Former President of Ireland to attend Soroptimist International event in Mayo

Former President of Ireland, Mary McAleese will be among the guest speakers at the National Soroptimist Gathering which will take place in Mayo next weekend.

Castlebar woman, Anne O'Sullivan who is the President of Soroptimist International Republic of Ireland will be bringing the President's Friendship Weekend to her hometown for a two-day event which takes place in the Breaffy House Resort on October 3 and 4.

More than 120 Soroptimists from across the island of Ireland will travel to Castlebar for the event which will feature a distinguished line-up of speakers including former President of Ireland Mary McAleese, Professor Rose Anne Kenny, broadcaster Miriam O'Callagher together with brand ambassador and Mayo woman Louise Duffy.

Speaking to members of the Castlebar Municipal District at their monthly meeting, Ms O'Sullivan said that the gathering will showcase what Soroptimist International is all about.

“They will all join us in Castlebar to reflect on the progress of women in public life and the power of connection, resilience and leadership. This event is more than a gathering, it is a showcase of what Soroptimist International is all about. A diverse intergenerational network of women from all walks of life who come together to support, challenge and uplift one another. Our national executive reflects this beautifully where women from different age and life stages and from different professional and educational backgrounds come from across the country. The west is not only awake but is thriving and leading,” she said.

Soroptimist International Republic of Ireland is part of a global movement of over 72,000 members in 120 countries which is working to improve the lives of women and girls through education, empowerment and advocacy.

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Ms O'Sullivan became only the second Castlebar woman to hold the title of President in the 65 year history of Soroptimist International Republic of Ireland and her one-year term concludes in November.

“Our mission is to empower, educate and advocate for women and girls locally, nationally and globally. We do this through community projects, policy engagement and the kind of connection and collaboration which brings life long resilience with confidence,” she said.

During her address she highlighted Castlebar's proud tradition of Sorptimist service and supporting women and girls thorugh initives to support groups such as the Mayo Rape Crisis Centre, the Women's Refuge Centre, the Samaritans, Mayo Roscommon Hospice, Daisy Lodge in Cong, Western Alzheimers, Rock Rose House as well as the life saving work of  Médecins Sans Frontières in Gaza.

This year, Ms O' Sullivan has overseen their new national project, Hidden in Plain Sight, which raises awareness about the hidden crime of human trafficking and its impact across Ireland.

She thanked the local councillors for their support of the organisation and for the help provided in organising the friendship weekend.

The work of Ms O'Sullivan and Soroptimits International in Castlebar was also praised by the councillors with Cllr Donna Sheridan describing them as a 'shining beacon of light'.

Independent councillor Michael Kilcoyne said that their work is now needed more than ever as the number of women and children who are homeless has never been as high.

Fine Gael councillor Ger Deere praised the work they do with new immigrants to the town while Cathaoirleach of the municipal district, Cllr Al McDonnell said any funding they can provide they will do so.