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08th Mar 2017

Here Are 17 Of Ireland’s Female Trailblazers

katedemolder

Today is a celebration of all thing’s female. 

And we thought it would be the perfect excuse to praise all the wild, wonderful and wholly terrific hunnies out there, and all the work they do so well. 

This is only a tiny snippet of all the deadly girls there are out there, but we just thought that these gals deserved a shout out on today of all days. 

M’up the women!

1. Anna Cosgrave

Founder, creator and starter-upper extraordinaire, Anna Cosgrave is the sole reason behind the now internationally famous ‘REPEAL’ jumpers, which has allowed the subject to be talked about, thought about and considered more openly in our little city.

And, they’re pretty bloody cool jumpers. 

2. Lynn Ruane

The Tallaght born senator who, against all odds, secured her place in this year’s Seanad – and is absolutely flying it. She rose to fame when she became the Student Union President of Trinity College, and has been changing opinions ever since. 

She is currently attempting to prevent the further criminalisation of drug addiction, and won’t stop without a fight. 

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3. Stefanie Preissner

Writer of RTÉ 2’s latest cult show Can’t Cope Won’t Cope, Stefanie is all about teaching the women of Ireland the important of female friendships, as complicated as they may be, and changing the view that females aren’t always in comparison with one another. 

The show is also gas, showcases the best of Irish talent and really hits home for all those who’ve ever been co-dependent on a friend. 

4. Sinéad Burke 

Known affectionately as Minnie Melange, ever since her win in the Alternative Miss Ireland back in 2012, Sinéad Burke has gone from strength to strength – winning Blog of The Year 2014 and Finalist in the ‘Best Culture & Arts’ section for the Blog Awards Ireland 2014. 

She is an activist for little people, people with disabilities, anti-bullying and education. And she’s also good craic and pretty bloody eloquent.

5. Louise McSharry

The woman who brightens up our airwaves, beat cancer, made a documentary about it, had a baby, came back to work to dominate, targets body shamers – and only wrote a bloody book in the middle of it all. 

But the thing about Louise that’s most likeable is her refusal to give up, her kind and caring nature, and the fact that she is literally one of us. 

6. Louise O’Neill

The feminist author who taught us the importance of being angry with our unfair and unjust society. Her book ‘Asking For It’ was deemed one of the most important books of 2015, and her continuous fight for equality in this country is exactly what the people of Ireland need to stay motivated. 

She’s also cool, funny and wildly intelligent. A true role model. 

7. Rosemary MacCabe

The unapologetic lifestyle blogger who talks all things mental health, not wanting children and being good to your body, mind and soul. Her oversharing is infectious, and shows that it’s okay for women to speak about whatever it is they want, without being judged. 

She’s excellent to her followers and always replies, whether it’s about make up, puppies or more heavier topics like depression. What a woman.  

8. Seana Kerslake

Known as the busiest Irish actress of the moment, you might know Seana from certain films such as A Date For Mad Mary and the RTE drama Can’t Cope Won’t Cope, acting alongside Ireland’s sweetheart Amy Huberman. 

The Dubliner is going from strength to strength, and we can’t wait to see what she does next.

9. Deirdre O’Kane

The Irish comedienne who’s done it all, and is now back for more. The Moone Boy star is back on the comedy circuit after over a decade away from the limelight, and she’s killing it all across the country as a result. 

Her wholly relatable act about being a women, mother, wife and an Irish person has kept her just as current and likeable as the day she first graced the stage. Definitely go see her if you get the chance. 

10. Maeve Higgins

Ireland’s funniest export is trailblazing all the way across in The Big Apple, and is doing pretty bloody brilliantly over there. Her range of books are light-warming and deadly, but it’s her stand-up that really makes you fall for the Corkonian. 

She’s also Lilly Higgins (the chef)’s sister! Must be something in the water in that house. 

11. Sabina Higgins

Ireland’s first lady is much, much more than just the wife of a nationally famous man. She is solely responsible for starting the breastfeeding revolution in Ireland. 

Aware of the shame and public dismay brought on by breastfeeding out in the open, Higgins hosted a ‘Latching On’ morning in the Áras as part of National Breastfeeding Week. She also hosted a similar event last year, attempting to breakdown the stigma of feeding in the open. 

12. Ciara Ní Éanacháin

Ciara is an Irish language poet who is doing a wildly impressive amount to keep the language alive. She hosts bilingual open mic nights called REIC in which people can sing, rap, play music, talk about poetry or the spoken word – free from the shackles of a Leaving Cert classroom.

Basically, she’s making An Ghaeilge cool again. 

13. Jane-Ann McKenna

McKenna is the director of Me?decins Sans Frontie?res Ireland, which involves her visiting some of the most dangerous and toughest areas of the world, and working with little-to-no equipment, all in the name of good. 

McKenna leads fundraising and advocacy initiatives, the recruitment of new volunteers, and helps raise the profile of the Nobel Peace Prize-winning organisation. No mean feat. 

14. Róisín Agnew

Róisín is the founder of Guts magazine (a bi-monthly newsletter made up of opinion pieces from Dublin’s least bashful and most deadly writers) and is, all in all, a deadly talent.

She also collaborates with Lonely Planet and The Irish Times, where she writes on travel, as well as feminist and youth cultural issues. And is also not above wearing active wear to lounge. 

15. Niamh Briggs

The women’s Irish rugby captain, Niamh Briggs balances being a pro athlete with also being a Garda. A native of Waterford, Niamh began her rugby career aged 21 in Dungarvan before moving to Clonmel RFC and then to U.L Bohemians.  

She has also represented Waterford in Gaelic football, winning the Munster Intermediate Championship final in 2010. Casual.
 
Briggs took over the captaincy of the Ireland Women’s team at the beginning of the 2014/15 campaign and guided Ireland to the Six Nations title in 2015.

16. Annalise Murphy

Easily Ireland’s most famous sailor at the minute, Annalise Murphy has flown the flag for sailing since coming agonisingly close to a medal at the London Olympics. 

Her determination and work ethic is the stuff of a true champion, and the hard work over the past four years all payed off this summer in Rio. She also gave the sweetest interview that has potentially ever been. What a champ. 

17. Pamela Laird

Known throughout the land as the queen of all things beauty, Pamela Laird is a self-made star – who has worked her way up to the top of the competitive salon ladder. 

Her work ethic is admirable, and even though she is booked out for months – she’s managed to stick on her entrepreneurial hat to create a brand new line called Moxi, which looks absolutely deadly. 

G’wan the women. 

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