Inspiring Modern Irish Women

Mc Kenzie

Im looking for some inspiration from modern Irish women, to see how they reached there goals and how they got to where they are now.

Does any one know any good blogs or diarys/website i could look up.

Im not having much luck as of yet :rolleyes:

Your help would be much appreciated

Thank you

girl2

You could think about some of the Irish designers?

Or maybe the likes of Orla Corr (McAvoy) - she has won awards in the business world lately.

gara

I think Miriam O'Callaghan is an inspiration -8 kids, RTE radio and tv positions, looks good, intelligent and personable all at the same time. I have a lot of respect for her

WaltKowalski

I don't get the fuss about Miriam O'Callaghan myself.

Lately, I admire Joan Burton and Katie Taylor.

http://www.independent.ie/lifestyle/independent-woman/irelands-20-most-influential-women-2872570.html

Mc Kenzie

gara wrote: »

I think Miriam O'Callaghan is an inspiration -8 kids, RTE radio and tv positions, looks good, intelligent and personable all at the same time. I have a lot of respect for her

Ah yes i admire her myself must look her up thanks

Ophiopogon

I don't get the Miriam O' Callaghan thing either, I don't like her on screen personality and have not seen much in her private life to admire either. But maybe I'm missing something.

I would definitely admire Katie Taylor strength, both physically and mentally, I can't think of anyone else tbh, but then I find it hard to admire someone I don't know personally.

FairytaleGirl

I think Marian Keyes is amazing.

She overcame alcoholisim to become the famous author she now is, and very recenlty has overcome an extreme bout of depression, where she was actually envisioning her own suicide everyday.

She not only shares her own struggles but i think they manner in which she does it erases shame and social stigma.

Amazing Woman.

http://www.mariankeyes.com/Home

Wompa1

Katie Taylor is an obvious one. She's multi-talented. Mmm.. Gráinne Mhaol

Mary Robinson...

From personal experience: I worked with a lady in an IT job for 3 years. IT in Ireland at least is male dominated. This lady was amazing, she kept bringing in the newest technologies out there, would master them and find cool ways to integrate them into our service offering, she'd design applications to automate their use. She would go to customer sites and completely blow them away to the point they'd always request to deal with her. She'd go to speak at conferences and be surrounded by awkward, shifty men who didn't know how to handle her at all.

Success in a career is fleeting...have been pretty successful in my career so far but what's it worth if you don't have anything else going on in your life..work life balance doesn't exist when you get to a certain level at work..is it worth it?

Ellsbells

I don't get why Katie Taylor is such an inspiration. She seems a lovely girl and has done well to get so far but lets remember she has been managed and trained not to worry about anything else in her life. She lives at home and is afforded a life which allows her to concentrate solely on her sport whereas Miriam has studied, worked and paid her way and has 8 kids and a husband to factor in.

I wish Katie all the best but what she has done is solely concentrate on one aspect of her life and not had to worry about anything else.

Jerrica

Ellsbells wrote: »

I wish Katie all the best but what she has done is solely concentrate on one aspect of her life and not had to worry about anything else.

And in doing so sacrificed many parts of her life that her peers would be able to enjoy. She has spent years with the eyes of all the begrudgers of women's boxing watching her, waiting for her to falter. She has spearheaded the not insignificant task of challenging the average Joe soaps' view of women in a very male-dominated sport. On a daily basis she eats, breathes, sleeps her sport. She takes dedication to a new level and has proved herself to be an incredible role-model for any young women in sport, not just her own.

I wouldn't agree at all with her not having to worry about anything else, she's had to worry about her performance under the watchful eye of a nation of hopeful people, and a rake of critics who would be only too delighted to take her down a peg or twenty if she faltered.

I'd rate the difficulty of being an athlete at such high level to be way above and beyond that of a tv presenter. As an athlete you never really get the chance to switch off - your behaviour off the stage/ track/ ring plays just as much a part of your performance as the competition itself does.

Ellsbells

But it's all you have to do??? It's not well rounded but she is a fantastic role model because she does lead a clean and decent life.

miamee

Mc Kenzie wrote: »

Im looking for some inspiration from modern Irish women, to see how they reached there goals and how they got to where they are now.

Does any one know any good blogs or diarys/website i could look up.

Im not having much luck as of yet :rolleyes:

Your help would be much appreciated

Thank you

Hi there,
You might want to take a look through the short-listed blogs for the blog awards...perhaps the Best Personal Blogs, Lifestyle or Health/Wellbeing would have some inspiring blogs by women. I'm not as up to date with blogs as I used to be so I won't try to recommend any specific ones. It's not a bad starting point anyway.

