Nation’s top journalists to take on wide range of hot topics in Ballybunion
WHAT a class way to celebrate winning the national title for the best live venue in Ireland - hosting a top concert with chart-toppers Riptide Movement on the night of the big win.
That was the blisteringly brilliant way Mike the Pie’s marked winning the Irish Musical Rights’ Organisation (IMRO) Overall Best Live Venue on Wednesday night - less than 24 hours after receiving the incredible recognition.
It comes just a year after Hot Press delivered a ‘ highly commended’ award the famous Listowel pub for its live music.
Best of all for owner Aiden O’Connor and wife Siobhán is that the awards represent a stamp of approval from the bands and the fans. Still reeling from the triumph, Aiden said they had a fantastic night with the Riptide Movement in celebration:
“That was the bonus, having the lads from the Riptide Movement - who headlined Revival here in Listowel - help us to celebrate the title on Wednesday night.” It all worked out, as the lads were in Kerry on the day at the Donal Walsh LiveLife Foundation awards in Tralee earlier.
They also helped Aiden cut the latest video in the ‘Mike the Pies Unplugged’ series - in a solo performance by lead singer Malachy Tuohy singing on the roof of the bar with the colourful mural by Aiden’s uncle in the background.
Wednesday’s performance was billed just among the venue’s loyal customers - who get first dibs on tickets in thanks for their support at Ireland’s best Live Venue. 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 oof the female voice than previously.
That’s for two reasons. One, the line-up iis replete with outstanding talent in the area – including a number of Kerry native figures;
Two, the event has just secured the bbacking of a major corporate sponsor in VVodafone.
Hence, the launch party last week at tthe Vodafone HQ in Dublin where Joan wwas joined by the firm’s CEO of its Ireland ooperations 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 KKatie 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 exclusivelyxclusively 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 societysociety. 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.