Ballinrobe Irish Country Women's' Association

The following text was transcribed from The Bridge Magazine published in 1972 and was written at that time by Mrs. Maeve Kenny.  The I.C.A. meetings in Ballinrobe were held in Mrs. Kenny’s home on High Street around 1974 if I recall correctly!

Mrs. Kenny’s article:

“The Ballinrobe Guild of the Irish Countrywomen’s Association reached its 21^st on November 21^st 1972.   It is planned to hold a Dinner & Social at the Lakeland Hotel, on Dec 12^th 1972 to which Founder Members are invited to join us to celebrate this occasion.

Beginnings

This Guild was started on November 21^st 1951 in the Courthouse, Ballinrobe by kind permission, when two Organisers from Dublin came to explain its aims and objectives and by the end of the evening it was unanimously decided to form a Guild.

By January 1952, forth-nine members had been enrolled and since then the Guild has gone from strength to strength.   A vast number of handcrafts have been learned by the members – rugs, toys, lampshades, rush work, leather work, slippers, gloves, lace, crochet, dressmaking, celtic-work on bauneen flannel, quilting, patchwork, – you mention it – we’ve made it!

Subjects for lectures and talks

Lectures and Talks: accidents in the home, fire prevention, the kiss of life, cancer, flower arrangements, bird life, drugs, ancient customs and buildings in our area, as well as numerous most interesting and instructive travel talks, films as well as demonstrations from various firms.

Drama

At one time a most successful drama class was formed under the expert tuition of Mrs. Phyllis Hughes, then in Curraghmore, and members were amazed to find themselves on the Town Hall Stage, acting plays and enjoying them.   Also a choral group was formed under Mr. Carthy’s guidance, which was much enjoyed.

Affiliations

The I.C.A. is affiliated to the Association of the Country women of the World, A.C.W.W. and we were recently shown a colour film of this triennial gathering held in Norway last year, (1971) by an Irish delegate who showed fascination pictures of Members from thirty-seven countries, every colour, shape and size, and a number in their National Costumes.

All are welcome!

When this Guild was started, it was prophesised that it would only last two or three years, and then dwindle away but we confidently look forward to more useful years ahead, and hope that new members will come and join us. All are welcome!”

Video clip of the 2011 A.C.W.W. meeting held in Ireland in 2011 indicating that the I.C.A. is still thriving in some parts of the country.

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