Hope that helps

Ophiopogon

Ellsbells wrote: »

I don't get why Katie Taylor is such an inspiration. She seems a lovely girl and has done well to get so far but lets remember she has been managed and trained not to worry about anything else in her life. She lives at home and is afforded a life which allows her to concentrate solely on her sport whereas Miriam has studied, worked and paid her way and has 8 kids and a husband to factor in.

I wish Katie all the best but what she has done is solely concentrate on one aspect of her life and not had to worry about anything else.

To be fair, Katie trains every day which imo can equate to study/work, we've no idea if she pays her way so I won't comment on that. That just leaves kids and husband...I'm not going to admire someone just for having a family and a job.

Also, I would think tv personality would have agents and that, that manage aspects of their life.

Ellsbells

Oh I don't for a second mean Katie doesn't pay her way - sure I don't know either but my point was that she chose to focus on her ambition to the exclusion of everything else. I don't find pure, naked ambition as something to be admired.

I mean Miriam has slogged at what she does to get to where she is despite having other demands in her time. I admire that.

krudler

Ellsbells wrote: »

I don't get why Katie Taylor is such an inspiration. She seems a lovely girl and has done well to get so far but lets remember she has been managed and trained not to worry about anything else in her life. She lives at home and is afforded a life which allows her to concentrate solely on her sport whereas Miriam has studied, worked and paid her way and has 8 kids and a husband to factor in.

I wish Katie all the best but what she has done is solely concentrate on one aspect of her life and not had to worry about anything else.

How do you know that? she's a world class footballer too, because she trains a lot she has it handy? I hardly think being a tv presenter equates to being an Olympic champion boxer. Nobody asked O'Callaghan to pop out 8 kids.

daenerysstormborn3

Ellsbells wrote: »

I mean Miriam has slogged at what she does to get to where she is despite having other demands in her time. I admire that.

As did Katie Taylor.

I find Katie Taylor more admirable because of everything she has sacrificed to pursue her dreams. That to me is inspiration.

Dolbert

Ellsbells wrote: »

I wish Katie all the best but what she has done is solely concentrate on one aspect of her life and not had to worry about anything else.

Take any world-class athlete or performer and the same will be true of any of them, surely? I don't see how putting in the hours and dedication required to get there is somehow 'easier'

gara

pixiebean22 wrote: »

As did Katie Taylor.
I find Katie Taylor more admirable because of everything she has sacrificed to pursue her dreams. That to me is inspiration.

Boxing is Katie Taylor's passion in life, it's what she loves and does best. Therefore boxing is not a sacrifice for her, it's a priority and she's in a privileged position to able to pursue that so exclusively without having to share her time with anything else.

Miriam O'Callaghan has eight children to clothe, feed, put through college etc and therefore has to work hard to secure a comfortable future for her family.

Both women are slogging it out and are hard-grafters but for very different reasons. One for the prestige of winning Olympic Gold, the other for putting food on the table

daenerysstormborn3

gara wrote: »

Boxing is Katie Taylor's passion in life, it's what she loves and does best. Therefore boxing is not a sacrifice for her, it's a priority and she's in a privileged position to able to pursue that so exclusively without having to share her time with anything else.

Miriam O'Callaghan has eight children to clothe, feed, put through college etc and therefore has to work hard to secure a comfortable future for her family.

Both women are slogging it out and are hard-grafters but for very different reasons. One for the prestige of winning Olympic Gold, the other for putting food on the table

I didn't say boxing was a sacrifice for her, I said everything she gave up is the sacrifice she made to pursue her dream and she deserves praise and she is an inspiration for giving up what most people her age see as a right of passage.

Maybe what Miriam O'Callaghan does is her passion in life also and not merely a way to make a living and support all those kids. And to be fair Miriam O'Callaghan doesn't exactly come from humble beginnings.

Yes, I agree, they are doing what they are doing and are very hard grafters in their own right etc. but I don't agree that Miriam O'Callaghan is more deserving of praise just because she chose to have a load of children.

WaltKowalski

gara wrote: »

Miriam O'Callaghan has eight children to clothe, feed, put through college etc and therefore has to work hard to secure a comfortable future for her family.

If that's how success/inspiration is measured, then Miriam O'C would be way down on the list, when you compare her families' income to that of the majority of Irish families.

gara

pixiebean22 wrote: »

I didn't say boxing was a sacrifice for her, I said everything she gave up is the sacrifice she made to pursue her dream and she deserves praise and she is an inspiration for giving up what most people her age see as a right of passage

You're missing my point entirely -those things you consider her 'giving up' aren't a sacrifice for her because they don't mean anything to her compared to what boxing does.

