Westmeath ICA takes well-earned summer break

Westmeath ICA (Irish Countrywomen's Association) Federation is now taking a well-earned summer break after a packed schedule of events in recent months.

Mullingar ICA Guild hosted the federation's final meeting before the summer break on July 1 last, at which four guilds were in attendance.

The hugely-popular brown bread competition, judged by Bernie Mulligan, was won by local member, Helen O’Gorman, who went on to represent Westmeath at An Grianan. Although she represented her county with distinction, Helen did not emerge as one of the three finalists to progress to the National Ploughing Championships in Tullamore in September, where the finalists will compete for a grand prize of €5,000 and a brand new NEFF oven, courtesy of Euronics Ireland.

The three brown bread making finalists are: Kathy Bolger of Bree Guild, Wexford Federation ICA; Maureen Igoe, Bonniconlon Guild, Mayo ICA Federation, and Helen Walker, Swords Guild, Dublin Federation ICA.

Westmeath ICA also held their annual walk for the Associated Country Women of the World (ACWW) in Tyrrellspass on Sunday, July 5, and while the date did not suit many members, those who did attend enjoyed the lovely Cloncarrow Bog and Village Trail Walk, which was followed by coffee/tea and scones in Tyrrellspass Castle.

Twenty members also enjoyed a recent day trip to Birr Castle and Gardens, where they were treated to an interested guided tour of the castle and enjoyed walks through the garden and museum. The group rounded off their trip with a meal in the County Arms Hotel in Birr town.

Meetings of Westmeath ICA Federation will resume in the autumn.