ICA ladies enjoy first Spring fling

THE sun shone brightly in the Killarney sky on Sunday afternoon, as if to confirm the wisdom of the Kerry ICA’s decision to move their annual meeting from Winter to Spring.

Usually held at the end of the year, the county-wide gathering of guilds was put back for the first time this year when Kerry ICA President Breda Browne deemed a ‘Spring Fling’ in better weather may suit travelling guilds.

Her decision proved a worthwhile one, with over 160 ICA members travelling to the Dromhall Hotel on Sunday afternoon from the four corners of the county, all there to enjoy a well earned catch up with fellow members.

Special guest on the day was national ICA president, Liz Wall, who presented long service certificates to the majority of women in attendance. Among them was Mary Spillane who was honoured for an incredible 60 years with the Derryqua guild, outside Blennerville. A number of others were also presented with certificates for 50 and 55 years service.

“It was a fabulous day where women from guilds all over the county - from Moyvane to Clochán Bhreannain to Cahersiveen - got to meet up for a lovely, social ocassion,” Ms Browne said.

“We had a fabulous meet and greet session, a beautiful lunch and informal chat, followed by a great sing song.”

Ms Browne said that while the organisation is losing members to other women’s groups, the ICA is still very strong, with nine new guilds forming in the country in the past year alone.

The Spring Fling may well become an annual event, but that decision will fall to the incoming president when Ms Browne hands over the reins this year

ICA President Liz Wall with Ballybunion ICA guild members at the Spring Fling. ICA President Liz Wall with Derryquay ICA guild members at the ICA Spring Fling in Killarney.

Photo by Michelle Cooper Galvin ABOVE: ICA President Liz Wall with Ballylongford ICA guild members and (right) with Camp ICA guild members at the ICA Spring Fling in the Dromhall Hotel, Killarney, on Sunday.

ICA President Liz Wall with Cahersiveen and Dromid ICA guild members Maureen Griffin, Eileen and Helen O’Sullivan, Ann McGill, Mary Casey, Bridie Roper, Annette Fitzpatrick, Mary O’Connor, Maureen Griffin, Mary Sheehan and Betty Kelly at the ICA Spring...

ICA President Liz Wall Annascaul ICA guild members at the Spring Fling.

Photo by Michelle Cooper Galvin ICA President Liz Wall with Glencar ICA guild members at the ICA Spring Fling at the ICA Spring Fling in the Dromhall Hotel, Killarney, where certificates were presented celebrating and members’ long service in the association.