Wicklow Federation was founded in October 1951, making it 70 years old in 2021.
The Guilds in Wicklow Federation (Ashford, Aughrim, Avoca, Ballycoog, Bray, Delgany, Donard, Hollywood, Kiltegan, Moneystown, Newtownmountkennedy, Roundwood, Tinahely and Wicklow Town) span a diverse range of locations from coastal communities in the east to the highest village in Ireland, Roundwood, and the valleys and uplands of central and west Wicklow. Delgany Guild turned 80 last year, pre-dating the founding of the Federation, and the youngest Guild, Wicklow Town, will be a sturdy 8 years strong in 2022.
ICA National President Hilda Roche and South East Regional President Mary Darcy enjoying the Wicklow ICA Federation Party in Lynhams hotel
From the outset drama has been important in Wicklow Federation. The first ICA One Act Drama Festival run by the Federation took place in 1953. It is now one of the longest running drama festivals in the country and open to both ICA and community drama groups. The 65th Drama Festival was held in January 2020 and it took a national lockdown in a global pandemic to bring about a year without the Festival! We are delighted to say we were able to stage our 66th Drama Festival in 2022.
Wicklow Federation has contributed two ICA National Presidents, Liz Wall in 2012 and current National President Hilda Roche.
The Federation celebrated its 70 years on Sunday March 6th in Lynhams of Laragh, right in the heart of the county. We were joined by our National President Hilda, our Regional President (SE), Mary D’Arcy and 10 Past Presidents of Wicklow Federation for what was a most enjoyable, very special and happy occasion. There was a display of Lockdown Projects which saw our members bringing something they worked on in Lockdown. There were arts and crafts, photographs of non-portable items such as gardens and ponds. It was a lovely showcase of the creativity, individuality and enterprise of the VIP guests, our members.
Following a beautiful afternoon tea the members who presented items of Drama, Poetry and Song were loudly applauded for the entertainment they provided and this was followed followed by music and dancing.
