Welcome to the Ratoath ICA site.
The Irish Countrywomens Association was formed as the women’s side of the co-operative movement, with the aim of promoting better living standards in rural Ireland. The association 1910 was then known as the United Irishwomen but our name has since changed to Bantracht na Tuaithe (The Irish Countrywomen’s Association).
The main aim of the Association was to advance education and benefit the community through :
--Bringing women together in fellowship and friendship and developing and improving the well being, knowledge and skills of women and improving the general quality of life in Ireland through co-operative effort of women;
This aim is as relevant today as it was back in 1910.
The local branch of the ICA is called a 'guild;
Guilds may have weekly or monthly meetings.
Guild activities include lectures on gardening, health, travel, literature, national development, social problems, home decoration, good grooming, aroma therapy, cookery demonstrations, art and craft classes, various competitions, scrabble, cards, book club and many, many more. Work parties and classes are arranged and, in fact, members can get together to organise any activity they wish. Suggestions from members are always welcome. Members can work for proficiency awards in cookery, gardening, handcrafts etc and individual members may work towards and Art award. Study groups can be formed to examine social problems, to learn the art of public speaking -- educational outings are an annual event and exchange visits between guilds in other counties or indeed exchanges with groups in other countries are an exciting part of the guild’s programme.
The guilds in each county form the County Federation presided over by a President. Meetings of the county federation are held quarterly and each guild is represented by it’s appointed delegate.
An Grianán, our residential college in Termonfeckin, Co. Louth given to the Association by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation of America for “Educational and recreational purposes to promote the health, education and welfare of the people of Ireland”. Courses of instruction and conferences are held there all year round covering a wide range of subjects. A programme of the year’s activities can be obtained from the Secretary at An Grianán or from Central Office. The door of our college is open to you and indeed to all.
It is hoped that each member will read our quarterly publications, distributed through the Guild. It contains the Association news and information; news of An Grianán with lists of courses; reports of Guild and Group activities and articles of interest to all members. Reading the magazine will keep you right up-to-date on ICA affairs.
