Irish Countrywomen's Association Hosts National Meeting in Tralee

The Conference discussed various issues affecting Irish Countrywomen, including farming and the organisation of various competitions, and heard from delegates who were keen to propel the Association into the future.

Many visitors to this site may remember some of the members of the first Tralee Guild, which held it's first meeting in the old Technical School, Moyderwell many years ago. They included Nancy Caball and her sister, Norrie Laide, Kit Kelly, Jo O'Sullivan, Nora Scannell, Mrs. Campion (the County Librarian), Susie Casey (wife of former Kerryman newspaper editor, Con), Hannah O'Connor from Ballymullen, Therese Fitzmaurice from Caherslee, Mrs. Frankie Slattery from Rock Street (mother of David and Tom) and Nora Quinlan from Boherbee, who died just a few short weeks ago.

Current Kerry Federation President is Castlegregory woman, Bridie Goodwin and Secretary is Bridie Daly from Firies, who is mother of famous Kerry foorballer and All-Ireland medallist, Donal. Celia Cooke who is responsible for the public-relations side of the Kerry Federation is from Tralee.

We hope that the delegates who visited Tralee on Wednesday will take back some happy memories of the town and its residents and that it won't be as long before the next such event. For the record, Kerry has hosted a National Council Meeting on three occasions in the past 45 years: 1957, 1974 and 1993. Two National Presidents of the ICA were from Kerry: Kit Ahern (Ballybunion) and Monica Prendiville (Castleisland).

Forming part of the presentation to new National President, Breda Raggett, by the Kerry Federation on Wednesday was a copy of the book "Kerry" by Tralee-photographer, Michael Diggin, which shows the spectacular beauty and magic of the Kingdom through the lens of his camera.