A Little Book of Brigid Recipients

100 Books for 100 Inspiring Women or Associations

The purpose of A Lttle Book of Brigid is to recognise women whilst commemorating our matron saint, Brigid of Kildare. The books will be gifted to 100 inspiring women or organisations who have campaigned for women’s rights or support women in their communities.

These women or organisations have been nominated by the public, we are aware this list is not close to honouring all the amazing women in our communities. If you nominated someone and they are not on the list below perhaps you can find another way to honour them or make it known how special they are. We received beautifully crafted nominations describing the work of women which are too long to publish below. We are holding 6 names from the full list below whilst we check the correct spelling and details, a further 6 copies will be held in various public collections and libraries.

1. Adi Roche – Adi has dedicated her life to peace and humanitarian aid, especially for the children of Chernobyl. Her kindness and determination are truly inspiring.
2. Aideen Barry – A visionary artist and educator, Aideen fearlessly confronts feminism, classism, and inequality, advocating for women through her work.
3. Ailbhe Smyth – A lifelong champion of feminism and LGBTQ+ rights, Ailbhe played a pivotal role in the Together for Yes campaign and repealing the 8th Amendment.
4. Aisling Dixon – Aisling is a midwife who puts women at the heart of their own pregnancy journey, offering knowledge, care, and unwavering support.
5. Alice Maher – Alice’s art is transformative—she takes natural materials and turns them into something mythical, shifting, and unforgettable.
6. Alva Fitzgerald – Founder of Ireland’s first L’Arche community, Alva has dedicated her life to supporting adults with disabilities and advocating for mental health.
7. Amanda Coogan –Amanda explores issues such as gender inequality, human rights, ‘otherness’ or the feeling of not belonging. Both of her parents are deaf, and Irish Sign Language is her first language.
8. Andrea Harkin – Andrea is an extraordinary filmmaker from Derry, whose work masterfully weaves the personal and political through a female lens. Deeply rooted in her Northern Irish heritage, her storytelling is both powerful and essential.
9. Anita Doolin – Anita is a connector of people and cultures, working tirelessly to empower migrant and Traveller women through art and community.
10. Anne Enright – Anne’s writing is sharp, fearless, and full of heart. She brings Irish stories to the world in a way no one else can.
11. Annemarie Ní Churreáin – Annemarie’s poetry gives voice to the silences of the past, honouring the stories of women who were never heard.
12. Annie Finch – Poet, teacher, and founder of the Poetry Witch Community, Annie empowers women to reclaim language, rhythm, and the sacred power of words.
13. Athy Sing & Sign Committee – Maggie, Linda, Breda, and Mary bring Irish Sign Language to life, teaching all ages and championing inclusion in their community.
14. Bernie Crawford – Bernie has dedicated her life to education, teaching science to young women in Galway and Lesotho. A true feminist role model, she has spent decades creating opportunities for women, always championing their growth and empowerment.
15. Brid Brophy – A poet and arts activist, Brid tirelessly supports artists, particularly women, and is a driving force behind the Athy Arts Centre.
16. Caitlin Moran – Caitlin is a fearless voice in journalism, broadcasting, and literature. Through her columns, books, and TV shows, she has shaped conversations on feminism, culture, and music with wit, warmth, and unapologetic honesty.
17. Caitríona Twomey – Caitríona is the heart of Cork Penny Dinners, feeding and caring for the most vulnerable with endless love and compassion.
18. Catherine Corless brought the unheard voices of the Tuam Mothers and babies to the world attention, for never giving up on them and for campaigning for their truth, memory and story.
19. Catherine Martin – Catherine was a game-changing Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, launching the Basic Income for the Arts and transforming how we value creativity.
20. Cathy Fitzgerald – A leading eco-artist and activist, Cathy mentors creatives to communicate the climate crisis through art and advocates for climate justice.
