Ballsbridge ICA have been enjoying continued success and are now in their fourth year. 2009 has been a very active one. The year commenced with an Auction of unwanted Christmas presents and a raffle the proceeds of which were presented to the Kidney Association. At the presentation of the cheque €721, Catherine Foley of the Kidney Association gave a talk on The Value of a Kidney Donation. A very interesting talk on A Career behind and on the TV Screen was given by Bryan Dobson, whose mother,Violet, is an active member of the Guild. This was a “Bring a Friend” night and some members of Blackrock Guild also attended. At the AGM in May Ide Ni Thuama was elected President; Maureen Smith, Secretary and Jill O’Brien, Treasurer.

The Guild took a break from their fortnightly meetings for July and August. During this break they went on various outings including An Grianan for Tai Chai; a tour of Government Buildings; Summer outing to Japanese Gardens, Tully Stud & Castletown House; a tour of Croke Park; a tour of Malahide Castle & Walled Gardens; Viennese Concert in Nat. Concert Hall; and a Saturday morning visit to Arus on Uachtarain.

The guild resumed their fortnightly meetings in September in a new venue, Pembroke Hockey Club, Serpentine Ave., meetings on the 2nd and 4th Mondays at 8 p.m.

The first visiting guest was Dave Conway who gave a most interesting talk on his work as photographer in the Forensic Department of the Garda Siochana. He also judged photographs which were taken by the members during the past year. The guild is planning a full programme of events for the coming months. New members always welcome - contact numbers: 2691001; 6685651; or 6601880.

Top: A group of Ballsbridge ICA members at the Japanese Gardens.
Below: Bryan Dobson, RTE Newsreader with, left to right, Violet Dobson (Bryanʼs mother), Heather Moulton and Bridie Murphy