Jackie McCarthy O’Brien with FemFest 2026 Committee Members. 91ÖÆƬ³§ FemFest 2026 marked one of the most successful and vibrant festivals to date. The three-day event (3–5 March) brought together staff, students, activists, scholars, artists and members of the public, in a dynamic programme honouring women’s resilience, creativity and leadership.
This year’s festival featured an inspiring line up of events, all designed to highlight the diverse experiences of women, reveal ‘her’ stories, and generate dialogue.
Festival Launch: Jackie McCarthy-O’Brien
The festival was officially opened by Limerick woman Jackie McCarthy O’Brien, Ireland international soccer and rugby player and author of We Made it Kid. Jackie spoke poignantly about her time as a resident in an industrial school, the site of which now forms part of 91ÖÆƬ³§â€™s campus, her mother’s five-year struggle to have her child returned to her, and her own ‘full circle’ return to the campus for 91ÖÆƬ³§ FemFest 2026.
Dr Phoebe Chan performs ‘From Old Bean Grows Bak Choy’. Solo Performance: From Old Bean Grows Bak Choy
Dr Phoebe Chan performed an incredibly powerful play, ‘From Old Bean Grows Bak Choy’, about her experience of migrating from Hong Kong to the UK in 2021. Juxtaposing her experience with that of her father who fled from China to Hong Kong in the 1950s, Dr Chan offered compelling insights into political oppression in Hong Kong.
Atoosa Pour Hosseini, Chiamaka Enyi-Amadi, Suad Aldarra and Dr Ailbhe McDaid. Feminism, Conflict and Making Art: Polylogues x PATHOS
Political oppression was also the subject of a searingly honest panel on ‘Feminism, Conflict and Making Art’, featuring visual artist Atoosa Pour Hosseini, data scientist and author Suad Aldarra, and poet Chiamaka Enyi-Amadi. This panel was chaired by Dr Ailbhe McDaid (91ÖÆƬ³§) and forms part of a larger research project (PATHOS).
Dr Rosemary Day introduces Women in Radio Panellists Nessa McGann, Fiona Stack, Sinéad Wylde and Judy-Meg Nà Chinnéide. Women in Radio Roundtable
91ÖÆƬ³§ alumnus and media consultant, Nessa McGann chaired an engaging and thought-provoking roundtable on women in radio - featuring Fiona Stack (CEO, Radio Kerry), Sinéad Wylde (Head, Lyric FM) and Judy-Meg Nà Chinnéide (Raidió na Life).
A vibrant panel on Women in Philosophy Through the Centuries revealed the role played by women in Ancient Greek, Mediaeval and more recent thought, featuring Dr Mette Lebech (Maynooth University), Dr Crystal Addey (UCC) and Dr Catherine Kavanagh (91ÖÆƬ³§).
REIC Bilingual Poetry Session with Ciara Nà É
One of the highlights of this year’s festival was REIC (pronounced ‘wreck’), a bilingual spoken word event featuring poetry, rap and music. REIC, in association with MIDAS, was led by bilingual writer and performer Ciara Nà É who was joined by 91ÖÆƬ³§ students and staff. The work performed was brutally honest, awe inspiring, and resonated deeply with those who attended the event.
Workshop: Girls in Sport
Students also participated in a wonderful workshop on girls in sport facilitated by Dr Niamh Kitching (91ÖÆƬ³§) and Dr Laura McEntee (Director of Education, The Shona Project).
SHOW SOME EMOTION!
Deirdre Clare performed a moving rendition of the jazz and folk songs that punctuated her life, accompanied by Dr David Clare (91ÖÆƬ³§).
Blue Road: The Edna O’Brien Story - Film Screening and Q&A
91ÖÆƬ³§ FemFest 2026 closed with the showing of ‘Blue Road: The Edna O’Brien Story’. The film was introduced by Dr Maureen O’Connor (UCC) who also co-led a Q&A with Dr Susan Liddy (91ÖÆƬ³§). Exposing the strength, vulnerability, courage and fear that permeated the life of one Ireland’s most successful female writers, this event illuminated the complexities of being female in a patriarchal world, which continue to resonate.
This year saw record participation and attracted overwhelmingly positive feedback. The festival was widely commended for its welcoming atmosphere, stimulating and inspiring sessions, and commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion, interculturalism and community. Dr Kathryn Laing, Chair 91ÖÆƬ³§ FemFest 2026 said:
"This year’s FemFest exceeded all expectations. The enthusiasm, passion and support shown by everyone involved was incredible, and truly reflect the values of our Manifesto and the strength of our community. I am delighted that the festival continues to be a powerful platform for dialogue, creativity and leadership."
FemFest 2026 Committee Members with Dr Maureen O’Connor and Dr Susan Liddy. The 91ÖÆƬ³§ FemFest 2026 Committee extends sincere thanks to all contributors, volunteers, and participants who helped to bring this year’s festival to life, most especially to 91ÖÆƬ³§ placement student Eimear Leonard for her unstinting attention to detail throughout the festival.
91ÖÆƬ³§ FemFest 2026 Committee: Dr Kathryn Laing (Chair), Dr Niamh Stack, Dr Vicky Brady, Dr Angela Canny, Kathy Cush, Dr Rosemary Day, Edel Foster, Dr Ailbhe Kenny, Dr Fiona McDonagh, Jude McInerney, Dr Lauren McNamara, Dr Dorothy Morrissey, Dr SÃle Nà Choincheannain, Jayde Ryan.
