Four Louth women feature in book and photo exhibition
Four Louth women are included in an inspiring new book and exhibition being launched in Dublin on May 14th.
“Empower Her – A celebration of Extraordinary Women of Ireland’ is a limited edition coffee-table book and exhibition by Linda Hanlon, and alongside former Irish President Mary McAleese, kitchen goddess Darina Allen, Scientist Dr Norah Patten and ground-breaking referee Joy Neville, will be Drogheda-born boxing legend Deirdre Gogarty, Drogheda United chairperson Joanna Byrne, Drogheda Dolls founder Natalie Kelly, and yours truly, Alison Comyn.
The book features captivating portraits of these remarkable women, accompanied by insightful quotes reflecting on their journey and the advice they would offer to their younger selves.
Linda is a retired psychotherapist turned photographer who lives just outside Drogheda, and she is set to unveil her debut project “Empower Her” – a collection of photography portraits in a ground-breaking limited edition book and exhibition that captures the essence of female empowerment in modern Ireland.
The launch event, in collaboration with the Five Lamps Arts Festival, will take place at the Central Bank of Ireland on Tuesday, 14th May from 4.30pm marking a significant milestone in the recognition of women’s achievements and their journey towards personal and professional empowerment.
“As a psychotherapist, I’ve always been fascinated by the concept of personal empowerment. In Ireland, where the echoes of historical oppression still resonate, female empowerment takes on an even greater significance,” says Linda, whose son Patrick Hanlon is one half of the gourmets The Gastro Gays. “Through this project, I wanted to shed light on the untold stories of women who have overcome challenges and emerged as figures of empowerment and to inspire the present and future generations of Irish women for decades to come.’
Through her lens, Hanlon showcases the diverse experiences of 54 extraordinary women including Dr Linda Doyle, Provost, Trinity College Dublin, Sharon Donnery, Deputy Governor, Central
Bank of Ireland, Commissioner Mairead McGuiness MEP, Zainab Boladale, Journalist, Presenter, Professor Lydia Lynch, Immunologist, Harvard University, Ivana Bacik, Labour Party Leader, Ann Doherty, CEO, Cork City Council, Helen Desbois Radio Presenter, Dublin City FM and Frances Fitzgerald MEP, Former Tánaiste, Minister, TD and Senator, who have made significant contributions in their respective fields, from academia to exploration, and everything in between.
Hanlon continued expressing her gratitude to all the women who participated in the project. “Their willingness to share their stories and vulnerabilities has been both humbling and inspiring,” she adds. “Empower Her” is a tribute to their courage, strength, and unwavering commitment to empowerment.”
In the wake of a life-changing decision to retire early from private practice following a bout of illness and the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, Linda Hanlon embarked on a new chapter in her life. Drawing upon her passion for photography and driven by her curiosity about human nature, particularly the concept of personal empowerment, Hanlon embarked on a remarkable journey to capture the stories and images of empowered women across Ireland.
Talented Dublin photographer Maria McGrane is co-author and photographer of the project.
With a forward written by former President of Ireland Mary McAleese, “Empower Her” is not just a photography project; it is a testament to the strength and courage of women across Ireland.
Out of the 500 copies being published, 100 copies have been graciously donated to schools, ensuring that the message of empowerment reaches future generations, while the remaining copies are available for purchase, allowing people to own their own copy of this inspiring narrative.
The exhibition, will run from Tuesday 14th May for two weeks, opening daily Monday to Friday from 10am - 4pm ,and offers the public an immersive experience into the world of “Empower Her”.
The launch event will see opening remarks by Sharon Donnery, Deputy Governor, Central Bank of Ireland followed by Frances Fitzgerald MEP, Former Tánaiste, Minister, TD and Senator, who are both participants in the project.