Hats off to brilliant ICA women!

CAKES and hats dominated at Kilkenny ICA celebrations to mark a century of their national women’s organisation.

 

Big night was at Jim Brennan’s Club House Hotel in Upper Patrick Street, Kilkenny, where there were competitions to bake a cake most suitable to celebrate 100 years and to make a hat most suitable for the festivities.

 

Seven guild members baked a selection of beautiful cakes while five enthusiastic ladies made hats of all shapes and sizes.

Hats winner was Helen Dooley, Freshford. Second was Breda McDonald, Templeorum Guild and third was Una Holohan, Ballyouskill.

The independent judges must have had a really tough time selecting the winners in the cake competition as the standard was unbelievably high. Eventually the nod went to Shirley Power of Owning Guild. Kathleen Mooney, Ballyouskill was second and Thomastown’s Vera Savage was third.

Mary Butler of Ballyragget Guild was presented with the Carrigeen Shield for her book, ‘Times Past to Times Present’, 100 years of the ICA.

The evening also marked the Spring Federation meeting of Kilkenny ICA and there was an excellent attendance from guilds in the city and county.

Members were delighted with the Mini Fashion Show hosted by Goods of High Street, Kilkenny, as a fundraiser for the Federation. Goods donated three €100 vouchers for prizes and also provided models from staff members and their families.

The Federation is looking forward to a March 15 Traditional Night at the Club House. Comhaltas will provide the traditional music, singing and dancing and the night is open to members of the public.

Admission is €10 and this includes a hot fork supper. This is another evening to celebrate the coming of age of the Irish Countrywomen’s Association.