Special occasion for ICA members
WEXFORD ICA has presented its members with awards for a novel competition based around the theme of opening a tea room.
The ‘Special Occasion Competition’ saw members complete tasks relative to the theme and the initiative, which proved very popular with members all over the county, was organised by Competitions Secretary, Catherine Dunleavy.
The competition was sponsored by Wexford Home Preserves and the results were announced at an event in Shamrock Hall, Kilanerin, that was co-hosted by Kilanerin and Ballyfad guilds.
A spokesperson for the ICA told this newspaper that 20 guilds participated in the competition and the presentation ceremony was compered by the Federation President, Mary D’Arcy.
The first task presented to the members was to compile a newsletter article announcing the reopening of a tea room and outlining the reason for its closure.
The winner of that challenge was Mary Devereux, from Cushinstown guild. The second challenge saw the members having to create a table floral display for the official opening of the tearoom; that task was won by Catherine Leacy, also from Cushinstown guild.
The third task had the members creating a bakewell tray bake and presenting it in sections for sale. The winner was Ann Doran from Oylegate guild.
Susan Breen, from Monaseed guild, won the fourth challenge which was to create a machine-sewn half-apron complete with a front pocket to be worn by serving staff in the tea room.
Naming of a business is always an important component of any new venture and the fifth challenge presented to the members was to name the tea room, using any medium, suitable to hanging inside the entrance of the business. The winners were members of Davidstown guild.
There was great excitement leading up the overall results being announced and Ms D’Arcy complimented all of the guilds for their efforts.
Cushinstown emerged as the overall winners while Davidstown and Oylegate followed closely in second and third place, respectively.
While the adjudication process was taking place those in attendance were entertained by Michelle and Castlebridge Choir; Niamh and Eoin Murphy (dancers); Ali Bushe and Tara Boukima (singers); Myles Carroll (comedian); Katie Cunningham, Aisling Fitzgerald, Derbhla and Róisin Noctor (music group); Tom Clare (sketch) and Maggie Morrissey (recitation).
A visual treat on the day was the display of an intricately detailed tapestry that was created by Kilanerin guild - assisted by other local ladies.