The Irish Country Women's Association in Cavan has been at the heart of local communities for the past 70 years. In that time, Federation President, Kathleen Farrelly has witnessed many changes to the role of rural women both at home and in society.
Speaking to Northern Sound she described the recent 70th anniversary celebrations as a "wonderful experience" and has encouraged other women to join their local ICA group.
Kathleen added that since its inception, the association has been a "life line" for many women like herself, living in rural Ireland.
"There was no electricity, no running water or health services for women," explained Kathleen. "The ladies who started the ICA back in 1910 were very foreseen ladies, they got women working at different projects, got electricity into homes, running water into bathrooms and they also started introducing women to crafts.
"This meant that women were able to sit in their own home in the evening time, knit a sweater and possibly sell it which was a little bit of an income for the ladies themselves and it's still going on today, it's important for us to keep the old crafts and traditions alive."
