Ballymartle members stop to honour great friendships

Ballymartle ICA has been busy since they recommenced business back in September. They held their annual Mass in Riverstick Church celebrated by An t-Athair Tomás Ó Murchú and attended by up to 30 members. 

Members brought to the altar the cups they’d won and crafts they’d made last year. Phyllis Looney organised the singing and former and deceased members were remembered.

Meanwhile, fridge magnets provided a bit of fun at the first meeting in September, with members competing to see who’d brought along the best one. PRO Anne McCarthy, who arrived with a magnet featuring the Titanic, says first prize went to Mary Rose Bouse for her ‘last of the summer wine’ magnet. Sheila Coleman with a prettily coloured magnet from Sydney showing flip-flops and Miriam Badcock with her ‘you can’t scare me, I’m a mother’ magnet came in second and third places respectively. The guild has also had competitions for the best china cup and the best candle-holder.

Alan Hackett started exercise classes with the guild at the end of September and these are ongoing on Mondays at 8.30pm. Anne says the classes are open to non-ICA members. “Alan specialises in classes for the over 50s. These classes were thoroughly enjoyed by all during the last term and we’re all aware of the benefits of regular exercise for our health and wellbeing,” comments Anne.

Last month Ballymartle ICA enjoyed a talk from herbalist Eva Gaspar and towards the end of the month they went to the Pavilion Garden Centre where they had an interesting talk from Margie Lynch, also a herbalist. “We live in the middle of the countryside and we can gather them rather than going off to buy them,” says Anne.

Last night’s monthly meeting featured guest speaker Deirdre Warren, a holistic therapist, who talked about Reflexology and its benefits. “The ancient Chinese practice of Reflexology is a therapy focusing on the feet and has recently enjoyed a surge in popularity as a modern holistic therapy to relieve pain and stress and to help with poor sleep pattern and digestive problems,” says Anne.

Ballymartle members went to Dripsey Garden Centre early in October. Highlights were the cookery demonstration and lunch for all. The guild will host a special Christmas event on the second Wednesday of December with Breda Keohane.