These women epitomise the strength and resilience of the Irish, breaking barriers and inspiring generations of young girls to follow their dreams
In honour of International Women’s Day (8 March), we’re spotlighting impressive Irish women who are leaving an indelible mark both locally and globally in the areas of sport, fashion, entertainment and journalism.
The Irish Womens 7’s Team
It’s a wonderful start to the year of Ireland Women’s 7s’ Olympic debut. In a historic moment for Irish rugby, the women’s 7s rugby team secured their first-ever HSBC SVNS Series title in Perth, Australia. Led by captain Lucy Mulhall, the team displayed exceptional skill and determination, defeating hosts Australia 19-14 in a thrilling final. This victory marks a significant milestone for women’s Irish rugby, highlighting their talent on the world stage.
Coach Alan Temple-Jones expressed his pride in the team’s performance, emphasising the hard work and focus that led to this remarkable achievement. Mulhall echoed the sentiment, noting the long journey and dedication of the team, which has finally culminated in this monumental win. As they celebrate this historic triumph, the Ireland Women’s 7s team has not only made their mark in rugby history but also inspired a nation with their resilience and tenacity.
Aoife McNamara
With an unwavering commitment to environmental consciousness, Limerick designer Aoife McNamara has seamlessly integrated sustainability into the heart of her brand. In 2019, Aoife launched her own luxury sustainable fashion brand dedicated to crafting distinctive garments “inspired by nature, to safeguard nature.”
By prioritising local materials and fostering a short and transparent supply chain, she not only champions Irish craftsmanship but also reduces the environmental footprint of her garments.
Aoife’s dedication extends beyond design; she actively educates and empowers her community through workshops and events centred on sustainability and mindful consumption. And this is only the beginning as the 28-year-old has big plans for the future, including the debut of her ‘Interbeing’ series on Friday, 22 March.
Aby Coulibaly
Coldplay’s highly anticipated Music of the Spheres World Tour is coming to Ireland in August, with the recent announcement of support acts including Maggie Rogers and homegrown talent, Aby Coulibaly.
Born in Lucan, the 24-year-old is already establishing a name for herself in Ireland and beyond. Drawing inspiration from her Senegalese roots and the vibrant tapestry of Dublin life, Aby’s music has captivated audiences, amassing over 1.5 million Spotify plays on her debut single Taurus. Alongside fellow artist Monjola and Moyo, his brother, at Chamomile Records, Aby is championing independent artists in Ireland, forging her path with authenticity and passion and continues to push for independent artists in Ireland.
Through soulful tracks like Long Nights, Aby shares her personal journey of resilience and growth, confronting challenges such as loss and navigating the complexities of female relationships with grace and candour.
Katja Mia
Current Irish Country Magazine over girl Katja Mia, the radiant presenter of Virgin Media’s Six O’Clock Show and former Dancing with the Stars contestant is quickly becoming one of the most recognisable faces in Irish television.
Having dreamt of a career on television, Katja’s rise to prominence began with an opportunity to work alongside Love Island presenter Maya Jama, propelling her into the limelight in Ireland.
In her cover interview with us, the presenter opened up about her tenacious journey to dominating our TV screens, where her work ethic stems from, why she’s proud of her immigrant roots, and her ever-evolving relationship with body image. Through navigating her challenges with courage and grace, Katja has emerged as a beacon of inspiration, illuminating the path for women everywhere to embrace their authenticity and pursue their dreams with unwavering belief in themselves.
Samantha Barry
West Cork’s own Samantha Barry, Editor-In-Chief of Glamour magazine in New York, embodies the quintessential Irish spirit, seamlessly blending her roots with her global success.
Barry joined Glamour from CNN Worldwide, where she served as executive producer for social and emerging media. The network became the most followed and fanned news organisation in the world under her leadership. In 2016, Barry spearheaded CNN’s Election coverage across social media platforms, which received the first ever Edward R. Murrow Award for excellence in social media and a Webby Award recognising the 2016 campaign coverage.
As the Editor-in-Chief of Glamour, Barry commands an influential position in the media world, shaping narratives and empowering voices. Her ascent from University College Cork and the newsrooms of RTÉ to the social media forefront at CNN and Glamour showcases her unparalleled dedication and innovation. Whether she’s championing Irish talent on the global stage or indulging in the warmth of a traditional pub singalong, her love for her homeland shines through.
Words by Eva Megannety
