Members of Ardcath ICA recently celebrated International Women’s Day in Trim Castle Hotel.

Ardcath ICA celebrates 75 years

Ardcath guild of the Irish Countrywomen's Association (ICA) is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, a momentous occasion for the guild and the community it serves. Founded in 1948, a membership of 29 was recorded in the first official annual report submitted to ICA headquarters in 1948.

From the outset, the guild's activities focused on fostering fellowship among women while working cooperatively to enhance the quality of life in their community. Having regard to Irish culture and to encourage the use of the Irish language in the affairs of Bantracht na Tuaithe (Irish Countrywomen’s Association), membership was open to all females over 16 years of age. Craft classes, community singing, Irish dancing, ghost stories, and craft stalls at local shows were some of the highlights of their first year.

Over the past 75 years, the guild has continued to thrive and make significant contributions to their community. They have won numerous awards and competitions, including the 'Brannrai' merit award for crafts, winners of the AIB Meath Guild of the Year in 1993. In 2015 and 2016, the guild was overall winner at the Trim show themed 'Beautiful Meath' and 'Rag Bag' showcasing many crafts, such as flower arranging, cake baking and decorating, oil painting, felted floral artwork, patchwork, card making, textile floral display, poetry and lots of imagination!

Nationally the guild has won the half set in Irish Dancing in 2012, 2014, 2015 and 2019. The guild has also had representation on the Meath Pitch and Putt Team who won the national competition in 2012, 2013 2014 2015, 2017 and 2018, and were runners up in 2019 and 2022.

Ardcath ICA currently has 22 members who meet monthly to enjoy guest speakers or demonstrations and take part in competitions. The guild also organises various activities throughout the year, including craft classes, garden visits, cultural and heritage outings. They recently visited Trim to celebrate International Women's Day and enjoyed a meal in Trim Castle Hotel.

This month, the guild will host over 100 senior citizens from Ardcath/Clonalvy for dinner at the Glenside Hotel, Julianstown, followed by an afternoon of entertainment that includes bingo, Irish dancing, and lyrical dance. As the Ardcath ICA celebrates its 75th anniversary, it remains a welcoming organisation that encourages new members to join in the celebration of Irish culture and community spirit.