Two of Westmeath’s highest profile women - Deputy Mary O’Rourke (Athlone ) and Patricia Callan (Mullingar ) - are amongst those profiled in Ellen Gunning's new book Capital Women of Influence.
The former Minister and leader of the Seanad and the dynamic director of the Small Firms Association (SFA ) are two of only 13 entrries in the book, which was launched last week by Senator David Norris in the Writers Centre, Parnell Square, Dublin.
The book tells the uplifting stories of women from all around the country ranging in age from early 30s to early 80s and from the worlds of art, politics, business, media, charity, and the community.
The 13 women are: Pauline Bewick (artist ), Betty Ashe (community re-generation ); Caroline Downey (Childline ); Mary O’Rourke TD, Anne Harris (deputy editor Sunday Independent ), Christina Noble (children’s foundation ); Danuta Gray (CEO O2 ); Eibhlin Byrne (former Dublin Lord Mayor ); Gina Quinn (CEO Dublin Chamber of Commerce ); Ivana Bacik (Senator ); Maree Morrissey (editor Irish Entrepreneur ); Patricia Callan (CEO Small Firms Association ); and Veronica Dunne (opera singer ).
The launch was very well attended, and all but two of the women were able to make the function. Senator David Norris regaled the crowd with tales of the women, the majority of whom he knows well.
“They truly are inspirational women and this wonderful book should be useful reading for Christmas to lift the spirits of the entire nation,” he added.
“These women all have tremendous energy levels, amazing ability, and great personalities. They are all, undoubtedly, high achievers. They are also genuinely nice people."
