Dollymount ICA

The Irish Countrywomen’s Association was founded in 1910. The objective was better living for the women of Ireland. Great work was carried out by the association in the early days when the needs of rural Ireland were very different from those of today.

The I. C. A. was foremost in the drive for rural electrification and water schemes. Women were educated in a variety of crafts, skills etc. and Country Markets were set up to enable women to sell their produce and earn an extra little income. Today I. C. A. is still very much alive in Ireland. There are almost 1,000 Guilds throughout the country, both rural and urban. The aims are social, educational and cultural. The adult education college, “An Grianain”, in Termonfeckin is in great demand where the members can take part in a wide variety of courses.

The Dollymount Guild was started in November 1959 by a far -seeing group of local women. It is still going strong and has happy membership. Friendship is considered an important aspect of the Guild. The Guild meets every Wednesday night at the Irish Wheelchair Association hall in Clontarf. Activities cover arts, crafts, demonstrations, talks etc. There has always been a Drama Group within the Guild and many awards are won by them at Federation and National level.

Courses in effective speaking, debating, music appreciation etc. are held. An annual outing takes place in June and an annual dinner each November to coincide with the founding date of the Guild. We are very fortunate in the Dollymount Guild as we have many young members who will carry on the good work into the millenium with the energy the founding members had 40 years ago.