Knockraha I.C.A
Knockraha I.C.A. was originally formed in 1949. The meetings were held in
the school at the time having got premission from Canon O'Leary. Present at this
meeting was Miss Judge from Inniscarra and the following officers were elected
Secretary Helen Gleeson, President Elsie O'Donoghue, Treasurer Ina O'Doherty.
The local IFA contributed in helping them get started. During their reign they
done many different kinds of crafts. They also held a card drive. Cannon O'Leary
helped with the running of this The guild lasted 5 or 6 years There is no trace
of any records of that period.
In 1979 Margaret O,Sullivan of Ballingohig now deceased approached Mary
Murphy Coolguerisk asking her to join Watergrasshill. Mary's reaction was why
not start one in knockraha. 42 members attended this first meeting. The firsr
officers were Secretary Margaret O'Sullivan, President Mary Murphy abd Treasurer
Sarah Hickey. That first year there was a membership of 71. Little was know
about I.C.A. in Knockraha. They went through a learning process taking part in
many competitions. Down through the years a lot of money have been raised for
charity. This year it was for Marymount and Muscular Dystraphy. For the past
number of years Noreen Gleeson from Maryville who is our local art teacher have
been giving art classes in The Community Centre every Wednesday and Thursday
night. The guild have held many art exhibitions in the hall as well as John
Barleycorn Hotel Riverstown which is no longer exists. In 2003 when St Mary's
Church in Knockraha was 200 years old we held an art exhibition in the church.
The guild also made two alter cloths which are being used on the alter today.
In 2008 the guild was 30 years since it reformation and a back drop for the
Community Centre was made. A lot of time went into this but a great time was had
by all. This was unveiled on the 20th November 2009 to coinside with the Silver
Jubillee of the reconstruction of the Church. At the momemt the guild are making
blankets for children in the third world countries. Where these are going has
yet to be decided.
The current officers are President Kathleen Dillon, Secretary Mary O'Brien,
Treasurer Nancy Hogan, PRO Sheila Fitzgerald and Craft Promoter Margaret Mason.
The guild meet the first Wednesday of every month from September to June at 8pm
in the Community Centre and sometimes have a guest speaker.We would welcome any
new members.
(From Left to Right) Mary Hollond, Mary P. Murphy, Eileen Cremin, Noreen
O'Connell, Maria O'Callaghan, Teresa Riordan, Bishop John Buckley, Kathleen
O'Brien, Nancy Hogan (Treasurer), Mary O'Brien (Secretary), Eileen Mulcahy,
Agnes Kelleher, Josephine Barry, Sheila Fitzgerald (PRO), Joan O'Donoghue,
Margaret Mason (Craft Promoter) and Kathleen Dillon (President)
PHOTO ALBUM (click to access ICA photos)
PHOTO ALBUM (click to access ICA photos)