Westmeath ICA Federation
Westmeath ICA Federation AGM
The Westmeath ICA Federation held their AGM on 21 May in Horseleap Streamstown Community Hall and the local guild were the hosts. Rosaleen welcomed everyone to the meeting.
After prayer and song, condolences were expressed to Nuala Reid on the death of her brother, Paddy Nolan, Ber Ennis on the death of her son, Albert, Gertie Wallace on the death of her brother, Ray Monaghan, and Pamela Comiskey on the death of her daughter, Olga.
The Guilds present were: Ballinea Brotenstown, Castlepollard, Horseleap Streamstown and Mullingar.
Rosaleen reminded everyone of the National AGM in the Tullamore Court Hotel on Saturday 23 May. The Guilds gave the reports on their activities throughout the year:
The Brotenstown Ballinea Guild made a presentation to TEAM. They had a talk on international Women’s Day. They collected a wellness hamper for the women in temporary accommodation as a way of showing solidarity with them while they are experiencing such difficult times.
They also had a talk from Sharon Butler on strokes and women.
They have a visit to the Japanese Gardens planned. Castlepollard Guild members enjoyed visit to the Ernest Shackleton Museum in Athy. They also attended chair yoga and are planning a trip to Sligo in the autumn.
40th anniversary
Horseleap Streamstown Guild celebrated their 40th anniversary with a night out in the Tullamore Court Hotel, and also celebrated it with a party in the community centre with founding and past members in attendance.
They also had a trip to the Gleneagle, Killarney.
At Christmas instead of exchanging gifts, they gave a donation to South Westmeath Hospice and had a night out in the Shearwater Hotel, Ballinasloe.
They held line dancing classes and raised €1220 for Sarcoma Ireland Association. Classes were open to members and non-members.
Pole walking classes are on at the moment and a trip to Westport is planned for September.
Mullingar Guild held Pilates classes, mosaic on plates and crochet classes. They also raised €1000 for the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association by knitting Easter chicks.
They paid a visit to Malahide and have a day trip to Holyhead, Wales with Brotenstown Ballinea planned for the autumn.
The following members were elected as officers: president, Rose Rice, Horseleap/Streamstown Guild; secretary, Liz Gavigan, Brotenstown Ballinea Guild; treasurer, Helen O’Gorman, Mullingar Guild.
Mullingar Guild entertained everyone with the drama they entered in the competition held in An Grianán, titled ‘Did that really happen?’.
Congratulations
Congratulations were extended to the Westmeath senior football team and best of luck in the all-Ireland series, and to the Westmeath ladies on their Leinster win and best of luck in their future games.
The Brown Bread Competition was held at the meeting and judged by Bernie Mulligan.
Ber Ennis, Horseleap Streamstown Guild, was the winner, Eilish McDonnell, from the same guild, was second, and Liz Gavigan, Brotenstown Ballinea Guild, was third. Best of luck to Ber in the next step of the competition, which will be held in An Grianán.
The meeting finished with refreshments and the usual chat.