21. Celine Broughal – A dedicated librarian, Celine spent her career advocating for women, children, and the arts, creating vital creative spaces in Kildare.
22. Christine Murray – Christine has created an incredible space for women poets with Poethead, making sure their words are seen, heard, and valued.
23. Deborah Somorin – Overcoming immense adversity, Deborah went from homelessness at 13 and motherhood at 14 to becoming a senior manager at EY, a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, and the founder of Empower the Family. She is transforming lives by making education accessible for disadvantaged students, particularly single parents and care-leavers.
24. Deirdre O’Kane – An outstanding comic and actor, Deirdre has brought menopause into the mainstream conversation, normalizing discussions around aging and women’s health with humour, intelligence, and relatability.
25. Dolores Whelan – Dolores has spent decades reviving Brigid’s legacy through Brigid of Faughart Festival in Co Louth, helping women reconnect with their creativity and spirituality.
26. Domestic Violence Response, Galway – This incredible organization provides essential support for women in Galway, offering legal advocacy, counselling, and education to break cycles of abuse. Their work is life-changing and absolutely deserves recognition.
27. Dr. Margaret Ward – Margaret has dedicated her life to uncovering the forgotten stories of Irish women who shaped our history.
28. Dr. Norah Patten – Norah is about to make history as Ireland’s first astronaut, inspiring young people—especially girls—to reach for the stars.
29. Dr. Mary Condren – Mary’s work on gender, mythology, and power has reshaped how we understand spirituality and the divine feminine.
30. Dr. Mary McAleese – As Ireland’s eighth president, Mary championed social justice, equality, and reconciliation, leaving a lasting impact on Irish society.
31. Dr. Niamh Hamill – Niamh is a passionate advocate for the arts and history, ensuring women’s contributions are never overlooked.
32. Eithne Harley – A key force behind Women on Walls, Eithne helped place the first female portraits in the Royal Irish Academy, reshaping history.
33. Eithne Ní Flathartaigh – A passionate community nurse, Eithne promotes Irish culture and heritage through her tireless work with Sult na Sollán and Cill Dara le Gaeilge.
34. Enid Conway – Enid founded Bloomers, a publishing collective that uplifts feminist artists and writers, giving them the space they deserve.
35. Erin Darcy – Artist and activist, Erin founded In Her Shoes, amplifying women’s voices and documenting their stories in her powerful book.
36. Evelyn Grant – Musician, radio presenter, and founder of Cork Pops Orchestra, Evelyn has dedicated her life to making music accessible to all.
37. Fran Grasham – Fran, shattered glass ceilings as the first-ever female chaplain in the Irish Defence Forces. She served in Lebanon and Israel, ministered at Kildare Cathedral, and continues to inspire women in their spiritual callings. She turned to the arts for healing during her breast cancer treatment, embodying Brigid’s strength, wisdom, and creativity.
38. Fiona Neary – Founder of Mayo Rape Crisis Centre, Fiona ensures no survivor walks their journey alone, fighting tirelessly for women’s rights.
39. Fionnuala Corcoran – Fionnuala has helped build community gardens in Kilcock, Co Kildare, where women can grow food for their families, fostering resilience and connection.
40. Geraldine Byrne Nason – As a diplomat, Geraldine has been relentless in championing gender equality. From her work at the UN to advocating for St. Brigid’s legacy, she has consistently uplifted women, ensuring their voices are heard at the highest levels.
41. Helena Power – Helena is a powerhouse in the Traveller rights movement, working for equality and better conditions for her community.
42. Hilary Pyle – Hilary has dedicated her life to preserving the stories of remarkable women, making sure they are never forgotten.
43. Imelda May – A proud Irishwoman, poet, and singer, Imelda is a passionate advocate for women’s rights and equality. Her voice—both in music and activism—resonates deeply, making her the embodiment of Brigid’s spirit.
