100 years of Gortlomain ICA

The Gortlomain Guild of the ICA celebrated its centenary year at the weekend, the oldest guild in the county and the second oldest in Ireland. The headquarters of the guild at the cottage in Barefield was the scene for the open day celebrations. The special guest at the event was Veronica Rowe, daughter of Jane Vere O’Brien, founder of the Gortlomain guild back in 1912.

At the open day Veronica outlined some of the history of the early days of the guild, gleaned from diaries written by her mother and her grandmother, Florence Vere O’Brien, founder of Clare Embroidery.
“The talk was of great interest to all our members and to others who had come on the day. we were delighted to welcome Veronica here to help us celebrate our 100th year,” said Francis O’Halloran, PRO of the guild.
“We are the oldest guild in Clare and the second oldest in the county. when the ICA was 100 years old two years ago, our guild was central to the celebrations. The guild was founded in 1912 by Jane Vere O’Brien, whose mother, Francis Vere O’Brien, set up Clare Embroidery, which gave so much to women in this county.
“She was involved in the Limerick Lace School before coming to Clare and the first Clare Embroidery classes began in Newhall near Ennis in 1895, teaching local girls embroidery. The work that was created went to trade industries around the world. Queen Victoria even ordered 10 dresses for her grandchildren,” she said.
On the day, the headquarters of the guild saw displays and demonstrations of hand-crafted clothes, as well as a piece dating back to 1912 from Ballyalla House. Performing at the event were four young musicians from Barefield, Peter Murphy, Cian Hehir, Ciara Mescall and Maria Gleeson. People were also treated to displays of set dancing, sean nós dancing and brush dancing.
“The day was open to everyone to come along and see what we do here in Gortlomain ICA guild. As well as our members, there were also visitors from other guilds and, of course, local people. We were delighted to welcome so many people. There were 50 or 60 there, including the Clare federation president Jackie Slattery and district president Aloma McKay. It was a really good day,” said Francis.
This isn’t the only event the guild have held to mark their centenary year. They have already made a number of trips, including to the Cusack Centre in Carron and Doolin’s stalactite. “We are now hoping to go as a group to Cobh to see the Titanic exhibition and then perhaps to Belfast,” said Francis.
There are also plans to hold a dinner dance in October for present and former members of the guild. Francis added that the guild are always looking to attract new members.