Supportive display for International Women’s Day
A total of 120 Wexford women attended a special event for International Women’s Day organised by Councillor Mary Farrell and friends, which saw the large group enjoy a panel discussion followed by a celebration in song at the Upton Court Hotel in Kilmuckridge.
One of the biggest events held in the county, the crowd heard presentations from guest speakers Theresa Keane, Michelle Kavanagh Cooper, Diane Banville and Rosaleen Storey on the day and took home with them a flower and a gift bag, as well as priceless memories.
Councillor Mary Farrell said that the purpose of the event was showing women that they can support each other and stand together using the one voice.
‘We as women can support each other and our achievements, we all have a contribution to make. The event was about women coming together to enjoy themselves and it was a light-hearted and supportive day.
‘A team of five women, all family and friends of mine organised the event and it was so enjoyable, there was no fuss and bother about it at all. It was a lovely way to celebrate women and to recognise the contribution that women make in society’.
Councillor Farrell explained that the event was particularly aimed at rural women, which was reflected in the topics presented by the guest speakers.
‘ Three women on the panel had set up sole trader companies and spoke about women in business. Theresa is a local woman who left school at 16 to become a chef as she was always passionate about food. Later on she went back to education and got a masters, she now concentrates on food in relation to health and enjoyment, not about weight loss and ‘sins’ but food being food. While Michelle did a chair yoga session with the women sitting down. She showed us how to relax and spoke about techniques to deal with stress. Rosaleen spoke about the inner self and our bodies such as how our muscles work. She gave us tips for skills to overcome worry, stress and concern.
‘Diane’s speech was so emotional. She told her story of the personal trauma she went through, when she lost her husband in a farm accident and reached out to Embrace FARM.
Her story touched everybody as she spoke from her heart about what it’s like when something like that hits your family. She found herself left with a farm and her young children in dealing with the aftermath of the accident’.
Councillor Farrell explained that the event was geared towards women of all ages, and focused on health, wellbeing and looking after yourself.
After the panel finished, it was Councillor Farrell’s turn to take to the stage when she got up with her guitar and performed songs about friendship.
‘We finished up when everyone had something to eat, some women brought baked goods and spot prizes. My sincere thanks to everyone who helped make it happen.
‘I want to thank Wexford County Council, McCauleys and Hickey’s Pharmacies, Hammel’s Centra for the chocolates, Upton Court Hotel and Kate’s Coffee shop for the cakes. The team of Bridget Breen, Margaret Hearne, Anne-Marie Hammel, Rachel Allen, Anne and Roisin Nangle’.