ICA

The ICA- 1969-2006

In 1968 the women’s section of Muintir Na Tíre were asked to help with the rural week being held in St Munchins college, Limerick. There, they saw a display of crafts by the Limerick ICA which greatly impressed them. They were encouraged by the Limerick ICA to form a guild. In January 1969, a meeting was held in Cappagh school and there the guild was founded.

The founder members and officers elected that night were Mrs Nan Ruttle, Ballingrane, president; Mrs Peg O’Donovan, Newbridge, secretary and Mrs May Ruttle, Callow, treasurer. In the early days they met in the house of Nan Ruttle. Those taking part were, Ms Peg O’ Donovan, Elsie Lowes, Mary Murphy, Frances Baker, Mary Higgins, Mary Fitzgerald, E Weir, Peg Hennessy, Kay Duggan, Ann woulfe, Margaret Shanahan, Kitty Bourke, Mr Culloty and Mrs Hogan.

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Much of their early fund raising was in aid of the Cheshire Home Newcastle West. They also supported many local charities. For many years they joined with Muintir na TÍre in holding an annual dinner-dance. Members of the guild were frequent prize winners in their displays of arts and crafts. Mrs Elma Barry, Boolaglass won her way to the all-Ireland final of the make and model competition and was a strong contender for the title.

elma-barry-winner-of-the-make-and-model