Ballyloughan ICA present cheque to Bethany House

MEMBERS of the Ballyloughan guild of the Irish Countrywomen’s Association (ICA) have raised important funds for Bethany House Day Care Centre in Carlow, which provides specific care and support for those living with dementia.

President of Ballyloughan ICA, Mary Abbey presented Bethany House with a cheque for €2,130 following the guild’s monthly meeting at the day care centre in October. Staff at Bethany House kindly provided refreshments for ICA members on the night.

The money was raised from a bake sale and coffee morning organised by Ballyloughan ICA in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland.

Nurse manager at Bethany House, Susan O’Byrne thanked the ICA for their generous donation and explained that any money raised locally goes towards day centres like Bethany House and the home care services that are provided by the Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland. The home care services give family members of those living with dementia some free time and respite, while the rest of the money will be used to organise concerts and exercise classes at the day centre.

Ballyloughan ICA president Mary Abbey said: “We chose Bethany House and the Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland because a couple of our members had dementia and have since passed away, and there’s one person currently living with it, so that was our motive.” Ballyloughan ICA has raised money in the past for important local services and charities in the Carlow area.