Mullingar ICA win at national finals

A busy weekend at the annual national competitions event at An Grianán in Termonfeckin resulted in a win for the Mullingar ICA Guild.

On Saturday March 9, guild members, Helen O’Gorman, Anne McDonagh and Paula Mullen, represented Westmeath Federation in the table quiz and did well in what was a competitive event.

On the Sunday, Mullingar Guild took to the stage. The theme this year was ‘Our Guild’s Day Out’ and seven counties participated. The Mullingar play was based on a guild meeting to decide where to go. Guild president Helen O’Gorman wrote the script, and the cast included Helen O’Gorman, Bridie Bourke, Angela O’Connor, Mary J McCormack and Margaret Hughes.

The adjudicator, in her critique, complimented Mullingar ICA on the authenticity of the production and how well the cast retained their character personalities throughout the performance.

The highlight of the competition was the results, and Helen O’Gorman was named as inaugural ‘Best Actress’.

Helen said she was shocked, but pleasantly surprised at the award. “We had such fun doing this play over the last few months. Competition on the day was very stiff and there was a great variety of interpretation of the theme by guilds.

“I had no idea that I was in the running for the award. I have no formal training in drama, but I thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

“I’m chuffed to win this award on a personal level, but I still see the play as a group just getting together to enjoy ourselves and I thank each of them for their support and ideas with script.

“This is what ICA is all about – friendship, support and gaining new experiences.”

Westmeath was represented in the Gem baking competition on Monday March 11, by Brodenstown Ballinea Guild member, Gertie Wallace.