Women in media hit Kerry

Nation’s top journalists to take on wide range of hot topics in Ballybunion

SOME of the nation’s best-known journalists and commentators are Kerry-bound once more for the sixth annual Women in Media event taking place this year from Friday, April 20 to Sunday April 22.

Kilcooly’s Country House Hotel in Ballybunion is the destination as ever where hosts Joan and John O’Connor are relishing the prospect of an even greater celebration of the female voice than previously.

That’s for two reasons. One, the line-up is replete with outstanding talent in the area – including a number of Kerry native figures;

Two, the event has just secured the backing of a major corporate sponsor in Vodafone.

Hence, the launch party last week at the Vodafone HQ in Dublin where Joan was joined by the firm’s CEO of its Ireland operations Anna O’Leary, former Tánaiste Mary Harney, columnist Mandy Johnston, INM Group business editor Dearbhail McDonald, RTÉ’s Miriam O’Callaghan and her Prime Time colleague, Kerry’s very own Katie Hannon.

All will take part in the weekend’s wide-ranging discussions; promising a fascinating look behind the headlines.

It’s by no means an exclusively female affair, however. Another prominent Kerry native at the top of the Irish media world will deliver the closing address of the event - INM Group Editor-in-Chief and Castlemaine man Stephen Rae.

“The Women in Media conference comes after what has been a seminal year for women in Ireland,” Joan O’Connor said.

“It is fantastic to have such inspiring and influential industry leaders taking part in debate and discussions throughout the conference weekend. We are excited to provide this important forum and delighted to announce our new partnership with Vodafone Ireland.”

Anne O’Leary, CEO of Vodafone Ireland said: “The Women in Media conference is a unique event bringing together luminaries from across Irish media to discuss and debate pressing issues both for the media and Irish society. Promoting equality and diversity is integral to everything we do at Vodafone Ireland and we are delighted to be involved with an event that plays a key role in promoting women’s voices and perspectives in Irish public life.”

Ms O’Leary will join Joan and Miriam in opening the event from 7.30pm on the Friday; setting the tone for the diverse discussions ahead.

Katie Hannon will chair Saturday morning’s panel on the topic of ‘Lies, Damned Lies and Statistics: Can trust be rebuilt in the post-truth era?’ with RTÉ’s Caitríona Perry, The Journal.ie editor Susan Daly, broadcaster Deirdre O’Shaughnessy and psychologist Dr Mary Aiken tackling this vital conundrum; among an array of other fascinating discussions and talks.

For the full programme visit www.womeninmedia.ie.

FAMOUS faces in the world of journalism, business and politics are Ballybunionbound once more for the annual Women in Media event, now sponsored by Vodafone. Pictured by Julien Behal Photography at the launch this week in Dublin are Anne O’Leary, CEO...