Resurrection of the ICA in Kells with new guild

A new era for the Irish Countrywomen's Association (ICA) is being marked in Kells this week as a new ICA guild is being set up in the town. Tonight (Wednesday), a meeting will take place in the Iona Hall, Kells, at 8pm for all those interested. The president and secretary of the Meath ICA Federation, Mary Harrahill and Ann Nugent, respectively, will be among those in attendance. The ICA has much to offer ladies of all ages and backgrounds, from both urban and rural areas, and for those aged 30 or 70. Any ladies from the general Kells area interested in being part of the new guild is invited to attend this week's meeting. An ICA guild previously existed in Kells but it went out of existence a number of years ago. For a county like Meath which has almost 40 ICA guilds, and is one of the strongest counties when it comes to ICA membership and activity, the absence of a guild in an area as large and important as Kells was something that needed to be addressed, according to the Meath Federation. The first meeting towards setting up the new guild was held a few weeks ago and a number of ladies attended. Now it is hoped that an even greater number will attend tonight's gathering and hear about the many and varied events and activities that the ICA has to offer. The many activities ICA members can avail of at guild, federation and national level include crafts, outings, drama, art, pitch and putt, yoga, dancing, weekends away, charity fundraising, community projects, entertainment events, keep-fit and a huge range of courses held at the ICA headquarters in An Grianan in Termonfeckin, Co Louth. This is a significant time for the ICA as next year is the centenary of the organisation. Many exciting events and activities to mark the centenary will be held at guild, federation and national level, so the Meath Federation points out it is an exciting time to join. Further information is available from Mary Harrahill on (046) 902 5023 or (087) 236 7941.