Final Guild Meeting of the year – Summer Party
For our final meeting of the year, we had a summer party. We had an Abba theme, plenty of Abba music, a quiz, a fashion parade and a table full of treats. A really lovely way to end the year.
Day Trip to Skerries – 16 May 2024
Our Guild had a day trip to Skerries Mills, followed by a nice walk through the village and dinner at the Harbour. An interesting day of fun and fellowship and sunshine
Marlay Guild AGM – 9 May 2024
The Guild AGM took place on 9th May. After the usual order of business, we had a Workshop, where members discussed ideas for our Guild. We also awarded the annual Mary Clarke prize for Arts – this year we had a photography competition, won by Rita for her black & white portrait of her favourite pet.
Rita awarded the Mary Clarke trophy 
The committee – old and new 
The 2023-24 committee 
Thank you to those leaving the committee
Guild Workshop 
Lots of new ideas for next year 
Participation from the whole guild 
Working together
25 April 2024 – Mary Hanafin
At our guild meeting on 25th April, Mary Hanafin spoke to us about her life in politics. She also helped to pull out the winning tickets for our Raffle for Gaza; all funds raised were sent to Unicef.
Seed Planting Day
Our Produce Rep, Laura, has been encouraging us all to grow our own – and this April we came together to sow some seeds; hopefully we will have plenty of seedlings to share. We look forward to lots of herbs, lettuce, onions and flowers to peek up soon.
MOLI – Museum of Literature Ireland
Jennie Ryan
Jennie Ryan told us all about the work of Ireland’s newest museum – MOLI. Thanks to our member Anne Cleary, who volunteers and Moli and suggested that Jennie might talk to our group.
Irish Night 2024
Our annual Irish Night festivities were held on the 14th March 2024. Joe Johnson and friends entertained us with a night of Irish music and song. Everyone sang along to the old tunes remembered from school days. We also had a rambling version of the Walls of Limerick!
The committee had the hall decorated with all types of St. Patrick’s Day festoonery. Bakers on the committee also provided brown bread, tea brack, fairy cakes and all sorts of Irish goodies, all washed down with a big pot of tea.
We had were so busy having fun on the night, that we forgot to take any photos!
Dublin Federation Quiz
What starts with an E, ends with an E and usually has one letter in it?
The Marlay Guild quiz team knows … they came 2nd in this year’s annual Dublin Federation Fun Quiz.
Marlay Guild’s small team of two (Margaret and Liza), couldn’t quite remember the name of the fourth president of Ireland, but did know that a condor is a vulture and not an eagle.
Congratulations to the winners – Portmarnock Guild, but we’re proud of our Marlay Team for doing so well!
February 2024 – Healthy Brain Aging
Joanne Feeney from TILDA (Trinity Longitudinal Study on Aging) spoke to the group about research into aging and dementia. It was a fascinating talk, followed by a lot of questions from our guild members.
International Night – Colombia
For our annual international night this year, we explored Colombia.
Elena Camargo Castro Malone was our guest speaker – she gave an interesting talk all about her home country, as well as answering loads of questions.
The talk was followed by a game of Colombia Bingo (just for fun!) and then a little supper of Colombian treats, including coffee sweets, chocolate cake and empinadas.
Noel Francis
Dried Flower Arranging
On 25th January, Noel Francis brightened up our winter evening with a wonderful demonstration of dried flower arranging; several lucky winners got to take one home.
Noel and President Liza with the arrangements created on the night 
“Spring” 
A “ballerina” arrangement
Forgotten Women of Irish History
Our speaker on 14th January was Anne Harte, who gave a very interesting talk on Women in Irish History. Along with some famous historical figures she brought to our attention some new names, previously forgotten, who made important contributions to our country.
Christmas Party 2023
The annual Guild Christmas party was held at the Grange Golf Club. RAMS in Rhythm provided fantastic musical entertainment, and there was an appearance by Santa Claus, Mrs Claus, the Fancy Fairy, Prince Charming and the Elves!
14th December 2023
Christmas Floral Arrangements
Anne O’Dea presented the Guild with an amazing display of Chrismas floral arrangements. Along with showing us how to make some of the displays, she talked about the different types of foliage – and there was even a little pop quiz. All of the arrangements were then raffled, so 10 lucky guild members went home with a fabulous display for Christmas. The night finished up with mince pies and mulled wine.
30th November 2023
An Grianan Christmas Demonstrations
Guild Meeting 9th November –
Charity Shop Fashion Show – Sparkle!
Guild Meeting 12th October –
Feebee Foran, Forager
October Outing – A Dublin Stroll
For our annual outing this year, we went to Dublin city centre, visiting the GPO museum, The Church restaurant and then the tenement museum at 14 Henrietta Street. A really interesting day.
September 28th – Declan Lawlor
Declan spoke to the group about the importance of writing a will, what is an enduring power of attorney, and remembering to apply for various entitlements and supports.
Welcome Back
Our first night back was on September 14th, where we enjoyed the Welcome Back Quiz.
All of our normal activities have now resumed – Crafts, Walks, Cinema and Yoga. We look forward to seeing everyone again soon.