Raheny Ladybirds mark 30th anniversary

RAHENY locals were among 300 girls to celebrate Ladybirds’ 30th birthday at Dublin Zoo last Saturday week.  

Ladybirds, who are the youngest members of Irish Girl Guides, aged five to seven, meet every week in their local community to take part in activities, games, songs and crafts. 

They were delighted for the opportunity to meet up with Ladybirds from other counties to celebrate their milestone birthday.

Monica McDonnell, Chair of Irish Girl Guides’ (IGG) Ladybird Branch, said: “All the girls had a fabulous day with music, dancing and a big cake at each event.

“There was a brilliant atmosphere and everyone had a great time. 

“The girls at Dublin Zoo were especially thrilled to be joined by award-winning space communicator Niamh Walsh who told them that their motto of learning to care and share was a vital part to an astronaut’s training.”

While Guides (the branch of IGG for 10-14 year olds) started in Ireland in 1911, Brownies (the branch for 7-10 year olds) started in 1914 and Senior Branch (the branch for 14-30 year olds) in 1919, the Ladybird branch only started 30 years ago when it was decided to introduce Guiding to girls of a younger age.

A pilot Ladybird unit in Ballybrack, South Dublin, was such a success that in 1989 Ladybirds was officially launched by then Minister for Education Mary O’Rourke. 

Within a year there were 33 Ladybird units operating throughout the country. 

Today there are more than 2,000 Ladybirds in the 26 counties.

IGG Chief Commissioner Helen Concannon told Northside People: "Irish Girl Guides excels at being relevant and in touch with the needs of each new generation of girls. 

“Thousands of girls have benefited from their involvement as Ladybirds in IGG and have progressed to Brownies (aged 7-10) and Guides (aged 10-14) where they continue to grow in independence, develop essential life-skills and are introduced to the international aspects of the Guiding movement. 

“On behalf of the girls, I thank all the women who have volunteered as Ladybird Leaders over the last 30 years and look forward to the next 30!"