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Our History          The ICA Gormanston Guild was founded by Mrs Josephine Gormley and sixteen like-minded ladies from Co Meath in April 1946. Early meetings were held in Mrs. Brangan’s home but nowadays we meet in the Parish Rooms, Stamullen and our membership is drawn mainly from the Gormanston, Stamullen and surrounding areas.                 We are one of the oldest Guilds in the country (and the oldest in Co. Meath). One of our current members, Peggy, has been a member since its foundation, so we are obviously an organisation of ‘keepers’. Interested? Then why not become our latest member today.        The name Gormanston comes from the Clann Da Gormain who ruled the area until the 13th century. In 1372 the area was purchased by Robert Preston who, when knighted, took the title Lord Gormanston. His descendents lived in the area until 1947 when the estate was sold. The estate now houses a well-known secondary school, Gormanston College. A legend attached to the family has it that when the head of the family is dying, foxes collect at the door of the castle. Appropriately, there is a fox in the family crest. The castle is now a boarding school owned by the Franciscan Order.               On the right of the main gates to Gormanston estate, among the trees, is a headstone to an Irish wolfhound. Legend tells us that the hound saved his master’s life. The Lord was staying with treacherous friends who were plotting his demise. Upon entering his assigned bedroom, the Lord’s dog ran ahead of him and jumped on the bed which collapsed into the pit constructed beneath it. The headstone records the Lord’s gratitude to a faithful companion who died protecting his master.        Gormanston is bordered to the south by the Devlin River, at the estuary of which St. Patrick baptised his successor St. Benignus. To the north lies Richardstown and the military camp, to the east is Gormanston beach and the Irish Sea. To the west lies Stamullen. Gormanston village grew from the estate and its cottages and the population in Census 2006 stood at 355. The road through the village was once the coaching road to Dublin and the remains of the coach-inn and forge can be seen by the keen eye on the corner of Tobersool Lane. The oldest pub in Ireland, the Cock Tavern, stands at the other end of the village, and was once the principal inn on the Dublin to Belfast route. The name of Stamullen village comes from the Gaelic and may translate as the church of Mellen’s son. Alternatively, the name relates to St. Patrick’s plan to build a church where the hornless ox (mollin) loaded with building materials should come to a halt (stad). Who knows!        The ruins of a 15th century church dominate the graveyard on the main street. The site contains the only cadaver stone in Meath, an effigal tombstone depicting a Lord and Lady in court dress, assumed to be the fourth Viscount of Gormanston and his wife. The church itself was confiscated by the crown during Penal times. According to legend Cromwell shelled Stamullen during his march on Drogheda in 1649 .        The present church, St. Patrick’s, which is beside the Parish Hall where we meet, was built in 1831 on land given by Lord Gormanston.        Education in Stamullen began with hedge schools as early as 1788, but the first national school opened in 1841 with a new one following at Preston Hill in 1954. Stamullen school had four teachers in 1978. With the population of the village increasing to 2,487 in Census 2006, and more than 300 pupils currently enrolled, a large new school building was added to the campus and opened on 8th of September. Like to learn more about our origins. Why not read ‘Deeds Not Words – the Life and Work of Muriel Gahan’ written by Geraldine Mitchell. Copies are available by contacting An Grianán on 041 9822119.                   Guild HighlightsThrough the Years        2009 Four members attended the Miriam O'Callaghan show in July. 2008 Guild raised in excess of €2000 in sponsporship for creation of website from local businesses Profile of Guild raised through communications with local radio and newspapers Two new members recruited through raising profile of Guild Annual Summer day trip took place to Birr Castle and Demense RTE's Heat Programme approaches Guild on participating 2007 Three new members recruited through raising profile of Guild Members of the Guild travelled to Dublin to attend the Special Meeting being held in December on the future of the ICA Special meeting held by President to review the strategy document issued by FSG (Farrell Sparks and Grant), consultants employed to review the ICA going forward 2004 Two members gave a talk on their visits to Paris and Croatia respectively at International night 2002 Members enjoyed listening to an interview on ICA done in 1981 on Radio Drogheda by Guild members, the late Lil Murphy, Rhona Shuttleworth and Jennifer Mortell Women’s Refuge Centre selected as Charity of the Year 2001 A school in the Darjeeling region of India was selected as Charity Of The Year 1998 Funds raised for Teleton via personal contributions by Guild members 1996 50th Anniversary of the Guild was celebrated at a lunch in the Huntsman In, Gormanston Raheny Hospice selected as Charity of the Year 1995 Guild chosen for a meeting with President, Mrs Mary Robinson. 