LIMERICK’S federation of the Irish Countrywomen’s Association (ICA) celebrated their 80th anniversary with a gala luncheon.
The group came together to celebrate on September 24 at the Woodlands House Hotel in Adare.
Described as “a wonderful afternoon”, former ICA presidents and members from across Limerick attended the lunch, where chat was plentiful.
There were presentations by former presidents of the federation, music, and a “reunion of friends” took place.
READ MORE: Limerick branch of Irish Wildlife Trust records oleander hawkmoth for first time this century
The current ICA president of the Limerick federation is Carol O’Keeffe, from Askeaton-Ballysteen.
The association was known as the United Irish Women until 1944 when the name was changed to the Irish Countrywomen’s Association.
The ICA was formed in 1910. The Limerick federation of the ICA was formed on November 7, 1944, in the Muintir na Tire rooms in Limerick.
“President Mrs Trainor in 1944 presided with guilds Ballingarry, Bohermore, Castlemahon, Clouncagh, Feenagh, Fedamore, Kilmeedy, Newcastle West, Rathkeale and Shanagolden represented,” said a spokesperson on behalf of the ICA in Limerick.
While some guilds are no longer in existence, the federation is said to have “a very strong membership”, with 20 guilds meeting on a monthly basis and “doing great work in their communities”.
“The guild activities are many and varied, with friendship and support of each other being the core of what ICA means to all,” a spokesperson said.
There are records of a guild in Bruff in 1915 followed by guilds in Foynes, Knockcarron, Knocklong, Ballingarry, Kilmeedy and Rathkeale.
1.
2.
3.