Things are only a sacrifice if you're depriving yourself of something you love -Katie is doing exactly what she loves therefore there is no sacrifice.

EDIT: I never said Miriam O'Callaghan deserved praise because she had a 'load of children' but because of her strong work ethic, professionalism and academic achievements in addition to coping with the demands that I'm sure are associated with having such a large family.

Most people can barely arrive home from a 9-5 on a Monday evening without feeling harassed, whereas she somehow manages to pull off an incredibly busy work schedule whilst maintaining a happy home life, all whilst looking good and wearing a smile -none of that happens by accident and I dislike the way a lot of people assume everything must be fine once you have money or come from anything beyond 'humble beginnings' because that isn't the case at all

Ellsbells

gara wrote: »

You're missing my point entirely -those things you consider her 'giving up' aren't a sacrifice for her because they don't mean anything to her compared to what boxing does.

Things are only a sacrifice if you're depriving yourself of something you love -Katie is doing exactly what she loves therefore there is no sacrifice

Exactly. Look I think she is a fab girl but just don't understand the hero worship that goes on....

daenerysstormborn3

Okay, you don't believe she has made any sacrifices, that still doesn't mean she is not inspirational. I just don't understand how anyone can fail to admire her and all that she has achieved. I certainly don't understand how because she hasn't popped out a load of kids that she doesn't deserve admiration.

gara

pixiebean22 wrote: »

I certainly don't understand how because she hasn't popped out a load of kids that she doesn't deserve admiration.

Where on earth did anyone say she doesn't deserve admiration because she hasn't popped out kids?

daenerysstormborn3

Throughout the thread so far there is an emphasis on how many children Miriam O'Callaghan has and how she has to work so hard to feed them and all the rest of it. There seems to be an implication that because she has all of these kids that she deserves more admiration than someone who doesn't and it has been said in not so many words that all Katie Taylor does is box.

And to be fair, it was you who brought up Katie Taylor's supposed "privileged position" so I was just countering that with the fact that Miriam O'Callaghan wasn't exactly born a pauper herself.

gara

pixiebean22 wrote: »

Throughout the thread so far there is an emphasis on how many children Miriam O'Callaghan has and how she has to work so hard to feed them and all the rest of it. There seems to be an implication that because she has all of these kids that she deserves more admiration than someone who doesn't and it has been said in not so many words that all Katie Taylor does is box.

And to be fair, it was you who brought up Katie Taylor's supposed "privileged position" so I was just countering that with the fact that Miriam O'Callaghan wasn't exactly born a pauper herself.

And you miss the point yet again whilst jumping to conclusions. Privilege means having a special advantage and isn't always financial and Katie Taylor isn't privileged in that way at all, she's from a humble background and lives on a council estate. Katie is privileged on the basis of being able to devote her time exclusively to her passion in life -not many people are in a position to do that as they have other obligations.

Ickle Magoo

Enough folks!

Surely it's obvious that who inspires one person doesn't have to automatically be deemed an inspiration by others/everyone!

No more bickering about Miriam Vs Katie - please!


If you wish to argue/discuss this post, please do so only via PM

gara

Surely it's obvious that posters should be free to discuss their different opinions openly on a discussion board

daenerysstormborn3

gara wrote: »

And you miss the point yet again whilst jumping to conclusions. Privilege means having a special advantage and isn't always financial and Katie Taylor isn't privileged in that way at all, she's from a humble background and lives on a council estate. Katie is privileged on the basis of being able to devote her time exclusively to her passion in life -not many people are in a position to do that as they have other obligations.

Yes, I am aware of that.

Unfollow.

Wibbs

gara wrote: »

Surely it's obvious that posters should be free to discuss their different opinions openly on a discussion board

Did you miss this part of Ickle Magoo's post on the matter? "If you wish to argue/discuss this post, please do so only via PM". Please take it to PM or ease up on the circling the point back and forth and bickering. Thanks

borderlinemeath

I think it was great to see Daraine Mulvihill presenting the paralympics on Channel 4. I had briefly heard of her before but wasn't aware that she was even disabled.

I think she's an inspiration for anybody, fully abled or disabled, she has triumphed over adversity and gone on to do what she wanted to do in a very tough competitive field. And she seems to be bloody good at it, far better than some of the continuity presenters at the regular olympics.

