Ballylinan ICA marks a magnificent 60 years on the go
Maureen Sheeran, Anna May McHugh, Breda Hovenden, Bridget Bambrick, Carmel brennan, Ann Lacey and Kit Farrell. Photos: Aisling Hyland
BALLYLINAN ICA marked a magnificent milestone on Friday 25 October, as members gathered to celebrate the guild’s joyful 60th anniversary.
Six wonderful decades were celebrated at a gala dinner in St Anne’s Hall, Ballylinan, following an ecumenical service at 7.30pm in St Anne's Church, where special guests included national ICA president Mary Darcy Laois Federation president Deirdre Dunne.
Co-founded in 1964 by Anna May McHugh, managing director of the National Ploughing Association and still a very active ICA member, the guild is among the oldest and busiest in the county and plays a key role in the heart of the community.
Over the years, members have been to the fore in countless community events, whether preparing refreshments for special occasions and organising fashion shows to staging a wide variety of competitions, activities and events. The guild has also played an invaluable role in the famous Ballylinan Passion Play, with members in charge of refreshments and stage crew and involved in everything from sewing costumes to preparing sets and props.
Members from other guilds across the county and beyond were delighted to join the Ballylinan ladies at the celebration, where many memories and stories were shared. After 60 productive years, the group is as active as ever as it looks ahead to the future and new members are always welcome.
