The Caherdavin branch of this national organisation was officially registered in 1980.   In the decades since many friendships have been formed and much information shared.  Because of the guild’s links with the county and national network, as well as the Women’s Institute in the North and Britain, we get involved and have our say about social and legislative issues that impinge on all our lives.  I.C.A. is active in campaigning about health services and pension rights and provides a counselling service for its members.

Every month we welcome a speaker and recent talks were on a wide range of topics .  We have heard about a charity initiative in the city, been given advice about safety issues in the home and legal issues relevant to the family, and enjoyed numerous demonstrations, whether it be in art, cooking, gardening or interior decoration.   As an association we have reached out to the community, and the flower group in the parish and the ladies who made the church cloths were drawn from the membership.  After a talk from a local charity many years ago some members still volunteer weekly in their outlet.

Members visit An Grianan, the wonderful I.C.A. resource, where you can participate in courses as varied as stain glass work, digital photography, Tai Chi, gardening,  -  just a random selection from what is on offer there.

On a local level, members dictate the agenda   We are actively involved in the Go For Life initiative and support the cultural events on offer in the city  As well as cinema and theatre visits we visit the Bloom in the Park annual gardening exhibition in Dublin. At the county level, courses are organised regularly as are escorted walks and trips.   Members compete in the numerous competitions organised by the association nationally, whether it be in fiction writing, art, photography,baking, crafts or drama.  We have enjoyed many successes.

The local guild banner displays the symbols of what interests us most  We value relationships and friendship, the work of women with their hands, whether it be in the garden, shop, office or home, and a commitment to making life locally and nationally more fair and just and less isolated.