Courses in pottery, public speaking, quilt making and domestic science run at An Grianán.
Located in Termonfeckin, County Louth, An Grianán opened in 1954 and at that time was the first residential adult education centre in Ireland.
Ten years on, it continues to provide courses for members of the Irish Countrywomen’s Association (ICA).
Pottery is always popular, as is a very practical course on eiderdown quilt making, taught by Lily White who is a member of the Kill Guild.
At the end of this course, students go home with their quilt and the knowledge and means to make more.
They’re able to continue to carry on the good work when they go home.
Public speaking is a skill highly valued and supported by the ICA. It is one of the most important courses women can take at An Grianán. Miss Lewis says the communications skills programme includes personal development, and enables women to
Get on their feet and express themselves.
Sheila O’Donoghue teaches a course in guesthouse management which covers home economics, hygiene, cookery, menu planning and budgeting. She finds that as participants are already good cooks, upskilling in other areas helps them to,
Sort out their ideas and budget them and plan them, with variety.
This report for 'On The Land’ was broadcast on 6 December 1964. The reporter is Ted Nealon.
On the Land' was a weekly programme for farmers broadcast from 1962 to 1971. Jack White, Head of Public Affairs, Telefís Éireann, wrote "Good cover of farming is a basic duty for a television network that serves an agricultural country. Telefís Éireann is anxious to do its bit to make for a better life on the land." (RTV Guide, 9 February 1966. Vol.1, No.11, p.6)
