‘More than just a club...it is a lifeline’: Mayfield Ladies Club nearing 60th anniversary

Mayfield Ladies Club was founded in September 1967 and was the first Ladies Club in the city.

The development was the result of the foresight of some of Mayfield GAA club men and a group of ladies who saw the need for a social outlet.

The only rules that applied to new members were that women had to be over the age of 21, with an annual subscription of £1 and a weekly contribution of one shilling to Ciste na Banban. The inaugural meeting took place at the Mayfield GAA Club on Kerry Road, drawing a strong turnout.

At that first meeting, the following officers and committee members were elected:

• President – Rita Clohessy
• Committee Members
• Mary Long, Honorary Treasurer
• Peggy O’Leary, Honorary Secretary
• Madge Murphy
• Mabel Canty
• Margaret Dowley
• Mona Mulvihill
• Mairead Riordan
• Eileen O’Connell

Under the spirited leadership of President Rita Clohessy, membership quickly grew to nearly 80 women.

Weekly Wednesday night gatherings became a staple, complete with tea, sandwiches, and cakes, and conversation. Members also practiced various crafts such as rug making, hat making, crochet, and Aran knitting.

The club was forward-thinking from the outset, with Rita arranging for guest speakers to give talks on a diverse range of topics, including post-marriage guidance, hair fashions, first aid, and beauty culture.

These sessions provided both practical knowledge and social engagement, helping to foster a sense of community among women in the area.

In its first year, the club was hailed as a resounding success and quickly set the standard for other suburban ladies’ groups across Cork.

Over the decades, the club welcomed a wide range of guest speakers and demonstrations, including a memorable visit from Dr Pettit, who shared captivating stories about Cork’s history, and a then-cutting-edge demonstration on how to use a microwave.

There were talks on women’s health, including one on the menopause, “a bit late for some of us,” as one member fondly recalls, “but invaluable for most.”

Gardening expert Charlie Wilkins became a regular, offering annual insights into how to keep gardens thriving throughout the seasons.

Beyond its weekly meetings, the Mayfield Ladies Club played an active role in community service.

In 1971, the club hosted its very first Christmas party for local senior citizens.

Held on December 12 in the Mayfield GAA Hall, it was organised by then-President Dot Hyland and her committee, who cooked, decorated, and created a very enjoyable evening for nearly 100 attendees. Music was provided by Denis Mulvihill and Tadhg McAuliffe, and the event quickly became an annual highlight.

The club also organised memorable day trips, including a particularly adventurous journey around the Ring of Kerry. Over 50 members took part, enjoying dinner in Killarney and tea in Creedon’s of Inchigeela—all for just £2. The day became legendary when the bus gave out near Kilgarvan, forcing the ladies to walk into the village while repairs were carried out. Spirits remained high, and the story lives on as a treasured memory.

Throughout the years, the club has also been dedicated to fundraising and charitable work.

They supported missionary priests’ home on holiday, raised funds for local causes, and regularly took part in church gate and door-to-door collections.

In 1971, they donated a full set of jerseys to the GAA Club, and a few years later, hand made curtains for the clubroom.

Today, 58 years on, the Mayfield Ladies Club has been a cornerstone of the local community, offering friendship, support and tireless dedication to making a difference.

What began as a small gathering has grown into a strong network of women who have supported each other through life’s many milestones.

We are proud to say that three of our current members were there from the very beginning: Rita Clohessy, Elma Hegarty, and Nuala Carroll.

Also among our cherished members are four sisters—Mary Hurley, Pauline Carey, Eileen Dumigan, and Teresa Griffin—whose late mother, Kathleen Ahern, was one of the club’s founding members. Today, her daughters carry on her legacy, a powerful symbol of continuity and dedication. Their presence reminds us of the strength, warmth, and vision that laid the foundation of our club.

As President Marie Barry remarked, “It is more than just a club; it is a lifeline.” These stories of continuity are rare and precious.

They remind us that while times change, the essence of who we are, a supportive, vibrant community of women remains strong.

We must also acknowledge the invaluable contributions of our secretaries and treasurers over the years.

Often working behind the scenes, their dedication to the day-to-day running of the club has been vital. Without their quiet commitment, there would be no organisation to celebrate.

In summing up, there are probably many great items of interest that are forgotten in this little trip down memory lane.

We hope you will forgive these omissions.

The bonds formed within the Mayfield Ladies Club have truly stood the test of time, built on shared experiences, mutual respect, and an enduring commitment to each other.

This story originally appeared in the 2025 Holly Bough.