A Garden Party with a Difference

A group of ladies from Mayo Federation ICA travelled to Dublin recently to visit Arás An Uachtarán. The President Mary McAleese welcomed everybody and said the Arás was open to all and the group enjoyed the freedom of the House and the grounds for the day.

The federation ICA President, Kay Dolan, presented her Excellency Ms. Mary McAleese with a beautiful Foxford rug made in the ICA colours.

In brilliant sunshine everybody enjoyed excellent food and the music was supplied by Ceoltas Ceolteoiri Na hÉireann. During the tour of the gardens the President requested all present to make at least one new friend before leaving for home and lots of new friends and contacts were made on the day.

The next item on the agenda was a tour of the Arás. Every room had its own story to tell, including the room with a picture of Douglas Hyde holding his first meeting as President of Ireland. The décor in the Arás was something to behold and beautiful carpets made in Donegal covered all of the floors. The long entrance hall displayed the sculptured bronze heads of all past Presidents including our own Mary Robinson. It was a truly memorable day and everybody present had a most enjoyable outing.

Castlebar ICA News

The AGM of Castlebar ICA Guild was held recently. The following officers elected for the coming year are: President Teresa Melvin, Secretary Mary Hayes & Treasurer Joey Moore. The Guild has now closed for the summer and will re-open in the Social Services Centre in September when new members will be very welcome to join us.