Scurlogstown ICA celebrates 40th anniversary

Scurlogstown Guild of the Irish Countrywomen"s Association (ICA) recently marked the 40th anniversary of its foundation with a celebration in Kilmessan. The function was attended by special guests, including the president of Meath ICA Federation, Mary Harrahill, from neighbouring Dunsany"s Horace Plunkett Guild, as well as members of the Knockagh Women"s Institute of Northern Ireland, which Scurlogstown has had a twinning relationship with for over a decade. Former ICA national president, Kitty Harlin, a founder member of the guild, was also present. The guild was born of a strong ladies" committee formed to organise the medieval banquet at the Scurlogstown Olympiads, at the mill and folk village on the outer end of Kilmessan parish, near Trim, in 1968 and "69. At the banquet, the table of Baron William de Scurlog was recreated in the shadow of his medieval castle, with the head chef from the Army School of Catering and his staff providing the meal of smoked eel and Kilmessan bacon. Guests included harpist Deirdre O"Callaghan and local writer Mary Lavin. Out of all this organisation came a group or local women who wanted to continue to meet, to develop the life and friendships established and a decision was taken to start up a guild of the ICA, which was opened by Albhe de Butleir, national development officer of the ICA, in 1969. It began at the hall in the old mill, and opened the doors for members in arts, crafts, social affairs, economics, national and European affairs, drama and cookery competitions, consumer affairs, cross-border exchanges and courses at An Grianan. Members of the neighbouring Dunsany and Bective guilds joined Kilmessan for their celebration last week, including federation treasurer, Anne Nugent. Elizabeth Grey from Knockagh was accompanied by a number of members of the Women"s Institute. A celebratory cake was cut, with Ted Nevin providing the entertainment afterwards.