Newry Chamber celebrates International Women's Day at Killeavy Castle

Newry Chamber of Commerce hosted its seventh annual International Women's Day Celebration Lunch at Killeavy Castle last Friday, 6 March, welcoming over 200 guests to an afternoon of keynote speakers, panel discussions, a three-course meal and live music, sponsored by KPMG Ireland, Southern Regional College and Younique Aesthetics Clinic.

Guests enjoyed a prosecco drinks reception in the castle surroundings before moving into the castle pavilion for the afternoon's programme. Live music was provided by Geraldine O'Doherty, Principal Harpist with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra, Joanne Quigley-McParland, Artistic Director of Newry Chamber Music, and local singer-songwriter CeeV.

The event, which has established itself as one of the most popular International Women's Day occasions in the Greater Newry area since its launch in 2020, welcomed Newry-born actor and writer Valene Kane as this year's keynote speaker. A past pupil of Sacred Heart Grammar School, Kane has built an extensive career across television, film and theatre. She took part in a fireside chat hosted by MC Deborah Loughran, Managing Director of King Communication and Newry Chamber Board member.

Lee Campbell, Principal & CEO of Southern Regional College speaking on the theme of 'Give to Gain' said: "SRC is proud of the many initiatives we offer to support female learners of all ages. In addition to our Women Returner programmes, we are seeing more females achieve success at World Skills competitions and a growth in female learners in a range of Apprenticeship areas. We are also excited for the new STEM Racing team at the College, known as SCAR. Led by a female team principal, the team has qualified for the UK National Finals of the largest post primary STEM competition in the world, supported by Formula One.”

The afternoon featured three panel discussions centred on this year's theme, #GiveToGain. The first brought together representatives from the event's principal sponsors: Libby Shackels, Curriculum Director at Southern Regional College; Susan Smyth, Private Client Practice Director at KPMG Ireland; and Aine Larkin, Clinical Director at Younique Medical Aesthetics.

The second panel gave a platform to senior student leaders from local schools, sharing their ambitions and aspirations. Those taking part were Aoife Rafferty, Senior Leader at St. Mary's High School; Marianna O'Neill, Head Girl at Sacred Heart Grammar School; Jessica Dike, Head Girl at St. Paul's High School; Juno Cotter, Deputy Head Girl at Our Lady's Grammar School; and Lena Durkalec, Head Girl at Newry High School.

Marie Farrell, Tax Partner at KPMG Ireland said: “KPMG offers a range of programmes to ensure we deliver on our Gender Action Plan to include Connect @ KPMG, now in its fourth cycle, which empowers women to expand their networks and develop their leadership skills, providing a platform to help nurture and retain our female talent.”

“We are also incredibly proud of our Life Cycle Supports Policy which recognises how busy life can be for our people (male and female), providing a range of supports at all stages of life, to include leave for fertility treatment and pregnancy loss, along with support and leave for our people who act as carer to a family member. We believe that these supports (which are continuously evolving) help people achieve better work life balance and positively contribute to the firm’s success and inclusion, diversity and equity focus.”

The final discussion featured five female Newry Chamber Board members who, between them, are responsible for around 1,000 jobs locally. The panel addressed what the Chamber has done to advance gender equality within its own organisation, which now has 10 female members out of 15 on its Board. Those participating were Mairead McParland, Director of Canal Court Hotel in Newry; Edwina Flynn, CEO of Wood Innovations; Paula Maguire, Senior Contract Manager at BT; Gemma Murphy, Partner and Manager at Jack Murphy Jewellers; and Jackie Reid, Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer at DELI LITES Ireland.

Speaking at the event Conor Patterson, Newry Chamber CEO said “As President of Newry Chamber, I am immensely full of gratitude for an afternoon that brought over 200 representatives from the local business community together to celebrate the achievements of women, spark important conversations and most importantly drive meaningful change.”

“I would sincerely like to thank our Principal Sponsors, KPMG Ireland, Southern Regional College and Younique Aesthetics Clinic for their unwavering support of this important annual event.”

"It was also fantastic to hear Libby Shackels, Southern Regional College, Susan Smyth, KPMG Ireland and Aine Larkin, Younique Aesthetics talk about all the ways their organisations are helping to support their female workforce at the event.” 

A charity raffle held during the event raised £3,000 for Newry Chamber's two charity partners, Parkinson's UK and Breast Mates Newry. Prizes were donated by local businesses including Younique Aesthetics, Killeavy Castle, DELI LITES, Canal Court Hotel, Jack Murphy Jewellers, Buttercrane Centre and Bank Bistro and Bar.

Aine Larkin, Clinical Director of Younique Aesthetics Clinic spoke of her enjoyment of the day: "It was truly inspiring to be in a room filled with so many remarkable women from all different walks of life - each with their own story, their own journey and their own ambition. Events like this remind us of the incredible strength and talent that exists within our local community."

"One of the most powerful moments of the day was hearing from the Head Girls of our local schools - listening to their dreams, their ambitions and their aspirations for the future. As women in business, it is our responsibility to champion the next generation and show them what is possible. Hearing their voices in that room gave us so much hope and motivation for the future."

"At Younique Aesthetics Clinic, empowering women is at the heart of everything we do - not just in how they look, but in how they feel about themselves. Being part of an event that celebrates women so wholeheartedly aligns perfectly with our values and we look forward to continuing our support in the years to come."