Speakers for the WCP International Women’s Day event on Wednesday March 8.

Women’s Community Projects plan special event for International Women’s Day

Free community event open to all - register now to reserve your place

Published: Fri 24 Feb 2023, 1:02 PM

Last updated: Fri 24 Feb 2023, 1:12 PM

Women’s Community Projects (WCP), based in the Parish Community Centre on Bishopsgate Street, Mullingar, celebrate International Women’s Day each year, and the team are planning for the 2023 event on Wednesday March 8.

Starting at 11am, it will feature inspirational and talented local women, and will allows the opportunity to honour the WCP founder, Sr Finbarr Breslin, and reflect and appreciate all she has done for the women of Mullingar.

Aisling Mortell-Beglan, training and education coordinator, said the event “aims to be a magical, musical morning filled with opportunities to make memories and new friends”.

Aisling Mortell Beglan (left) training and education coordinator, and Denise O’Neill, coordination assistant, organisers of the event.

Aisling said the day will start with remarks by the special guests.

They include Susan McGowan of Ashen and Cloud, an interior architect who set up her company and utilised the power of social media to get her name and company to a national stage. She has worked with multinational companies such as DFS and will speak about her business life, as well as being a hands-on mother of three.

Local author Lorraine Murphy has enjoyed success with her debut novel ‘Into the Woods’. Lorraine is president of the local Toastmasters club, and her intriguing story is a must listen. Lorraine was a huge hit with our learners on her last visit to WCP.

Mairin Gallagher is a local business legend whose transformation from engineer to director of First Floor Hair and Beauty Training Academy is a one guests will want to hear about. From overcoming the unknown, to changing your path to become a success story in a competitive industry, Mairin’s story is sure to inspire.

Cllr Hazel Smyth returns to the WCP centre to join the line-up for International Women’s Day. Cllr Smyth has a law background, participates in charity work and is the current mayor of the Municipal District of Mullingar Kinnegad. Her sense of community spirit, and working to make Mullingar a better place for all inspire, and the WCP team say they can’t wait to welcome her back to centre.

Local musician Kathryn Nea will close the event.

Attendees are welcome to mingle and enjoy refreshments to conclude what is sure to be a fantastic day for all.

Women’s Community Projects background

Women’s Community Projects were set up in 1985 by Sr Finbarr Breslin, a woman who dedicated her life to the people of Mullingar, and in particular its women. Growing from a mother and toddler group all those years ago, WCP now have the largest community childcare facility in the midlands.

Training and Education department classes offer an opportunity for all in the community looking to begin or continue their education, and there are many free and low cost and subsidised courses available.

The training facility is designed to bring people together to learn in a safe, inclusive, and understanding environment. It is a place where people can form bonds, make friendships and learn something new, with support from coordinators, tutors and staff.

Mullingar Community Counselling, managed by WCP, provides free, confidential counselling services for all those affected by domestic abuse. Domestic abuse affects one in four people in their lives – men, women and children – and can have long term effects on a person’s life.

Learners at the WCP in the Parish Community Centre, Mullingar.

WCP are the largest sponsor of the Community Employment scheme in Mullingar, offering work experience in the areas of early years education, business administration, community care, maintenance, caretaking, and domestic cleaning.

The Community Employment scheme offers training and employment opportunities to those in receipt of social welfare benefits for more than 12 months. Many WCP staff joined he centre on the CE scheme, and have now become integral parts of the WCP team. The scheme offers an opportunity to learn and grow in an active environment.

The International Women’s Day event is a free community event for all’ if you wish to attend, email adult.ed@wcpmullingar.ie to register, as spaces will fill up fast.

The event would not be possible without support from many local businesses including:

David Smyth Catering

Sweet Treats by Abbie and Mammy

Sweet Rose Remedies

Cake ‘N’ Bake

Westmeath Examiner

Annebrook House Hotel

Eden Beauty and Massage

Foxes Fruit and Veg

Buckley’s SuperValu Mullingar

Bronte Photography

Edel’s Personalised Frames