44. Jackie Gorman – Through Midlands Science Jackie creates spaces where women and girls can thrive, whether through poetry or science.
45. Jacqui McNabb – A passionate advocate for female entrepreneurship, Jacqui supports women in business across Kildare, embodying the Spirit of Brigid.
46. Joan Martin – As CEO of Louth County Council, Joan played a key role in Brigid 1500, bringing decades of public service expertise to the project.
47. Jessie Lendennie – Founder of Salmon Poetry, Jessie has fostered and championed new voices in Irish literature for over 40 years.
48. Jocelyn Bell Burnell – Jocelyn’s discovery of pulsars changed astronomy forever, yet she remains one of the most humble and generous scientists you’ll meet.
49. Julie Donnelly, Chief Commissioner, CGI – Julie represents countless women in the Girl Guides, empowering both adult volunteers and young members to become confident leaders. She is shaping the future for generations of Irish girls.
50. Julie O’Donaghue – Julie has created vital spaces for women in her community, from organizing long-running parent and baby groups in Kilkcullen Library to amplifying women’s voices in local media. Her work fosters connection, creativity, and support.
51. Kathy Scott – A cultural activist, Kathy creates transformative spaces like The Trailblazery, Moon Medicine, and Hedge School, fostering connection and creativity.
52. Kelley Bermingham – Kelley engaged in outreach with a view to improving access and engagement with St Brigid’s Cathedral, which stands on the site founded by St Brigid in 480AD, making an enduring impact on Kildare’s cultural and spiritual life.
53. Laura Murphy – Poet and activist, Laura was instrumental in securing Ireland’s national holiday for Brigid and advocating for survivors of Mother and Baby homes.
54. Leish Burke – Leish has spent 25 years nurturing young voices through Griese Youth Theatre, shaping generations of confident and creative performers in rural South Kildare.
55. Lisa McGee – grew up in Derry during the troubles in the 1990s and used her experiences as inspiration for the award-winning sitcom Derry Girls. Lisa
56. Dr. Loretta Brennan Glucksman – A dedicated philanthropist, Loretta has championed peace, arts, education, and Irish culture worldwide.
57. Maeve Kelly – Maeve is not only a brilliant writer but also a true activist, co-founding Limerick’s first women’s refuge.
58. Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh – Mairéad is a phenomenal musician and a tireless supporter of other women in traditional music, weaving voices together across continents.
59. Majella Keating – Majella is a true changemaker. She brings women together, supports community projects, and encourages creative initiatives in Graiguenamanagh, Kilkenny. Whether it’s helping with grant applications or simply baking treats for a women’s circle, she gives selflessly, always lifting others up.
60. Mari Kennedy – Mari guides women through the Celtic Wheel, helping them reclaim their sovereignty and reconnect with ancient wisdom.
61. Mary Black has been a dominant presence in Irish music, both at home and abroad, she continues to be an inspiration for emerging female artists in Ireland.
62. Mary Dorcey – A literary trailblazer, Mary was the first Irish writer to openly explore lesbian and gay lives in fiction and poetry. A lifelong activist, her work is now studied in schools and universities, ensuring her legacy of courage and truth endures.
63. Mary Coughlan – Mary’s music is raw, honest, and fearless—she sings the truths so many need to hear.
64. Mary Robinson – Ireland’s first female president, Mary transformed politics, championing civil rights, climate action, and justice for future generations.
65. Maureen O’Sullivan – Maureen bravely shared her harrowing experience in the Magdalene Laundries in her book The Girl in the Tunnel. She has fought tirelessly alongside other survivors for justice and recognition, ensuring these stories are never forgotten.
66. Melanie Lynch – Melanie founded Herstory to illuminate women’s stories, turning history into a movement that spans the globe.
67. Michelle Cullen – Michelle was instrumental in the Women on Walls campaign, ensuring female leaders are seen and celebrated.
