Contribution by Shelly Doran, Region 13
2018 was a very busy year for our new IPA Region 13. Here are some updates of everything that we organised and participated in:
APRIL 2018: In April 2018 IPA REGION 13 was re-established, with great help from Willie Maye.
The following Committee was elected:
Chairperson : Pádhraic Roberts
Vice Chairperson/Hobbies: Jim Martin
Secretary: David Robinson
Assistant Secretary/Communications: Shelly Doran
Treasurer: Kevin Fitzpatrick
Assistant Treasurer/Supplies: Shelly Doran
Events Coordinator: Siobhán Cogley
Junior Members: Billy Mernagh
Travel: Sue Malone
Enrolment/Development: David Robinson
Soon after we had our new Region 13 up and running, 3 of our Committee members travelled with the IPA Hiking Club to Nepal and hiked to Mount Everest Base Camp. We even checked in at the National Conference via Skype on the way back down!
JUNE 2018: In June we had our Region 13 Launch Night – The Bridge Bar, Wicklow, 30th June 2018
The 30th of June 2018 saw the relaunch of IPA Wicklow, Region 13, held at The Bridge Bar, Wicklow and supported by President Conor O’Higgins, IPA National Committee Members Willie Maye, Chris Cahill, Councillor Gerry Walsh, members of Region 13 IPA and friends.
Our newly designed Region 13 Half-Zip was on display and presented to our new ambassador Garda Adam Nolan. Since the launch of Region 13, the Half-Zips have proven popular with over 30 requests from our members to purchase same.
JULY 2018: Our first Region 13 event brought us to Glendalough where members were joined by their families to hike ‘The Spinc’. Glendalough is a popular tourist attraction Wicklow, a monastery site surrounded by lakes and mountains. Following the 3 hour hike, we enjoyed finger food and a chat among friends in Lynhams of Laragh.
DECEMBER 2018: Getting into the festive cheer, our last event of the year was enjoyed at ‘Mickey Finn’s pub, Wicklow Brewery, Redcross’ where we were treated to a 60 minutes Brewery Tour, visual presentation, 5 samples of localised crafted beer, live trad music and glorious food. Exploring what our own region, The Garden County, has to offer in the company of our IPA friends and family has been the highlight of 2018.
