Cork Federation members praised for work at national level by ICA president
More than 400 people enjoyed the gala event at the Silversprings Moran Hotel, which included a mulled wine reception, a four-course meal, entertainment from ICA members, and dancing into the small hours.
It was revealed at the event that Ena Howell, Grenagh, will represent Cork in the ICA Volunteer of the Year final in An Grianán. Ena was one of eight Cork nominees; the others were Kathleen Hickey (Ballydehob), Kathleen Keane (Drimoleague), Phil O’Leary (Bishopstown), Margaret O’Reilly (Minane-Bridge), Kathleen O’Shea (Canovee), Evelyn Sheehan (Ballyphehane), and Julia Slyne (Gaggin).
This competition has been organised with sponsorship from One Direct, and ICA is the biggest single group involved in the 2011 National Year of the Volunteer in Ireland.
Guests at the gathering included national president Anne-Maria Dennison and ICA chief executive John O’Callaghan, accompanied by his wife, Margaret. Ms Dennison paid tribute to Cork Federation, which was the second federation set up in the country, in 1936. She praised the contribution of Cork officers at national level, including Rita Clohessy, who is on the National Executive Board. She thanked John O’Callaghan, a Corkman, for the huge amount of work he is doing for ICA. She recalled that gala attendee Marguerite Cashman (Knockraha Guild), a former Cork president, was the first member of Cork Federation she met on ICA business, years ago.
The national president reminded members that leadership qualities and other ICA skills are needed more than ever now in every realm of Irish society.
Before taking to the dance floor, ICA members showcased a display of talent worthy of a night at any opera house. Singers Mary Conway (Whitechurch), Marion Twomey (Grenagh) and Anne Sheehan (Goleen) — as well as Rita Hourigan (Ballyphehane), who gave a very entertaining impression of Marilyn Monroe — all performed.
Anne Sheehan of Ballinora Guild introduced a hilarious sketch on cheap flights performed by Angela Galvin, Annette Crowley and Eileen Sheehan. Bishopstown Guild members Kathleen O’Brien, Kay Lucey and Paula Kelleher had everybody laughing during their sketch, which ‘had a go’ at some well-known federation committee members.
Music provided by Pat Clohessy had everybody dancing. Anne-Maria Dennison accompanied the song Limerick, You’re a Lady, which was performed in her honour.
Cork Federation president Rita Clohessy praised the craft display put together by craft promoter Nuala Stack (Shanagarry), helped by Kathleen Fitzgerald and Margie O’Connell, both from Midleton ICA.
The first of a number of craft days will be held in Fort William House, Silversprings, on Monday, October 24.
