A look back at our St Brigid's Day celebrations
Take a look back at the celebrations at the Embassy as we marked St. Brigid's day this year!
The Embassy was delighted to host its annual St. Brigid’s Day celebrations on the 1st of February. This was the seventh edition of the event hosted at the Embassy, and is one of the biggest nights in our calendar every year. A fantastic programme was planned, inspired by the story and the traditions of St. Brigid, which highlighted the influential and varied roles of Irish women in Irish society. A night full of music and culture was had, with plenty of craic along the way!
The evening kicked off as Ambassador Martin Fraser welcomed actor and host Niamh Branigan to the stage to start the event. Niamh recounted the story of St. Brigid, noting she is the patron saint of, among others, midwives, newborns, Irish nuns, fugitives, blacksmiths, dairymaids, boatmen, chicken farmers, cattle, scholars and sailors. A woman in demand, as she dryly noted…
Another woman in demand was the night's guest performer, Denise Chaila. While Niamh did her best not to fan girl too hard when introducing Denise to the stage, it was clear the excitement was palpable.
Denise gave a powerful and dynamic performance accompanied by ONAI, featuring some of her best hits including '061' and 'Pam Grier'. A hugely energetic performance, it set the stage for a vibrant evening ahead. Denise spoke afterwards with Angela Doran, CEO of www.firstmusiccontact.com (FMC), remarking that she is embarking on a new creative era and how she cannot allow her multidimensional character be defined by others. It was an illuminating discussion, and one which whet the appetite for more thoughtful discussion ahead.
The Women in Music panel featured our special guest performer Denise, alongside artist Yunè Pinku (Asha Nandy), CEO of the Screen Composers Guild of Ireland Sarah Glennane, and was moderated by Angela Dorgan. During the panel discussion, various topics were explored, including gender representation in the industry, challenges faced by female musicians, and the importance of fostering an inclusive and supportive environment. Panelists highlighted the need for breaking stereotypes, promoting diversity, and empowering women to pursue careers in music. Overall, the discussion aimed to shed light on the achievements, struggles, and ongoing efforts to create a more equitable space for women in music.
The Women in Politics panel was equally interesting, featuring Joanna Cherry MP, Deputy Leader of the London Borough of Hounslow, Katherine Dunne, Baroness Jenny Chapman and was moderated by journalist Finn McRedmond. The panelists spoke about some of the unique challenges that women face working in politics and the issues that must be overcome to ensure a new generation of women can participate and lead. One key theme that was evident from the discussion was the real positive impact that female representation can have on policies in wider society.
Finally, the Women in Sports Tech panel was moderated by sports broadcaster Sarah Mulkerrins and featured professor of experimental psychology, Cathy Craig, CEO and CTO of Precision Sports Technology, Emma Meehan, and former GAA and AFLW star Cora Staunton. The panel discussion covered a range of topics, including the underrepresentation of women in the field, advancements in sports technology, and the role of diversity in innovation. Panelists emphasized the need for more opportunities for women in STEM and sports tech, highlighting success stories and initiatives that aim to bridge the gender gap. The conversation also explored how diverse perspectives contribute to more comprehensive and innovative solutions within the sports technology sector.
Following the panel discussions, the audience returned to the centre stage where the last act of the night was left to Deputy Head of Mission Orla Mc Breen, who rounded up the evening with some inspiring words, encouraging women to have confidence in their abilities and to never question their place in positions of leadership and influence.
It was an unforgettable night filled with culture, music, laughter and craic; we cannot wait until 2025!