Rathdowney Girl Guides celebrated their 40th anniversary in Scoil Bhríde last night. The event saw the attendance of past and present Ladybirds, Brownies and Guides. The celebration kicked off with a picture slideshow of Rathdowney Guides throughout the years, which was greeted with laughter and nostalgia. Original founder of Rathdowney Girl Guides Gina O’Loughlin started the group in 1984 when she noticed the lack of clubs/activities for girls in the town. “We used to meet on a Thursday night in the Marion centre. We had so much fun going to the Brownie cottage in those days,” Gina said while reminiscing upon the group’s earlier years. “40 years ago, many children had never left home before- it was their first time away. I think that brownies, guides and ladybirds are the best character builders ever. It’s great to see that the group is still going, here’s to many more years to come.” Group leader Carol Stanley is celebrating 37 years of her involvement in Rathdowney guiding. “When I started Guides in Killarney, you had to wait to turn 7 to join the Brownies,” said Carol. “I was so excited when I was finally old enough to join. I’d come home from school and my uniform would be on at 3 o'clock, and brownies would be at 6 o'clock,” Carol Laughed. “I made so many friends, and I still meet them today.” “She has always been there for everyone,” said Brownie Leader Ellen Wall. “Carol is the backbone- and every leader is important. Without every leader, it wouldn’t happen- no event would happen. We’re a team, but the team needs a leader!.”
