'Childhood dream' - Mayo astronaut who is set to fly to space among speakers at upcoming event

Doctor Norah Patten from Ballina in Mayo is set to become Ireland's first ever candidate for space flight to speak at International Woman's Day celebration.

Registrations for the event close this Friday and the event will take place in Croke Park on Saturday, March 8th.

Dr Norah Patten will share all of the lessons she has learned on her lifelong personal space mission as she aims to inspire other woman with her story.

Dr Norah Patten said: “I am delighted to be asked to speak at the Network Ireland International Women’s Day celebration for 2025. I have spent decades paving my path to space, and in the process I've tried to use my own opportunities to open the doors for others to follow. I'm truly honoured to fly to space alongside two female trailblazers from our research institute, and our research spaceflight will include a focus on female health, an area understudied in space exploration. I hope that my experience will encourage women across the island of Ireland to shoot for the stars!”

The Mayo astronaut will be joined by chef Trisha Lewis and digital entrepreneur Áine Kerr at the event.

National President Amy O’Sullivan said: “This pioneering event brings together women from both sides of the border to celebrate International Women’s Day in the biggest event of its kind ever staged in Ireland, with 450 attendees expected.

Breaking barriers is my mission for the year and dissolving the boundaries that separate us to encourage women across the entire island to support and inspire one another is at the heart of this event.

Each of our speakers is a trailblazer in her field and I know that their determination, resilience and growth mindset will be a huge motivation for anyone attempting to break barriers on their own business and life journeys.”

Network Ireland has over 1,300 members across its 17 physical branches around Ireland and offers support, mentoring and confidence-building for women, especially those starting out in business or returning to the workforce.

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Ciara Ryan, Head of Wealth and General Insurance AIB, said: “Network Ireland’s International Women’s Day celebration is an especially inspirational way of celebrating women in all kinds of business. AIB, as a strong supporter of women in enterprise, values our partnership with Network Ireland, as we continue to champion women who are breaking barriers daily.”

Elaine Patterson, Innovation & Entrepreneurship Manager at InterTradeIreland who are key partners for the event said: “This is a groundbreaking event that brings together businesswomen from across the island of Ireland for an International Women’s Day celebration, as Network Ireland builds on its collaboration with Northern Ireland counterparts, Women in Business NI. Continued collaboration between women entrepreneurs across the island creates even more opportunities for businesses to grow and meet their potential. InterTradeIreland is proud to support this event as we collectively work to support women across all sectors as they build fruitful connections taking their careers and businesses to the next level.”

For more details and to register, go to networkireland.ie/events

There will also be a fundraising drive on the day for Debra, which supports people living with the incurable genetic condition, epidermolysis bullosa (EB) or butterfly skin, and their families.

Debra Ireland group supports people living with the incurable genetic condition, epidermolysis bullosa (EB) or butterfly skin, and their families. It offers financial, emotional and practical assistance, as well as funding research into the illness and advocating for improved services.