Longford Federation ICA members looking forward to Christmas festivities

The Longford Federation ICA line dancers presented Tom McClean, Treasurer of DPOL (Disabled People of Longford) with a cheque on Thursday night last to the value of €500.

This was the proceeds from their Keep Fit with line dancing classes. Many thanks to all the line dancers, and thanks to May Campbell for giving the classes.

Evening with Fiona Egan: We had a wonderful evening with Fiona Egan of Cloughan Farm & Cookery School. Fiona was a brilliant hostess ably assisted by the lovely Lena. 

We got so many great tips from her on food, gardening as in growing your own food, preserving food, decorating dishes and being mindful of the environment. Fourteen members and two guests enjoyed the evening.

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Fiona effortlessly cooked up some delicious culinary delights and presented them on boards which we could nibble at while she continued to cook the main course, chicken and mushroom stroganoff followed by a scrumptious wreath pavlova. We were stuffed by the end of the night. It was most enjoyable and Fiona emulates everything ICA strives to achieve. We would highly recommend a trip to this hidden gem just outside Ballymahon.

Lotto: Our lotto draw takes place this Wednesday, December 18 in HQ at 8pm. There will also be a draw for Christmas hampers on the night so please have your tickets in before 8pm for the draw. Thanks to Longford Town and Ennybegs guilds for hosting the draw.

Nollaig na mBan: Our Nollaig na mBan evening has changed venue for 2025. It will be held in the Longford Arms Hotel on Monday, January 6 starting at 7pm sharp and finishing at 11pm. We will have food and music to follow with Sean Hussey. There will be lots of spot prizes given out. 

This is a night for us women to celebrate and relax after a very busy season of Christmas. So come out and enjoy. Non members are also welcome. Guilds should have a list of the members attending now and please lodge the same with Treasurer Sinead 087 996 8138 or deputising President May 086 375 1242. Any queries to Sinéad and May or indeed any ICA member.

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Housewife of the Year: We are hoping to organise a trip to see the "Housewife of the Year" documentary film in the near future. There is ICA involvement in the film so it would be nice to go as a group to see this film and enjoy a nice evening out. More details in the New Year.

2025 Calendar: Our 2025 Calendar is now on sale and available from any guild member. Priced at just €5 it's a great stocking filler for Christmas and a must for all ICA members with all dates and competitions for the coming year included. If you would like to purchase one or more get in touch with any guild member and we will get them to you in time for Christmas.

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Celebrations: Ardagh ICA Guild celebrated their 10th anniversary last week with a lovely evening out in the Rustic Inn, Abbeyshrule, where they enjoyed a lovely meal and of course cake. Thanks to all who attended on the night. Ardagh Guild was reformed in 2014 and they have grown from strength to strength. They meet in Ballycloghan Hall on the second Tuesday of the month where new members are always welcome. Congratulations to the ladies from Ardagh ICA and here’s to the next 10 and more years. 

Classes in HQ: All classes are finished now for the Christmas season and will return in January. We thank everybody for taking part in the classes and also we thank everybody who organises the classes and workshops. Things don't just happen, somebody has to make them happen and we really appreciate our volunteers in ICA. We will be back to a full-on schedule in January so enjoy the Christmas break ladies.

Finally, we would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a Peaceful New Year. For those who have lost loved ones during the year and to those who are sick please be assured we will keep you all in our thoughts over the festive season and hope the New Year is a brighter one for all.