Soroptimists celebrate International Women’s Day

THE Wexford Soroptimists were joined by some of the county’s most successful women to celebate International Women’s Day at the National Opera House.

As an organisation which champions women’s rights at every turn, International Women’s Day is of significant importance to the Soroptimists and an occasion which it marks every year.

‘It was a social occasion, a celebration of the soroptimists and their friends,’ explained Chairperson Barbara Harrison. ‘We had a wine reception and buffet, and Una Maguire of the School of Music played some classical guitar. Then there was a series of talks from prominent women in the community.’

Those women were Dr Mary Kelly, who is the Chair of the Opera Festival, Labour Councillor for Wexford, Maura Bell, and life coach Clodagh McCumiskey.

‘They told us about their life stories and how they have succeeded as women, and the message of the Soroptimists was epxressed throughout the evening,’ said Barbara.

Prior to this evening of celebration, Barbara and her fellow Soroptimists took to the bullring to hand out flowers to women, wishing them a happy International Women’s Day.

‘We got a great response from the public, they were delighted to get the flowers,’ said Barbara. ‘It was a goodwill gesture on our part, we get huge support from the public all year round and this was our way of thanking them.’

Later that evening Barbara presented Mary Doyle Kent of Ard Aoibheann with a cheque for €8,500, the proceeds of the Soroptimists annual lunch which took place on the first Sunday after Christmas.

On Friday evening in The Irish National Opera House, Wexford Soroptomists celebrated International Women’s Day by presenting a cheque of €8,500 to Ard Aoibhinn which was raised at the recent charity lunch in Ferrycarrig Hotel. Pictured are Maria Williams, Barbara Harrison, Eadoin Lawlor (Soroptomist Wexford President), Kate Whitty, Mary Doyle Kent (Ard Aoibhinn), Phil Lynch, Irene Walker, Mary O’Gara and Bernie Grant.