Chamber’s celebration lunch for International Women’s Day
Newry Chamber hosted their 7th annual International Women’s Day celebration lunch at a packed Killeavy Castle Estate, attended by more than 200 guests.
The guests enjoyed a prosecco drinks reception, served in the spectacular surroundings of Killeavy Castle, before proceeding into the pavilion for an afternoon of speakers, a three-course meal and live music from Geraldine O’Doherty, the principal harpist with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra; Joanne Quigley-McParland, artistic director of Newry Chamber Music; and local singer-songwriter, CeeV.
The annual event, sponsored by KPMG Ireland, Southern Regional College and Younique Aesthetics Clinic, has become “the hottest ticket in town” for International Women’s Day in the Greater Newry area, since its inception in 2020.
This year’s keynote speaker was Newry-born actor and writer, Valene Kane, a past pupil of Sacred Heart Grammar School, who has an impressive back catalogue of TV series, movies and theatre performances to her name.
Alongside the Fireside Chat with Valene, MC, Deborah Loughran, Managing Director of King Communication & Newry Chamber Board member, oversaw three engaging panel discussions.
The first featured three ladies from principal sponsors on this year’s theme ‘Give To Gain’ - Libby Shackels, Curriculum Director, Southern Regional College; Susan Smyth, Private Client Practice Director, KPMG Ireland; and Aine Larkin, Clinical Director, Younique Medical Aesthetics.
Guests also heard about the dreams, ambitions and aspirations from a panel consisting of the head girls and senior leaders from local schools, including St. Mary’s, Sacred Heart, St. Paul’s, Our Lady’s and Newry High School.
The final discussion featured five of the female Chamber Board members, who between them are responsible for about 1,000 jobs locally.
They discussed what the Chamber has done to ensure gender equality within the organisation and more opportunities than ever for women to shape the local business community.
Thanks to the generosity of guests in attendance, £3,000 was raised through a raffle for the two charity partners - Parkinson’s UK and Breast Mates Newry - with prizes donated from local businesses, including Younique Aesthetics, Killeavy Castle, DELI LITES, Canal Court Hotel, Jack Murphy Jewellers, Buttercrane Centre and Bank Bistro & Bar.
Conor Patterson, President of Newry Chamber, said: “I am immensely full of gratitude for an afternoon that brought more than 200 representatives from the local business community together to celebrate the achievements of women, spark important conversations and, most importantly, drive meaningful change.”
Lee Campbell, Principal & CEO of Southern Regional College, said: “Southern Regional College (SRC) were delighted to be a sponsor of this year’s International Women’s Day event with Newry Chamber of Commerce & Trade and partners.
“Focusing on this year’s theme of ‘Give To Gain’, SRC is proud of the many initiatives we offer to support female learners of all ages,” she added.
Marie Farrell, Tax Partner at KPMG Ireland, said: “We were thrilled to continue our partnership with Newry Chamber in celebrating International Women’s Day at the stunning Killeavy Castle Estate.
“At KPMG Ireland, we’re committed to helping women excel at work.
"It’s essential to our ongoing and future success.”
Aine Larkin, Clinical Director of Younique Aesthetics Clinic, added: “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.”