Macra, in partnership with the Agricultural Science Association (ASA), hosted its third annual International Women’s Day lunch, Unstoppable: Women Driving Progress, recently in Kilkenny.
The event brought together leaders and professionals from across agriculture and rural Ireland to celebrate the role of women in driving progress within the sector.
Held in recognition of International Women’s Day, the event combined networking, discussion and fundraising in support of Breast Cancer Ireland, with a raffle also taking place on the day. Over €8,000 was raised for the charity.
Una Dillon was the keynote speaker on the day. She reflected on her story of strength and resilience after being diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in 2019.
Guests heard from a panel chaired by Dr. Brian Leonard, featuring Ciara Flavin, Katie O’Brien and Beatrix Killeen.
Ciara Flavin outlined her journey from completing her Green Cert in Pallaskenry Agricultural College to becoming the first female graduate of a butchery apprenticeship in Dublin.
Beatrix Killeen shared insights into how she fell into farming with her now husband as she fell more in love with him, and being an intern on the farm as they converted from a beef and sheep farm to a dairy farm.
Katie O’Brien, a UCD Veterinary Medicine graduate and Ruminant Nutritionist with Kerry Dairy Ireland, reflected on how being born with spina bifida and undergoing multiple surgeries meant she became resilient without even realising.
Macra National President Josephine O’Neill also highlighted the impact and importance of such events.
