Inniscarra-Ballincollig ICA puts on dazzling 80th birthday party
A New Year party kick-started the festivities followed by a Valentine night in February.
“A roaring 20s night saw us dressed up for the Charleston, with a few gangsters and their molls,” said Cathie O’Neill.
Participation in Ballincollig’s St Patrick’s Day parade earned the guild prize for best float.
They held an ecumenical service in April, attended by relatives of founder members, and in May members headed to An Grianán for a week of sunshine and fun.
“June arrived when we have our annual barbecue. This meant more merriment and a visit from our local community forum who presented us with a cheque for taking part and winning The Kube.
"Out of 36 local groups – ICA walked away with €1,000,” said Cathie.
“Our summer trip took us to Kilkenny for some culture. September saw members head off on a Mediterranean cruise starting in Spain [and going onto] Florence, Pisa, Rome, Pompeii and Sorrento.
“More party time in October, [when we] dressed as witches, ghost and ghouls. November was international night, when our friend Finbarr took us on a trip to Vienna with his slides and talk,” she said.
The party mood culminated in December with a night of dining and dancing. Present were national president Marie O’Toole and Cork Federation president Deirdre Hickey.
“Inniscarra and Ballincollig were small rural villages back in 1935.
"Meetings were held in what was then the old school hall. Coal was brought by members, who lit the fire. No central heating in those days,” says Cathie.
“Our guild has created great friendship through the years and still extends the hand of friendship to women of all ages, especially those new to Ballincollig as many of us were in the early 70s and 80s.
"Our members range from 17 to 80 years, which gives us a wide field of interesting ideas.”
The guild meets on Tuesdays from 7.15pm to 9.15pm. First Tuesday of the month is a business meeting; second Tuesday features a speaker/demonstrator; third is craft night with skills shared.
“On the fourth Tuesday, you might see us doing tai chi, learning to make chutney or planning some community event.”
