Launch of book on women trailblazers

What do nurses, teachers, a doctor, an author, a TD, a sports commentator and a sewing machinist have in common? They are among the women featured in a new booklet celebrating the significant contributions women have made to the life of Nenagh and district over more than a century.

On Wednesday, August 18, Imelda Walsh, the first female Chairperson of North Tipperary IFA, launched the booklet, 'Out of the Shadows: The Invisible Women of Nenagh', to a packed attendance at Nenagh Library.

Imelda spoke about the importance of recognising the achievements of the women featured. Long before the phrase “the glass ceiling” was coined, she noted, these women were trailblazers and innovators, quietly working for the good of their local communities as well as wider communities in Ireland and beyond. Given how familiar female sports pundits are today, she said, it is remarkable to think that the recently deceased Liz Howard was the first female GAA pundit on The Sunday Game on RTÉ.

Women featured include traditional Irish singer Nora Butler, hotelier Juliana Roberts, historian Nancy Murphy, the Bruce sisters and the Rohan sisters, along with local businesswoman and dramatist Olive Harris, and others.

This booklet is part of a long-term project to highlight the contributions women have made to local history, much of which has remained in the shadows. The committee would welcome suggestions of other women who could be featured in future publications.

Copies of the booklet are available from the committee or can be viewed on https://ormond.heritagetipperary.org/people/lest-we-forget-her