ICA news: Competitive times for Clare members

Photos of Clare Federation committee members in their youth — this represented a novel round of questioning at the federation table quiz held in early March in Ennis.

A total of 10 teams competed and Kilmurry McMahon Guild members came out on top — Jenni O’Shea, Mary Neylon, and Mary Prunty will represent the federation at the national quiz final at An Grianán on Saturday, April 2.

The winning team didn’t get an easy win, however, Feakle ICA team was a close runner-up followed by Ballynacally in third place. Only three marks separated the teams.

Meanwhile, Kilmurry McMahon held their guild table quiz at Murty Browne’s on March 5. “This was a most enjoyable event. ICA teams and non-ICA teams competed,” says a spokesperson.

Winners were Martina McMahon’s team, Mai O’Halloran’s team was second, and Aine Heslin’s team pipped Evelyn Galvin’s for third place on a tie break question regarding the number of first preference votes cast for local general election candidate Dr Michael Harty. Both answers were remarkably close.

Kilmurry McMahon ICA recently hosted a party to celebrate the silver anniversary of their founding.

Almost all former members attended and took a trip down memory lane courtesy of a photo display that included images of fancy dress outings to local hostelries and ‘mad’ weekends away.

Evelyn Galvin, a founding member, explained how the guild came to be set up in 1990.

She recounted highlights in the guild’s history — participation in set-dancing, waltzing, singing, drama, cookery and baking competitions, as well as contributions to local voluntary groups and parish activities.

Guild member Ann Marie Linnane provided the food, guests were treated to a revival of the guild’s sketch, Calendar Girls, and Vince Prunty provided music for dancing.