ICA launch centenary plans

Seven ICA members from Cavan joined hundreds of women from around the country in St.Patrick's Hall, Dublin Castle, recently to launch the Irish Countrywomen's Association Centenary Celebrations. National president Anne Marie Dennison reminded the gathering: "ICA has a long and proud tradition and has played a pivotal role in the development of social change in rural society over its 100 years history." President Mary McAleese described the event as a great occasion, and noted that "it is quite an achievement in itself for a voluntary organisation to not only survive a tumultuous century but to thrive and grow stronger with each passing decade". The visionary women who founded the ICA in Bree County Wexford 100 years ago could hardly have dared to hope that a century later there would hardly be such a vibrant, thriving, confident multi-faceted ICA, she added. The President added that 700 ICA Guilds across the country offered women social networks, opportunities for involvement in the local community, a conduit to participation in broad national debate, a way to participate in culture, particularly the Irish culture and language, sports and hobbies and above all, great enduring friendships. "This powerful network is testimony to your capacity to evolve, adapt and remain ever relevant to the lived lives of women throughout Ireland." Continuing the President said: "The significant contribution that women make to local and national development has historically been unrecognised and undervalued and has rarely been reflected in decision-making or policy making structures." The ICA helps to correct this imbalance, giving women a respected and established platform for their voices and their views. The consistent and powerful advocacy of the ICA leadership throughout the years played a significant role in bringing about the massive improvements in the status of women in Irish society and in the confidence of women in their genius and their right to express it on their own terms, President McAleese stated. Cavan ICA Federation president Marion Lyon announced that the federation would celebrate the centenary year by hosting an exhibition of members' artwork and the archives of Mrs. Faris in Johnston Central Library, Cavan town from Tuesday to Friday May 4 to 14. ICA members would host craft demonstrations mornings and afternoons in the library which would be open to the general public. The national president will deliver a lecture on the history of ICA on Tuesday, May 11, which will be followed by a reception by the Cathaoirleach of Cavan County Council. The ICA is a national organisation but its roots are solidly in local communities in County Cavan where guild membership is a crucial outlet for women. Further information on guilds in your area is available from Sophia Whyte at nswhyte@eircom.net or by calling 049-9526106.