03/06/2026
The Westmeath ICA Federation held their AGM on 21st May, in Horseleap/Streamstown Community Hall. The host was the Horseleap/Streamstown Guild.
Rosaleen welcomed everyone to the meeting. After our prayer and song, condolences were expressed to Nuala Reid on the death of her brother, Paddy Nolan, Ber Ennis on the death of her son, Albert, Gertie Wallace on the death of her brother, Ray Monaghan and Pamela Comiskey on the death of her daughter, Olga.
The Guilds present were: Ballinea/Brotenstown, Castlepollard, Horseleap/Streamstown and Mullingar.
Rosaleen reminded everyone that the National AGM will be held in the Tullamore Court Hotel on Saturday, 23rd May, 2026.
The Guilds gave the reports on their activities throughout the year:
Brotenstown/Ballinea Guild made a presentation to TEAM. They had a talk on international Women’s Day. They collected a Wellness Hamper for the women in temporary accommodation as a way of showing solidarity with them while they are experiencing such difficult times. They also had a talk from Sharon Butler on Stroke and women. They have a visit to the Japanese Gardens planned.
Castlepollard Guild had a most interesting visit to the Ernest Shackleton Museum in Athy. They also attended Chair Yoga and are planning a trip to Sligo in the Autumn.
Horseleap/Streamstown Guild celebrated their 40th Anniversary with a night out in the Court Hotel, Tullamore and also celebrated it with a party in the Community Centre with founding and past members in attendance. They also had a trip to the Gleneagles, Killarney. At Christmas instead of exchanging gifts, they gave a donation to South Westmeath Hospice and had a night out in the Shearwater Hotel, Ballinasloe. They held Line Dancing classes and fundraised €1220 for Sarcoma Ireland Association. Classes were open to members and non-members. Pole walking classes are on at the moment and a trip to Westport is planned for September.
Mullingar Guild held Pilates classes, Mosaic on plates and crochet classes. They also raised €1000 for the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association by knitting Easter chicks. They paid a visit to Malahide and have a day trip to Holyhead, Wales, planned with Brotenstown/Ballinea for the Autumn.
The following members were elected as officers:
President: Rose Rice, Horseleap/Streamstown Guild
Secretary: Liz Gavigan, Brotenstown/Ballinea Guild
Treasurer: Helen O’Gorman, Mullingar Guild
Mullingar Guild entertained us with their drama which they entered in the competition held in An Grianan, titled “Did that really happen??” We all enjoyed the performance.
Congratulations were extended to the Westmeath Team and best of luck in the next round of the All-Ireland Championship. Congratulations also to the Ladies on their great win and best of luck in their future games.
The Brown Bread Competition was held at the meeting and judged by Bernie Mulligan.
Ber Ennis, Horseleap/Streamstown Guild was the winner with Eilish McDonnell, from the same guild 2nd and Liz Gavigan, Brotenstown/Ballinea Guild coming 3rd. Best of luck to Ber in the next step of the competition which will be held in An Grianan.
The meeting finished with refreshments and our usual chat.
