Enrich your life with Mayo ICA

YOUNG mums with nippers in nappies and ladies of more mature years tackling everything from learning languages to reviving age-old crafts – meet the members of Mayo ICA.

I've just had my perception of a group of older women who gather to knit or natter under the umbrella title of the Irish Country Women's Association well and truly blown out of the water.

A quick look at the Mayo ICA Facebook page and I see federation president Alice Rowley tackling adventure racing in Kilary.

Another long-standing member admits she joined ICA back in 1979 'as an escape from a life of babies and nappies'. Being an 'outsider' from Galway, the friends she found along the way have been a rock when times were tough.

There's a community of happening women around the county who are having lots of fun, and they're always open to new members joining up.

Mayo ICA Federation consists of 14 guilds, covering most of Mayo, so finding a group near you is easy. And if your excuse is that you don't have the time, well, the federation meets four times a year, with guilds meeting monthly.

Guilds organise an extraordinary variety of events during the year, from photography to creative writing, pilates to makeup demos, Meelickmore embroidery, Tai Chi, basket weaving, genealogy... the list is endless. You can choose what you'd like to do, and maybe surprise yourself by taking on something you'd be less sure of.

The ICA has the feel-good factor and that's very evident thanks to a project initiated by Meelick ICA Guild member Anne Henry, who felt it would be a useful exercise to find out how members felt. The feedback has been hugely positive.

Being a neighbour's child, I confess to being well acquainted with Anne's baking skills over many years, but now I'm hearing she has uncovered lots of other hidden talents. She's my friend's mum and after raising her family and then retiring from her job in Aras Attracta in Swinford, she found herself getting stuck in a rut, feeling isolated and missing the friendships and fun of the work place.

The story Anne told me over coffee with fellow Meelick ICA member Judith Holmes will strike a chord with many readers. "Do I sit at home or do I put myself out there?"

Not being a pushy type of person, Anne went along to a meeting with a friend. She confesses to barely opening her mouth for the first year, but with her confidence boosted, she's blossomed. "It really brought me out of my shell," she confesses.

"It's a nice sociable evening out," says Anne of going to meetings. "I find it very interesting to have some things to be doing that I like. That makes me feel good about myself. I look forward to meeting the crowd and when an event is taking place, we all get stuck in."

The testimonials collected from all around the county all speak about the welcome afforded when members joined up, with the trips to the ICA's headquarters, An Grianan in Co. Louth, a definite highlight.

Here's some of the personal experiences of members, which were submitted anonymously.

Said one: "I never envisaged when I married a Mayo man I would want to be part of such an organisation. This changed my life in ways I could never have imagined. As a community nurse, meeting new mothers, I would promote the ICA to encourage them to join, pointing out the benefits – making friends, learning crafts, having the cup of tea and the craic."

On new members, another stated: "It is always great to see a young member joining the organisation with fresh eyes and ideas. I would recommend ICA to all women, especially in rural areas as sometimes it can be isolating, especially if a lady is new to an area."

Said another member: "ICA helps people form strong bonds, make life-long friendships and the opportunity of meeting people from all over the country. Those gatherings are something enjoyable to look forward to in the dull of winter."

And some words from a Mulranny guild member who joined 30 years ago before having any children: "Joining the ICA is like coming home. No sooner have you joined than you think 'Why didn't I do this before?' This is where I belong. Being a member of the ICA enriches your life. You are part of a group of women with a similar outlook. They are interested in things outside of their own lives. They are encouraging and supportive.

"If you are a woman and over 16, join your local ICA guild. Whether you stay for a few years or for many years, your life will be better for it.”

 

Mayo ICA guilds are all open to new members. For information, including dates for meetings in your area, see the Mayo ICA Federation Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/MAYOICA/, email mayoicafed@gmail.com, or call Alice Rowley on (087) 6313533.