Aston Martin F1 engineer to be Newry Chamber’s IWD keynote speaker

The event will be held on Friday, March 7, 2025 in the beautiful surroundings of Killeavy Castle Estate, kindly sponsored by Southern Regional College, KPMG Ireland and Zen Orthodontics.

The Chamber are delighted to have secured a trailblazing Keynote Speaker, Sósanna Ní Dhubháin, Composite Lead Engineer at the Aston Martin F1 Team. 2025’s theme is #AccelerateAction and the organisers couldn’t have wished to secure a more appropriate Keynote Speaker in Sósanna for this year’s theme.

Continuing with a sporting theme, we will also have a panel of inspirational local women who are all high achievers in their respective fields, with our fabulous MC, Deborah Loughran overseeing proceedings on the day.

Sósanna is an engineer renowned for her significant contributions to Formula 1, particularly with the Aston Martin F1 Team. A native of Rostrevor and past pupil of Sacred Heart Grammar School, she embarked on her professional career as a Junior Composite Designer at Team Lotus in 2011. Over the years, she advanced through various roles and in 2024, she was promoted to Lead Composite Engineer at Aston Martin F1 Team, where she now oversees the design and development of major components for the car.

Guests will enjoy a prosecco and cocktails drinks reception with exquisite canapés served in the spectacular surroundings of Killeavy Castle before proceeding into the castle pavilion for an afternoon of incredible speakers, local food and live music. We are also pleased to announce Women’s Aid Armagh Down will not only be our Charity Partner for this event but will be the focus of our fundraising efforts for the whole of 2025 as they work towards a much needed and purpose-built facility on the Downshire Road, Newry requiring £2 million in funding.

Best Dressed sponsor, Shelly’s Dress Hire based in Rostrevor are also kindly offering any guests attending the event 10% OFF their dress hire for the event.

Edwina Flynn, President of Newry Chamber, said that the lunch is all about coming together as a local business community to celebrate the achievements of women, spark important conversations and, most importantly drive meaningful change.

"We are delighted to have secured a truly inspiring lineup of speakers and panellists who will share their experiences and insights. Their voices reflect the strength, ambition and resilience of women across all walks of life,” she added.

“This year’s theme for International Women’s Day is “Accelerate Action”, a powerful reminder that progress requires more than just conversation it demands action. I hope all our guests leave the event with a renewed sense of purpose and commitment to making a difference, whether it is in their workplace, community or personal journey.

“I am delighted to announce that Women’s Aid Armagh Down will not only be our Charity Partner for this event but will also be the focus of our fundraising efforts throughout 2025. Their mission to build a much-needed, purpose-built facility on Downshire Road, Newry, requires £2 million in funding, and we are committed to supporting this vital cause.”

This prestigious event has been the hottest ticket in town since its inception in 2020 and due to the extremely high volume of ticket requests submitted each year through our website, the event is now completely SOLD OUT.