ICA news: President praises Clare ladies on remarkable years of service

National president Liz Wall was in Ennis recently to mark Clare Federation’s 70th birthday.

Ms Wall took the opportunity to present certificates of long membership to more than 150 members. Mary Meehan had racked up the most years — 67 — followed closely by Bridie Quinn, an ICA member for 65 years. Both ladies are members of Sixmilebridge Guild, which also celebrates its 70th birthday this year.

Meanwhile, nine members of Tradaree Guild received certificates — Celine Quin has over 45 years service. Her long-serving ICA colleagues are Bridie O’Looney, Maureen Higgins, Bridget Collins, Maureen Meehan, Joan Dunne, Pat McDonnell, Marion Woods and Maura Kennedy.

Addressing the large attendance, Liz spoke of her three years at the helm of ICA. She said the biggest challenge is to increase membership and to promote use of An Grianán. However, the organisation is in a healthier state now than in recent years and An Grianán is being used by groups beyond the traditional membership.

Clare Federation PRO Mary Neylon reports that the Brennan Brothers’ visit to An Grianán was mentioned in Ennis. Commenting on the show itself, Mary sums it up: “With typical humour, Francis said the reception area reminded him of a convent he used to visit as a small boy. The areas needing refurbishment were the bar, reception, dining hall, demonstration kitchen and bedrooms — in other words, nearly everything!”

Ms Wall gave interesting background to the Brennan brothers’ visit to An Grianán, reports Mary. “She said they’d have liked ICA to spend a lot of money on refurbishment and modernisation but [Ms Wall] had to remind them her budget was tight.”

Special guests at the event, held in Auburn Lodge Hotel, were former Clare Federation presidents Celine Quinn, Bridie Roseingrave, Aloma McKay, Geraldine Hassett and Frances O’Halloran, as well as current president, Jackie Slattery.

Ms Wall presented Ms Slattery with the ICA emblem — a silver oak leaf. In her turn, Ms Slattery presented Ms Wall with an original piece of Clare pottery. Clare Federation treasurer Joan Dunne presented a cheque for €2,000 to Ms Wall — proceeds of the travel raffle toward refurbishment of An Grianán.

Shay O’Callaghan provided music — by all accounts some amazing dance routines were demonstrated.