Longford ICA's sympathies, news and upcoming activities announced

Sympathies
We want to offer our deepest sympathies to Granard Guild member Kathleen Blake on the death of her husband Joe, may Joe rest in eternal peace.

Read more: Three Longford organisations have been awarded Arts Council funding

Nollaig Na mBan
A brilliant evening was had on January 6 in the Longford Arms Hotel celebrating Nollaig Na mBan. 79 ladies descended on the hotel for an evening of food, fun and dancing and we had it all. The evening began with a lovely supper and we ate our fill. The fabulous Sean Hussey then took to the stage and he kept us on our feet for the night, we had spot prizes throughout the evening and we thank Sinead Butler for organising these. The ladies danced the night away and for proof of this check out our Facebook page. We thank the staff of the Longford Arms Hotel for the great service we received ,also Sean Hussey for the entertainment, and last but not least thanks to all the ladies that came out and helped make it the night it was, we are looking forward to next year already, ICA is alive and well in Longford.

January Walk
Our first walk for 2026 will take place on Sunday, January 18 in The Mall, Longford. We will meet at ICA HQ at 1pm and start from there, plenty of parking available, the ladies from the Longford Town Guild have kindly offered to provide tea and goodies in ICA HQ after the walk so come out and join us for a leisurely walk and a nice cuppa afterwards, the walks are open to all so bring a friend or two and get the new year off to a great start.

Table Quiz
The federation final of the table quiz will take place in ICA HQ on Tuesday January 20, supper at 7.30 with Quiz starting at 8pm. Can we ask the contest secretary in each guild to provide a plate of goodies for the cuppa please.

Upcoming National Competitions
Each guild secretary should have a copy of the national competitions booklet, so anyone interested in taking part please have a look and see what might interest you. Anne Marie Donohoe is organising the drama competition and is looking for volunteers to take part, so if anyone thinks they might like to take part please get in touch with Anne Marie on 087 7136550.

Lotto
Our first lotto draw for 2026 will take place on Wednesday January 21 and will be hosted by Lanesborough and Newtowncashel guilds, for this draw envelopes can be left in the usual places, Bells Newtownforbes and Whytes Legan or can be brought to the table quiz on Tuesday evening, new drop of points will be advised for the following draws.

Read more: Tributes to hardworking, engaged former Longford councillor Séamus Finnan

Activities in ICA
Activities in ICA HQ this week, classes are open to all.
Wednesday 6 to 6.50pm Pilates. Thursday 12.30 to 1.30pm; Chairobics Friday 11am to 2pm; Craft Morning; Saturday 4pm to 6pm Crochet class with Virginia.