68. Michelle Fullam – A youth worker and artist, Michelle uplifts young women through art while fostering deep connections to ancient Irish traditions.
69. Monica de Bath – An artist and activist, Monica preserves Brigid’s traditions while leading creative peatland restoration projects across Kildare.
70. Nora Hickey M’Sichili – As Director of the Centre Culturel Irlandais in Paris, Nora nurtures Irish artists, enabling opportunities for Irish artists in Europe.
71. Moya Brennan – Moya’s music is the soul of Ireland, and through it, she has brought our stories to the world.
72. Muslim Sisters of Éire – A women-led charity, they feed Dublin’s homeless daily while advocating for inclusion, diversity, and female empowerment.
73. Nóirín Ní Riain – Nóirín has shared the wisdom of Brigid through music and retreats, offering sanctuary and reflection.
74. Orla Ní Éilí – Orla has welcomed refugee women into her community in Ennis for decades, offering support, warmth, and a true sense of belonging.
75. Patricia Hurl – A pioneering force in the Irish art world, Patricia has been advocating for women artists since the 1980s. A co-founder of WAAG and Damer House Gallery, her work—most recently her Modern Gothic exhibition at IMMA—speaks to the lived experiences of women in Ireland with raw honesty and power.
76. Paula Meehan – Paula’s poetry speaks with deep compassion for the unheard, making space for the stories that need to be told.
77. Ms. Sabina Higgins – Actor, activist, and First Lady, Sabina has championed theatre, community initiatives, and support for parents, especially new mothers.
78. Samantha Mumba – A globally successful singer, actress, and model, Samantha broke into the charts at 17, inspiring a generation with her music.
79. Sharon Horgan – A powerhouse in the arts, Sharon has not only starred in but also written and produced groundbreaking work. She has shaped modern television, particularly in championing female-led stories, and continues to push boundaries in the industry.
80. Simone Rocha – A visionary designer and curator, Simone elevates women’s voices in the arts. Her exhibitions, such as Girls, Girls, Girls at Lismore Castle and Echo. Wrapped in Memory at MoMu Antwerp, celebrate the deep connection between clothing, memory, and female experience.
81. Sinéad Gleeson – Sinéad is the midwife of Irish Feminist Literature; bringing women’s stories into the light, ensuring their voices and experiences shape our literary landscape.
82. Sinéad McCoole – Sinéad is a historian who tirelessly uncovers and shares the hidden histories of Irish women.
83. Solas Bhride – The Brigidine Sisters promote peace, justice, and the arts through their work at Solas Bhride in Kildare.
84. Sonya Kavanagh – CEO of Kildare County Council, Sonya leads the Brigid 1500 project, leaving a lasting legacy for women across Ireland.
85. Sr. Ann Scully – A passionate community leader, Sr. Ann promotes inclusion and the arts, curating Monasterevin’s Artists for Peace Exhibition.
86. Sr. Consilio – Founder of Cuan Mhuire, Sr. Consilio has dedicated her life to supporting those recovering from addiction.
87. St. Bride’s Church, Fleet St. – This London church, dedicated to St. Brigid, has a rich history tied to printing and journalism. With a new devotional space for Brigid being created, this book would be a beautiful link between Kildare and London—one that even the Irish Embassy might support.
88. Tammy Darcy – Tammy founded The Shona Project to empower young girls, giving them the confidence to take up space in the world.

Some of the recipients with Mrs Sabina Higgins at Blueway Art Studio in April 2024.

The writers with poems selected for publication in Brigid’s Book are:

Ailish de Búrca, Autumn Newman, Liam Regan, Anne Casey, Michael Farrell, Patrick OSullivan, Chris Jones, Lisa Gannon, Lauren Lawler, Dee McKiernan, Caroline Bracken, Dylan Brennan, J.D.Luttrell, Bernadette Gallagher, Siobhán Mac Mahon, Mary Burke, Séighin Ó Ceallaigh, Martina Kearney, M.A. Waskow, Neville Sexton, Aisling Ní Choibheanaigh Nic Eoin, Erin Darcy, Lara Coady, Mary Mc Carthy, Máire Sinclair, Mae Leonard, Dolores Martin, Éire Ní Fhaoláin

We are honoured to include the following artists who have helped illustrate the book, making it truly special!

Clare Hartigan, Lucina Russell, Claire Murphy, Rachel Fountain, Pamela de Brí, Ciara O’Keeffe & Ann McKenna.