Mrs. Anne Devitt:

The Irish Countrywomen's Association, ICA, was founded in 1910. It was the brainchild of Anita Lett who, while sitting on a train with a friend, said, "Wouldn't it be fabulous if we had some kind of an organisation?" She set about forming it and drew in other friends. She was in a privileged position, but she obviously had a social conscience. The United Irishwomen was formed in 1910 and in the 1930s became the Irish Countrywomen's Association. It is affiliated to the Women's Institute of Northern Ireland, the members of which regularly come to An Grianán for courses. The association is also affiliated to the Associated Country Women of the World.

When I joined the ICA, I was aware that I was not just talking to the women in the room. If I wanted to get anything out, I could progress up the chain. I brought forward a motion that was adopted and sent to the Minister. I am from south Tipperary. Ms Olivia Hughes was a member of a privileged family. She got very involved with Fethard ICA and established the Fethard guild. Farmers were arriving at the market in Fethard cold and wet. She established a depot to serve soup and the women involved received a little piece of the profits.

She had another brainwave in 1945 and set up the country markets. Again, that has taken off. One was established there and is still operating.