GFS members, officers and family from all across the dioceses gathered in St Patrick’s Cathedral in Trim on the afternoon of Sunday 22 April. The occasion was the Annual Service to give thanks for the work of the GFS in the diocese, as well as commissioning officers.

Members of the GFS and their leaders gathered together for this special annual event. The Service was led by Dean Paul Bogle along with members of the GFS from across the dioceses. Bishop Pat Storey gave the address – using the Old Testament character of Esther, who encourages us to be brave and courageous.

The Service was followed by refreshments in the adjacent Parish Centre. During the refreshments prizes were also presented.

Bishop Pat paid tribute to the work of the GFS, saying “We are immensely grateful for the work of the GFS across our dioceses. It forms an important part of discipleship and character building for young people”.

The Girls Friendly Society was founded in 1875. It is the oldest Church of Ireland organisation for girls and women.

Today the Girls Friendly Society is active in eighty branches throughout Ireland, a wide spectrum of interest is covered in the badge syllabus, which includes a study of the natural world, the community and the church, handcrafts and skills, information technology, sports and outdoor pursuits, as well as participating in fund raising to demonstrate our will to help others, both locally and globally.

Membership is open to women of all ages.