Bid08

have you had a look at the blog 'butiwannaliveforever' - exceptionally sad of this young mothers story but so inspiring how strong and brave she she, undeniably and inspirational woman

Sleepy

I find it very saddening that it's so difficult to find female role models for my daughter in Irish life. Miriam O' Callaghan has clearly done well for herself but I can't see her as an inspirational figure, she's managed to get to the top of one of those "desirable" careers that, in reality, aren't very worthwhile, fulfilling or challenging. So many young girls already want to emulate this but, in reality, will never, ever get close because they don't have the connections in Rosemount. Wouldn't it be nice if we could find more realistic role-models for them? And one's doing worthwhile work?

LittleBook

Mc Kenzie wrote: »

Does any one know any good blogs or diarys/website i could look up.

Im not having much luck as of yet :rolleyes:

Sleepy wrote: »

Wouldn't it be nice if we could find more realistic role-models for them? And one's doing worthwhile work?

There are LOADS out there Sleepy.

15 Irish Women Who Made A Breakthrough

A general list composed by Action Aid Ireland

Book: Capital Women of Influence

Ireland's 20 Most Influential Women

borderlinemeath

Sleepy wrote: »

So many young girls already want to emulate this but, in reality, will never, ever get close because they don't have the connections in Rosemount.

Montrose?

Miriam O'Callaghan didn't start out in RTE by the way, she started in the UK as a researcher/producer with ITV and then on to the BBC before she came home to Ireland.

In fairness it's better that young girls/women try to emulate the likes of Miriam O'Callaghan than some of the yokes that try out for Xfactor. (which is a great platform if you have a good voice but not if you just want to be on TV)

Sleepy

LittleBook - thanks for the links. Isn't it a little odd that I've never heard of most of those worthy of their positions on the lists (e.g. Samantha Power) whilst the one's who I'd consider morons (e.g. Joan Burton) or successful but not doing anything that a man in the same position would be considered worthy of the title "role model" for (e.g. Cathy Kearney, Noirin O'Sullivan etc.)

borderlinemeath, Oops, yes, I meant Montrose, bit of a brain fart there! My point was that I don't consider Miriam O' Callaghan to be a particularly good role model: she does a job that requires little real intellect, and let's face it, is more famed for having so many children than her professional achievements. I'm also of the school of thought that one cannot be a marvellous parent (mother or father) to such a large family whilst focusing on a career. IMO, and I may get slated for it on this forum, a high-flying career is detrimental to one's relationship with one's children. Given the forum I'm speaking on, I feel I should point out that it was formed primarily from observing men I knew with high-level careers and their relationships with their children rather than observations of working mothers (though I know very few women who have tried to "have it all"). Again it's only my opinion, but in a two parent family, one parent should be the primary care-giver and limit their career ambitions in order to fulfil this role (or both should if finances aren't a major worry).

Mc Kenzie

Did anyone see the documentary the other night on RTE about Kelly O Farrel's quest studying in London??

I thought this was great it really was inspiring and she made me laugh.

In my opinion, This girl is really inspirational

gara

Sleepy wrote: »

My point was that I don't consider Miriam O' Callaghan to be a particularly good role model: she does a job that requires little real intellect, and let's face it, is more famed for having so many children than her professional achievements. I'm also of the school of thought that one cannot be a marvellous parent (mother or father) to such a large family whilst focusing on a career. IMO, and I may get slated for it on this forum, a high-flying career is detrimental to one's relationship with one's children. Given the forum I'm speaking on, I feel I should point out that it was formed primarily from observing men I knew with high-level careers and their relationships with their children rather than observations of working mothers (though I know very few women who have tried to "have it all"). Again it's only my opinion, but in a two parent family, one parent should be the primary care-giver and limit their career ambitions in order to fulfil this role (or both should if finances aren't a major worry).

Little real intellect? May I suggest that you at least do your homework before slating people -Miriam O'Callaghan studied Law at UCD, took Bar exams at Blackhall Place and was a qualified solicitor before ever going into broadcasting.

If there was ever a poster girl for 'having it all', she is it. Unfortunately it seems that despite the facts in front of them -brains, beauty, domestic bliss, people's insecurities will inherently try to find fault where there is none.

Some people are just genuinely successful in all aspects of their lives -be happy for them!

eviltwin

I suppose it all comes down to what it is that inspires you. I've never really been inspired by those women who make it to the top of their fields or who "have it all". I admire them but I get most of my inspiration from nobodies - people in the community or people I know who have had to deal with real adversity and come out the other side.

Teyla Emmagan

Rosanna Davidson anyone!?

