly passed away during her term of office as treasurer was fondly remembered. Liz was delighted to welcome Gwen’s daughter Joyce and her sister Tracy to accept the gold leaf on her behalf.

In her opening speech Liz told us that she joined Ashford Guild in 1992 and has very much enjoyed the years she has spent in ICA so far. She has taken on many officerships at guild, federation and national level and promises to continue working hard to lead the organisation into the future. She believes that ICA makes a very positive contribution to Irish Society and plays a big part in improving the quality of life for women. One of the issues she wishes to tackle in the coming year is Mental Health and she hopes ICA will support National Suicide Awareness Day on Sept .10th. Liz is also aware that there are many challenges ahead for the organisation and she is determined to increase membership and help to develop An Grianán to its full potential .

CONGRATULATIONS:-

Congratulations to Deborah Geraghty of Caherdavin Guild who was the winner with her “winter scene” in the national painting competition also Dolores Dineen Kildimo who was highly commended in the same competition. Congratulations also to Kathleen Griffin, Kildimo who is a new Federation Information Officer.

MASTERCHEF IRELAND:-

Are you passionate about food and love to cook then you are invited to take part in Master Chef Ireland. The search is on for amateur cooks with amazing talent and the judges are Dick Muirner and Dylan McGrath. Further information available from www.rte.ie/masterchef

TEA PARTY:-

MS Ireland is asking Federations to encourage guilds to hold tea parties in the coming months.  The McVities Digestive Tea Parties will be held to raise funds for local services and the MS Care Centre.

Local Services include counselling, a range of living with MS programmes and a home visit service. The Care Centre is Ireland’s only respite and therapy centre for people with MS. It provides short term respite, therapeutic services, neurological assessments and many social opportunities in a homely atmosphere . More information available at www.ms-society.ie or Tel. 016781600.

SUNFLOWER DAYS:-

Milford Care Centre is looking for helpers for Sunflower  Days June 8th and9th. If you are willing to help out then contact Milford e-mail fundraising@milfordcarecentre.ie

Milford Hospice Harvest Fair will be held on Sept2nd so guilds are also asked to help out as usual

Is fear an tsláinte ná na táinte Health is better than wealth so ICA is always willing to give a helping hand.

NEWS FROM THE GUILDS

Ballingarry ICA and Ballingarry Stitchers are having an exhibition and demonstration of stitching-crochet,knitting and embroidery on Wed May 30th in the Library. They will be there between 2 and 3pm to show their work and to give demonstration and recommend some books. Ballingarry Library has a great range of craft books for both the beginner and the more advanced.

Teresa Storey also tells us that they had a very enjoyable day out when they visited Dundrum Nurseries in Tipperary. They filled the luggage compartment with purchases of fantastic plants and pots. They lunched very well in Dundrum House and then on to Cashel for a guided tour of the famous Rock which is such an important part of our heritage.

Feenagh ICA are crossing The Shannon on June 4th  to visit the lovely Vandaleur Walled Gardens near Kilrush in Co Clare