1994 Members signed a Petition against Probate Tax Divorce Questionnaire received from Central Office circulated at Guild meeting for completion by members Members signed a Petition for breast screening services to be available for all women 1993 Cystic Fibrosis selected as Charity Of The Year 1992 Member elected to attend Leadership Course been held in An Grianán Report made by President to Guild members on day course on ‘How politics work’ Proceeds of Coffee morning donated towards upkeep of Stamullen School 1991 Clock donated by Guild to raise funds for St Vincent de Paul 1990 Guild participated in Eleanor Gibbon competition Sale of Work held by Guild was a wonderfull success 1989 Bring and Buy Coffee morning held to raise funds for the Guild Mrs Monks and Cissie O’Reilly made honory members of the Guild 1988 Guild held Christmas card painting competition for 5th and 6th year students in local schools 1987 Antique Road Show held by Guild 1986 Member entered Youghal Carpet Competition 1985 Guild held a very successful children’s Art Competition in recognition of International Youth Year Guild held a very successfull Craft Day Guild submitted patchwork quilt in National Competition which was highly commended Youth Encounter Group set-up with assistance from the Guild 1984 Jennifer Mortell voted Woman of the Year by Guild Lil Murphy voted onto Executive of ICA Guild won the Federation AIB/ICA Guild of the Year Award Two members took part in the Meath Federation Movement to Music competition and were highly commended Cookery demonstation held to raise funds for St Patrick’s Community Hall 1983 Guild helps create Foroige club in Stamullen Creche facilities made available at An Grianan for members attending courses December saw the first Guild meeting being held in the Community Hall Mrs Mary Davitt won first place in a competition at Federation level 1982 Jennifer Mortell elected as Federation President Guild won the AIB Guild of the Year Award Camilla Hannon elected to the Seanad and she accepted the Fianna Fail Party Whip Guild received recommendation from ICA President for our development of Irish in the Guild Proceeds from Sale of Work donated to Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children in Crumlin Proceeds of raffle donated to St Vincent dePaul 1981 Guild planted a copper beech in the grounds of An Grianan as a memorial to the Guild Mrs Kennedy and Mrs Martin won firsts in the Tivoli Knitting competition at Federation level Jennifer Mortell won the regional finals of the Housewife of the Year competition Jennifer Mortell elected as ICA representative to the Irish Wildlife Advisory Council Jennifer Mortell received a Demonstator’s Bar for her hedgerow basketary Mrs Mary Davitt received a Demonstrator’s Bar also for her knitting Mrs Ann Cullen came third for her embroidery at Federation Level Guild held Fashion Show in aid of St Patrick’s Community Centre in Stamullen in Sovereign Rooms, Balbriggan Members of the Guild assisted on a weekly basis with the local Special Needs Group on learning to ride Rhona Shutleworth won the Boad Failte Garden Competition Guild members helped out at the Field Day in Stamullen to raise funds for the Community Centre. A Guild member provided meals for volunteers attached to the Multiple Schlorsis Society 1980 Guild member, Rhona Shuttleworth voted onto the Executive Committee Mrs Madeline Whyte won the Youghal Carpet competition and also the Fish Cookery competition at Guild level Guild won the Bank of Ireland Scholarship on ‘Focus on Farming’ Jennifer Mortell got to the Regional Finals of ‘Housewife of the Year’ competition Guild wrote to the Minister of Health & Social Welfare requesting better dental services for Co Meath 1979 An Grianan celebrated its Silver Julibee Guild won Guild of the Year Award Jennifer Mortell won the patchwork quilt competition at Federation level and also received a Demonstrator’s Bar for her dressmaking Mrs Murray received a Braunra for soft toys. Jennifer Mortell and Mrs Murphy won Part 1 of the public speaking competition Guild came fourth in ‘Make and Model’ Show 1978 Guild voted unanimously for the repeal of legislation implying that a woman is a chattel belonging to her husband Guild won the’History Arts Award’ National Children’s Day celebrated by Guild members holding a picnic in Bellewstown Racecourse Jennifer Mortell became International Officer for the Federation Elizabeth Hallihan won the BIM Fish Cookery competition with her dish of poached whiting in pineapple sauce Mrs J Mortell entry in the Pork and Bacon competition came second with a pork steak with peppers and rice recipe Jennifer Mortell organised a Japanese night 1977 Rhona Shuttleworth congratulated on winning the Board Failte gardens Competition Two Guild members voted to represent ICA on local St Patrick’s GFC Committee Letter of protest written to Head Office on voting measure used for review of Constitution Guild visited Áras an Uachtaráin 1976 Birthday cake made by Guild members to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Guild Marie Lynch, Guild member, won Beaumans Shield and Mrs Mortell was highly commended Jennifer Mortell, Guild member, won BIM Cookery Competition at Federation level 1975 Party organised by Guild to raise funds in aid of National Childrens’ Day Guild entry by Mrs O’Shea to Fish Cookery competition received a Certificate of Merit Mrs McKenna, who represented the Guild in the Spicer Cup competition, was highly commended Talk on the Middle East, particularly Israel, given by Jennifer Mortell Talk from Adapt, the Association for deserted and lone parents. Hope for improvement in legislation in Ireland was expressed 1974 Guild donated a set of Irish coffee glasses as a raffle prize to local play