2010 A Wonderful Day at the Kilbeggan Races

The Westmeath Federation ICA members along with members from all over the country joined the throngs on 15th May 2010 at Kilbeggan Racecourse to celebrate the centenary of the organisation. And in what style! The members who came were a credit to the modern, vibrant organisation that the ICA is today. The spur for this was the Best Hat competition which went down a treat.

The MC for the Reception was to be Colm Murray, but sadly he couldn’t be with us. Best wishes to Colm. Willie Geraghty and Pat Phelan did an excellent job on the day.

We began the day with a cheece and wine reception in the Balcony Suite of Kilbeggan Racecourse to the background music supplied by Claire Lynam, Harpist. Superb playing and a joy to listen to.

We thank the speakers Gwen Carter, ICA Westmeath Federation President, Mary O’Rourke MP, Marian Harkin MEP, Mairead McGuinness MEP and the ICA National President Anne Marie Dennison for their lovely words of encouragement and humour about the ICA down through the years. Yes, we have come a long way and an immense amount of effort and work by the women of Ireland down through the years has brought us to where we are today.

ICA Race Winners

ICA Centenary Celebration Maiden Hurdle was the RACE OF THE DAY. Our National President Anne Marie Dennison presented the winning owner’s trophy to Catherine Murphy, who was representing the Stoneyville Syndicate.

Westmeath Federation President Gwen Carter presented D.T. Hughes, winning trainer with his prize. He also accepted a reward for the groom from Elizabeth Brady.

One of Westmeath’s oldest and longest serving ICA members Dolly Kearney from Castlepollard presented Robert Loughran, the winning jockey, with his prize.

Best Hat

The Best Hat Competition was wonderfully adjudicated by Rita Daly, Tullamore.

1st Prize Monica Larenz which was presented by Una Flynn
2nd Prize Wendy Donoghue which was presented by Ginny Ryder
Bouquets were presented to the 3 runners up by Laoise Collins, Nessa Collins and Jenny Brady

Thanks to all our members who came in such style for a wonderful DAY AT THE RACES.

List of SPONSORS:

A very special word of thanks to Paddy Dunican, Manager, Kilbeggan Racecourse for his advice and assistance at all times and for putting the Racecourse at our disposal to host this very special occasion.

Evening Entertainment

Belvedere House, Gardens & Park

The members of the ICA who could dally late on the Sunday morning were treated to a guided tour of the fabulous Belvedere House, Gardens and Park by the General Manager Bartle D’Arcy.

I’m from the locality and have been to Belvedere House, Gardens & Park on many occasions, I was amazed at how much I learned about the place and I am still in awe at how Bartle was able to keep us all enthralled for over 2½ hours with his knowledge of the history of the house and its connections.

At the end of the tour Bartle presented the ICA National President with a Belvedere Rose, which is a pink climbing rose.

We ended the afternoon with welcome refreshments in the Courtyard Cafe.