The 70 Year Itch

Wicklow prez Susanna Braswell & Miriam McKeever

t was fitting that as International Women’s Day dawns, the Wicklow federation of Ireland’s largest women’s association celebrated its 70th birthday on Sunday.

This is an organisation with over 10,000 members and over 500 guilds – with 14 of those being in Wicklow.

Mary Darcy, Mary O’Reilly & Hilda Roche

There wasn’t quite 10,000 party people packed into Lynam’s of Laragh for the big hurrah, but it certainly felt widescreen in scope, as presidents past and present came together to raise a glass.

Included in the mix alongside current national presidents Liz Wall and Hilda Roche were current Wicklow prez Susanna Braswell, the bould Miriam McKeever, Maureen Beirne [above, with blue bag], Madge Kenny, Statia Ivers, Susan Kenny, Maureen Quigley and Mary O’Reilly.

Back Susanna Braswell, Miriam McKeever, Madge Kenny, Statia Ivers, Susan Kenny. Front Hilda Roche, Maureen Quigley, Mary O’Reilly, Liz Wall

And a great time was had by Al. Who managed to slip in through the back door.

Oh, and who’s that taking up the central table, ready to meet their public? Hey, it’s the Delgany ICA gang, looking dang dapper for their big day out.

Congrats to the Wicklow Federation, and all who sail in her. And here’s to the next 70 years.

You can find out more about Irish Countrywoman’s Association here, and the Wicklow guilds on Facebook here.