27/07/2025
WESTMEATH ICA FEDERATION NOTES
On Tuesday, 1st July, 2025, the Westmeath Federation of the ICA held our last meeting of the season. Mullingar Guild was the host on the night. There were four guilds in attendance.
The brown bread competition was won by Helen O’Gorman who went on to represent the county at An Grianan. Thanks to Bernie Mulligan who judged the competition. Unfortunately luck was not with Helen in An Grianan and the winner of the competition was Kathy Bolger of Bree Guild Wexford Federation ICA, Maureen Igoe, Bonniconlon Guild, Mayo ICA Federation and Helen Walker, Swords Guild, Dublin Federation ICA! The three ICA finalists will now progress to the National Ploughing Championships, to try for the grand prize of €5,000 and a brand new NEFF oven courtesy of Euronics Ireland!
We held our walk for ACWW in Tyrrellspass on 5th July, 2025. Unfortunately, the date did not suit many of our members but those of us who did attend enjoyed the lovely Cloncarrow Bog and Village Trail Walk. We enjoyed scones and coffee/tea in Tyrrellspass Castle afterwards.
On 24th July, 2025 we held our day trip to Birr Castle and gardens. There were 20 members on the tour. We had a very interesting guided tour of the castle and enjoyed walks through the garden and museum. We finished off our day with a meal in the Birr County Arms.
Wishing all our members a happy and healthy summer and we will meet again in the Autumn
The members who entered the Federation Brown Bread competition with judge Bernie Mulligan. Catherine Leavy, Helen O’Gorman, winner, Bernie Mulligan, Judge, Liz Gavigan, 2nd, Eilish McDonnell and Liz Brad
The members who visited Birr Castle.
