Limerick ICA (Irish Countrywomen's Association) were officially recognised by Limerick County Council at a Civic Reception in the Woodlands House Hotel, Adare this evening.
The event also celebrated the national organisation’s centenary year and the women who have helped establish the ICA as one of the country’s largest associations.
The Limerick ICA branch currently has 33 guilds, comprising 600 members, at various location throughout the County.
According to Councillor David Naughton, Cathaoirleach of Limerick County Council: “A Civic Reception is the highest accolade at the disposal of Limerick County Council for any individual, group or organisation and one that is, for the organisation in receipt of it this evening, thoroughly deserved.”
He continued: “I am delighted to see that after 100 years of its existence the ICA remains a modern voice for women right across the country. The Association’s non-sectarian and non-political views truly make it an organisation for all women of all ages and interests.”
The ICA was founded in May 1910 by a small group of well educated and largely Protestant women in Bree, Co Wexford. Called the Society of the United Irishwomen (UI), its aim was “to improve the standard of life in rural Ireland through Education and Co-operative effort” In 1935 the Society of the organisation changed its name to the Irish Countrywomen’s Association.
According to Councillor Naughton: “What began as an outlet for women, under the auspices of the Society of the United Irishwomen, the organisation grew and developed until it was the driving force behind the foundation of rural electrification, adult education, summer schools and the credit union.”
He said: “In 1910 the organisation was an effective voice, in a time when women's needs were not heard. Since then it has worked hard from guild level up to create opportunity and make a real difference to the lives of women in every county in Ireland. The organisation has also stayed true to its original aim of improving the standard of life in rural Ireland through Education and Co-operative effort.”
“From Kilbehenny to Castletroy to Ballingarry, Limerick ICA continues to offer its members opportunities to develop new skills and talents; widen their horizons and discover their personal potential; join in many events and workshops in the county and further afield; influence local, national and international affairs; and last but not least - enjoy new friendships”, added Councillor Naughton.
The Cathaoirleach concluded by congratulating Anne Gabbett on her recent appointment as Limerick ICA’s new Federation President. He also complimented outgoing President Marie Hayes for her contribution to the workings of the local organisation during her term.
The event also celebrated the national organisation’s centenary year and the women who have helped establish the ICA as one of the country’s largest associations.
The Limerick ICA branch currently has 33 guilds, comprising 600 members, at various location throughout the County.
According to Councillor David Naughton, Cathaoirleach of Limerick County Council: “A Civic Reception is the highest accolade at the disposal of Limerick County Council for any individual, group or organisation and one that is, for the organisation in receipt of it this evening, thoroughly deserved.”
He continued: “I am delighted to see that after 100 years of its existence the ICA remains a modern voice for women right across the country. The Association’s non-sectarian and non-political views truly make it an organisation for all women of all ages and interests.”
The ICA was founded in May 1910 by a small group of well educated and largely Protestant women in Bree, Co Wexford. Called the Society of the United Irishwomen (UI), its aim was “to improve the standard of life in rural Ireland through Education and Co-operative effort” In 1935 the Society of the organisation changed its name to the Irish Countrywomen’s Association.
According to Councillor Naughton: “What began as an outlet for women, under the auspices of the Society of the United Irishwomen, the organisation grew and developed until it was the driving force behind the foundation of rural electrification, adult education, summer schools and the credit union.”
He said: “In 1910 the organisation was an effective voice, in a time when women's needs were not heard. Since then it has worked hard from guild level up to create opportunity and make a real difference to the lives of women in every county in Ireland. The organisation has also stayed true to its original aim of improving the standard of life in rural Ireland through Education and Co-operative effort.”
“From Kilbehenny to Castletroy to Ballingarry, Limerick ICA continues to offer its members opportunities to develop new skills and talents; widen their horizons and discover their personal potential; join in many events and workshops in the county and further afield; influence local, national and international affairs; and last but not least - enjoy new friendships”, added Councillor Naughton.
The Cathaoirleach concluded by congratulating Anne Gabbett on her recent appointment as Limerick ICA’s new Federation President. He also complimented outgoing President Marie Hayes for her contribution to the workings of the local organisation during her term.
