ARDCATH ICA CELEBRATES 70 YEARS IN LOCAL COMMUNITY
AFTER 70 wonderful years, Ardcath ICA is gone to the dogs - but in the best possible way!
The ladies of the Ardcath branch of the Irish Countrywomen’s Assocation took to Dundalk Stadium recently, to celebrate their platinum anniversary in style.
37 members made the journey, to soak up some of the excitement of live greyhound racing, while enjoying the company of close friends and colleagues.
“It was a great evening, and all the women loved it,” said Joan Caffrey, current President of Ardcath ICA.
“It was the first time for most of us, and we couldn’t believe how quick the races were over, but there was a great buzz and we all had a wonderful celebration.”
Joan has been a member for many years and was first introduced to the association by her own mother, also a long-time supporter.
“It was started back in 1948 in someone’s house as far as I know,” explains Joan.
“But it has now grown to be one of the largest in the area, and we are very proud of that.”
The group is made up of women from all around the region including Clonalvy and the Naul.
The branch members now have to meet in the back of Bennett’s pub in Ardcath, such is the popularity.
Indeed, Joan says if it gets any bigger, they’ll have to seek new premises!
“We meet once a month and have lots of activities we all really enjoy,” she adds.
“We have our whist on Monday nights, and chair aerobics, plus classes like the first responders showing us First Aid and CPR, which we all found very useful to know.”
The branch takes a break during July and August, but the next big outing for everyone is the annual Garden Party in the ICA headquarters in An Grainan on June 29th.
“Everyone looks forward to that, with strawberries and cream on the lawn and a fashion show,” says Joan. And in this special year for Ardcath, there’ll be plenty more to celebrate.