group to assist them in raising funds Vote passed at Guild level for the need for a Dental Hospital in Cork 1973 Mrs Lil Murphy won the Inter-Federation competition for a Spring Diary Guild raised funds for Spina Bifida Association Scholarship offered by Guild in ‘Ways with Lamb, Flower arranging and good grooming Guild entertained children in St Claire’s Nursing Home 1972 National federation and council meetings held in Gormanston College with assistance from the guild Guild came second in Spicer Cup Competition – debate on ‘We should not consider our Irish language a useless burden’ winning a half scholarship 1971 Guild submitted letters of concern over the proposed teachers strike to the Minister for Education and Secondary Teachers Association Guild team won first round of Eleanora Gibbon Competition Spicer’s Shield came to the Guild for the second time in their ‘Going To’ competition Jennifer Mortell came first for her comparing skills winning a day’s scholarship Cow in Bangalore, India named ‘Gormanston Maid’ by Fr Long as an acknowledgement to the Guild for their financial assistance over the years Doll donated by Guild to local Community Centre to present as a raffle prize at their forthcoming concert in December to raise funds 1970 Guild’s Entertainment Group won scholarship awarded by the Spicers Trophy Competition 1969 Guild member, Rhona Shuttleworth, elected national president Mrs Farrell elected Senator (not sure if she was a Guild member) Members helped the Red Cross with refugees from Northern Ireland at the army camp. Guild also involved with local water supply scheme campaign, the community centre building committee, and the creation of a playgroup for children in St. Joseph’s children’s home 1970 Guild’s Entertainment Group won scholarship awarded by the Spicers Trophy Competition 1969 Guild member, Rhona Shuttleworth, elected national president Mrs Farrell elected Senator (not sure if she was a Guild member) Members helped the Red Cross with refugees from Northern Ireland at the army camp. Guild also involved with local water supply scheme campaign, the community centre building committee, and the creation of a playgroup for children in St. Joseph’s children’s home 1968 Lady Valerie Goulding’s Remedial Clinic for handicapped children was chosen as Guild’s charity project Mrs Sheridan, Guild President, won first place in Fish Cookery Competition held in Navan Guild won first round of Inter-Guild debate for Spicer Trophy Funds raised by Guild in aid of Remedial Clinic in Goatstown, Co Dublin Guild took part in debate against Ardcath on ‘That women should take more part in public life’ Guild voted for elocution and speech training to be introduced into all schools at all levels, primary, vocation and secondary which was put forward by Laois Federation Mrs Anderson showed Guild her collection of hand-crafts of plaster modelling, wood carving and rug making 1967 Guild raised funds in aid of ‘Freedom from Hunger’ for India Letter written to the Minister for Post & Telegraphs re the provision of a phone kiosk in Stamullen village Rhona Shuttleworth elected President of the Guild in November Guild came first in its category in Erin Foods competition and attended a reception and presentation of prizes Guild’s 21st Birthday celebrated over dinner in the Neptune Hotel Song composed by Mrs Brangan ‘ Gormanston Guild’ for the 21st Birthday Party was sung at Guild meeting in June Madeline Whyte was praised for the work she had put into the roadside garden in which the public had taken a hugh interest in 1966 Roadside garden created Senior Citizens from St John’s Home entertained by Guild members in St Patrick’s Hall, Stamullen Guild won debate between themselves and Ardcath Macra Na Feirme on ‘That men are the cause of the low marriage rate in Irelan 1964 Guild hosted delegates to the World Conference of the Associated Countrywomen of the World 1963 A Minutes silence observed at the meeting held on November 26th as a mark of respect on the passing away of President John F Kennedy 1962 Knitted rug made by Guild members raffled and proceeds sent to the Freedom from Hunger’ campaign 1959 Letter from the Guild sent to the County Manager re the replacement of a Public Health Nurse to the Stamullen area Consideration given to holding a debate on ‘The Short Skirt’ !!! 1958 Bring and Buy Sale held to boost Guild funds 1957 Jumble Sale in aid of the Community Parish Funds was held in the Stamullen Old Hall 1953 Garden competition organised by Guild to celebrate An Tostal (a precursor to Tidy Towns Awards) 1946 Foundation of the Guild on April 14th Guild registered by ICA on May 11th          Print this page          Garden Party hosted by President, Mary McAleese, to celebrate organisation's Centenary 1910-2010 Annual day trip in June to An-Grianán for tree planting ceremony by Guild to celebrate 100th Anniversary of the ICA followed by trip to Oldbrige House, Co Louth ICA Tree Planting Ceremony in Bree, Co Wexford, the birth of the ICA to celebrate Centenary Guild Members visit Dáil Eireann Next Federation Meeting Next Guild Meeting and Speaker details ICA participates in 'Ear to the Ground' programme ICA National President appears on Morning Ireland Show 2010 Centenary Celebrations An Grianán Summer Garden Party Guild celebrates 60th Anniversary Slowfood Group Craft Café Workshop on Carrickmacross Lace Rhubarb & Yougart Cake Recipe Click here to view our archives        Privacy Policy     |     Legal Terms & Conditions     |     Registered Charity - No 4947     |     Powered by:  go2web