01/06/2010 -

ICA Celebrate 100 Years

Cathaoirleach Councillor Gerry Murray recently hosted a reception to celebrate 100 years of the Irish Country Women’s Association. The first Sligo Guild was established in Beltra in 1927 and is still very active today. Since then many other guilds have sprung up around county Sligo and they all have an active and central role in their communities.

Back Row Left to Right - Councillor Jerry Lundy, Councillor Pat McGrath, Councillor Margaret Gormley and Councillor Michael Fleming 
Front Row Left to Right - Sligo ICA Federation President Mark Harkin, Cathaoirleach Councillor Gerry Murray and Sligo Federation Secretary Maura McManus

Areas such as Skreen, Rosses Point and Maugherow have been active for over 60 years. The ICA continues to grow in Sligo with the establishment of new guilds in Ballintrillick, Geevagh-Highwood, Gurteen and Riverstown.

Cathoairleach Councillor Gerry Murray and Councillor Jerry Lundy, Councillor Pat McGrath, Councillor Imelda Henry, Councillor Margaret Gormley and Councillor Michael Fleming with members of Sligo ICA Guilds at the reception to mark 100 years since the formation of the Irish Countrywomen's Association

Councillor Murray paid tribute to the ICA and their contribution to communities in Sligo saying “one of the main reasons the ICA has been such a successful organisation is that it has been prepared to adapt to a changing social landscape, and it has always responded to the needs of its many members.” The Cathaoirleach commended their efforts in fund raising for various charities, organising classes and their work on litter awareness to name but a few and was priviledged to host this reception in celebrating the ICA centenary. 

 
Mary McDonald, Mary Duffy, Sligo ICA Federation President Mary Harkin, Cathaoirleach Councillor Murray and Sally Ward (former National President of ICA)

Mary Harkin, Sligo Federation President of the ICA thanked the Cathaoirleach for  hosting this reception and commended all the members from the Sligo guilds for their hard work and dedication. She was delighted to have the honour of being president during this centenary year and was looking forward to the various events organised to celebrate the centenary year in Sligo. 

Cathaoirleach Councillor Murray makes a presentaion to Slige Federation President Mary Harkin (left) and Secretary of Sligo Federation Maura McManus