Successful event celebrates Ann McGeeney’s legacy and launches new women’s fund

The event featured an esteemed panel of speakers, including community activist Bronagh Hinds, who delivered a compelling keynote address on the current challenges and opportunities for women in Ireland.

The event was also graced by the presence of Newry, Mourne, and Down District Council Chairman Pete Byrne, who expressed his strong support for the Ann McGeeney Trust Fund by nominating it as his selected charity for the year. Chairman Byrne's endorsement underscores the importance of the Trust’s work and its impact on the local community.

Highlighting the personal legacy of Ann McGeeney, the event featured heartfelt speeches by her daughters, Holly and Daisy, who spoke movingly about their mother's dedication to social justice and her unwavering commitment to community development. Their words were a poignant reminder of the enduring impact of Ann's work on our island.

A key moment of the day was the official launch of the new Women’s Aid Fund, introduced by Roisin Wood from the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland (CFNI). The new fund aims to provide essential support and resources to women in need across the region, reflecting Ann McGeeney’s vision of empowering women and fostering inclusive communities. Roisin Wood shared her enthusiasm for the initiative, emphasizing the continued need for community-led support and intervention in addressing issues faced by women today.

“Ann McGeeney was a woman to be admired. She was a trailblazer in everything she did for local communities but especially when it came to the rights and empowerment of women.

“It is an amazing testimony to the legacy of Ann that we stand here today, launching tha Women’s Aid Fund fund aimed at the advancement of women, adding support in the right places, at the right time. The Community Foundation for Northern Ireland, working hand in hand with the Ann McGeeney Trust, see this as an exciting time in the journey of the Trust and Ann’s lasting impact on our communities.”

Attendees engaged in thought-provoking discussions, participated in a dynamic panel discussion, and enjoyed networking over a delightful local lunch. The event closed on a high note, with many expressing their commitment to supporting the new fund and the ongoing work of the Ann McGeeney Trust.