A guild with a big heart — and with good reason
The north Cork guild, which has just two years to go before it celebrates its half century, has seen members participate in competitions at regional, county and national levels. In 2011, dedicated guild member and north Cork vice-president Esther Cahill won the cup for flower arranging. She’d already won the produce and craft competitions in 2010.
Guild secretary Frances Murphy took first prize in the Cork Federation photography (portrait competition) last month. Results of this competition, in which Rose Lomasney of Carraig Na bhFear Guild came second, were announced at the meeting.
Mourne Abbey ICA members are great supporters of An Grianán, and look forward to going there every year. In 2010, Mourne Abbey represented Cork in the pitch and putt competition at An Grianán. The guild also took part in the semi-finals of the Cork Federation pitch and putt competition last year, but did not make it to the final. Right now, members are looking forward to the final of the table quiz.
Mourne Abbey ICA played a key part in the building of their region’s community centre, and have been involved with various fundraising initiatives.
At the winter federation meeting, congratulations were extended to Ena Howell, Grenagh, who won national volunteer of the year, and to Cork ‘s other national competition winner – Marion Wall of Canovee guild, who took first place in the reporting competition. Marion read her winning article to the gathering.
Two of the finalists in the Cork Federation section of the Volunteer of the Year Competition — Phil O’Leary (Bishopstown) and Kathleen O’Shea (Canovee) — were presented with certificates by Cork Federation president Rita Clohessy. (Four former Cork Federation presidents also attended the meeting — Mairead O’Carroll, Pauline O’Callaghan, Anne Carleton and Marguerite Cashman).
Ms Clohessy reminded delegates that 2012 will see elections of several ICA officers at national and federation level, and she urged all guilds to exercise their democratic right to vote. On a personal note, she told delegates that she is almost 50 years an ICA member, and she thanked all who had sent cards and get well wishes after her recent knee operation.
Looking to the year ahead, Anne Carleton urged members and their friends to make An Grianán their choice of getaway break for 2012. She reminded everyone that An Grianán vouchers, now available from Cork Federation Treasurer Pauline O’Callaghan, make ideal gifts.
Guilds who acquired new members during 2011 received An Grianán vouchers. And anyone with an interest in crafts should note that craft days in Fort William are going very well, and attracting great interest. People are invited to come and look at the craft-making in progress.
There were congratulations in advance at the meeting for Nora Beecher of Ballyhooley ICA in north Cork, who is 63 years a member, and who celebrated her 90th birthday over Christmas.
The evening ended with refreshments — and plenty of home-baking by Mourne Abbey guild members.
