Thurles group’s quilts gift for flood victims

A GROUP of women travelled from Thurles to Kilbeacanty in South Galway last week to present quilts to victims of last winter’s flooding.

Phil O’Dwyer is involved in a patchwork group in Thurles and she had spent time with local woman Phil Nelly through their involvement in the ICA. Ms Nelly said that the Thurles group had been very generous. “I met her (Phil O’Dwyer) years ago up in Louth. Around last November there was a phone call one morning. I spoke to her and I thought ‘My God, it’s a long time since we spoke’. She went on to say that they were making quilts and they would donate them. This is the end of that story, they’ve come up today and given six quilts.”
Local county councillor and deputy mayor of County Galway, Bridie Willers, said the gesture was greatly appreciated. “There’s a lot not back in their houses as yet but this is a wonderful gesture and we all appreciate their effort. When you see the work there you’d realise the effort that went into it. It’s brilliant really and we’re so impressed with the gesture.”
Kitty Mockler was one of the group who travelled from Thurles and said she was glad their work was appreciated. “We’re at it all the time as a pastime. One of the members knew a lady here and got in touch. Because of the floods, we decided we’d give them a present and we’re pleased that they like what they got.”
Ann Flanagan was one of the women who received a quilt and said the gesture was appreciated.
She still hasn’t returned to her home, following the flooding. “I was out in the last week of November and I’m still out. Nothing has been resolved with insurance so far but hopefully we’ll be back in during the summer. The quilt will help keep us warm next winter!”