We really enjoyed celebrating International Women’s Day in OLS last Friday. Each year at this time, we take the opportunity to add some new faces to our Wall of Inspiration. We created this concept in 2023, with a view to showcasing OLS women who have made and continue to make a difference in the community and the world today. The wall is to inspire all our students to embrace their own unique qualities and talents, and to share them positively with the world.
This year, our guests of honour were:
Éabha Booth – 6th Year – Éabha plays basketball for Templeogue Basketball Club and is on the U18 Irish basketball squad. She has won two All Ireland medals and countless Dublin cups/leagues with her team. She has represented Ireland at u16, u17 and u18 level and has played at the European Championships getting 21 caps for Ireland.
Aideen Howard – past pupil – Aideen is Director of The Ark Children’s Cultural Centre in Dublin. She has worked in theatre and the arts for over two decades as an artistic director, producer and commissioner of new work. Prior to The Ark, Aideen was Literary Director of the Abbey Theatre, founding Director of Mermaid Arts Centre and has worked as literary consultant to Arts Council projects.
Róisín O’Reilly – past pupil – Róisín O’Reilly (stage name Róisín O) is a singer, songwriter, and musician. She is regularly on tour, both nationally and internationally, with her music. She has also performed at many festivals including Electric Picnic and has featured on many national television and radio shows. She released her latest single, Magic, on Friday and we were treated to a live rendition in St Joseph’s Hall! You will see Róisín O on the Late Late Show on Friday week!
Dr. Catherine Ann Cullen – past pupil – Catherine Ann is an IRC postdoctoral fellow at UCD and Poetry Ireland. She was the inaugural Poet in residence at Poetry Ireland (2019-2021) Dr. Cullen is an award-winning poet, children’s author and songwriter who has twice won the nationwide Business to Arts Award for best use of creativity in the community. She is a recipient of Art Council and Irish Writers Centre bursaries and the prestigious Katherine and Patrick Kavanagh Fellowship.
A resounding message from these inspiring women, who addressed an audience of senior students, was the importance of finding what you love and pursuing it to nurture your talents. Exemplifying this idea, we were also treated to beautiful music by Katie Cassidy, Eimear O Shea, Áoibheanna O’Donnell-Monahan, Ellie Dunne, Ruby McCabe and the choir, led by Ms Rainford, during the afternoon!