I think Marian Keyes is a really good choice, she is intelligent and humourous and inspirational in how she has overcome her demons.

Orla Tinsley (the CF campaigner) is another amazing young Irish woman, I heard her on Marian Finnucane a few weeks ago, she's an incredibly strong character.

I also think Marian herself is pretty fantastic. Speaking of Marian, an honorable mention for the late Nuala O'Faolain is also in order.

Darina Allen is another woman who has accomplished so much. She's built an empire down in Shanagarry along with her mother and daughter in law. Myrtle Allen's approach to seasonal local food was groundbreaking in it's own right.

And on the subject of Cork women, Sonia O'Sullivan.

Mary Robinson is probably still one of the most impressive living Irish women. She has such grace, and intelligence and conviction.

May all of our daughters grow up to be Marys and Marians. And not Rosannas.

Madam_X

Miriam O'Callaghan is not more known for having lots of kids than she is for being a broadcast journalist - totally disingenuous thing to say. Being a skilled intermediary on a programme like Prime Time involves little real intellect? Claptrap. She also used to report from Dublin for the BBC's Newsnight, as well as having a career with the BBC itself for many years prior to this. Believe me, people who are not highly talented and intelligent do not get these jobs.

She has an impressive career in broadcast journalism under her belt, presents her own show (it's crap in terms of guests, but she's great on it) and is able to do the light entertainment thing as well as the current affairs thing; she co-runs a production company with her husband, and above all, she is raising eight children. Yes, that is her choice, yes I agree with Sleepy that her work commitments might affect the amount of time she can spend with her children (although we don't know that for certain).
She's in a privileged position now, for sure - no money worries, no doubt plenty of people to help out with her children, but she would have had to put in serious graft to get where she is today, and for that, I think she should be commended.

Ophiopogon

What's the story with thread?

Are we allowed to disagree with the Miriam crowd or is that against the mod note??

Madam_X

Ophiopogon wrote: »

What's the story with thread?

Are we allowed to disagree with the Miriam crowd or is that against the mod note??

Why wouldn't you be able to disagree with "the Miriam crowd"?

Ophiopogon

Madam_X wrote: »

Why wouldn't you be able to disagree with "the Miriam crowd"?

I dunno... maybe the writing in bold?

Wibbs

For gods sake can we please move beyond this Miriam O'Callaghan ever circling meme? It kicked off back and forth bickering before, there was a warning because of it and people were asked to take to PM. The next pro/anti M O'C post gets deleted and user infracted/banned. Final warning.

WaltKowalski

Check out the current edition of Ireland's Own.

pwurple

I find loads of irish women inspiring. where to even start!

The state pathologist Dr Marie Cassidy. Always thought that looked like a fascinating job, and she is right there at the top of it.

Supreme court judges Susan Denham and Fidelma Macken. Fidelam Macken was the first woman judge in the european court of justice.

Female CEO or directors of large companies I always find inspiring.

In the arts there are loads. Maeve Binchy, Pauline Bewick's illustrations, Sinead O'Connor. I know, not everyone's cup of tea, or even mine sometimes, but she is just exuding life and passion.

Myrtle Allen, chef and businesswoman. Hugely successful empire training chefs all over the world.

There are heaps of very successful female hotel owners around the country. Seriously efficient women, constantly welcoming tourists back here and presenting us so very well.

In politics, I know she wasn't popular, but after being in Mary Hearney's prescence a few times I thought she was so hard working.

Mary Robinson of course.

And my mum, grandmothers and greatgrandmothers.
All inspire me.

panda100

eviltwin wrote: »

I suppose it all comes down to what it is that inspires you. I've never really been inspired by those women who make it to the top of their fields or who "have it all". I admire them but I get most of my inspiration from nobodies - people in the community or people I know who have had to deal with real adversity and come out the other side.

+1 to this post. It really does depend on what qualities you admire in people be they men or women.

I've said this before on here,but I really admire RTE sports commentator Joanne Cantwell.She is an accomplished athlete in her own right,and she holds her own in a male dominated profession.

Ellsbells

Marie Cassidy is Scottish.

Macha

Daraine Mulvihill, the Channel 4 presenter during the Paralympics. She survived meningitis but lost both legs and fingers. Now she's forging a career in TV presenting.

Amazing determination.

Quality

Ok hopefully I wont get the head taken off me for giving a few names..

but sure i will go for it anyway


Adi Roche.. magnificent work with the chernobyl childrens foundation.

Joan Freeman.. for her work in pieta house, self harm and suicide awareness.

Christine Buckley.. she survived industrial schools, amazing woman, great strength and courage.