PRESIDENT Michael D Higgins praised the genius of Irish women at home and abroad during a celebration of women's creativity at the Irish Embassy in London today.
The president and his wife Sabina were guests of honour at the event held to mark St Brigid’s Day, Lá Fhéile Bríde.
The day-long celebration was compered by actress Pauline McLynn and featured inspirational guests from all fields, including Enterprise Ireland CEO Julie Sinnamon and Irish entrepreneur Iseult Ward.
However with the focus on creativity, the arts were well represented by the likes of singer Camille O’Sullivan and Cork-born poet Martina Evans.
Singer Camille O'Sullivan performs (Image: Malcolm McNally)The president praised the creativity of Irish women past and present and their contribution at home and abroad.
“The word that runs right through today is the word in Irish, cruthaitheacht – creativity.
“It’s a celebration of all of the creativity of both the contemporary Irish women in Ireland, and those with connections to Ireland who are making a contribution here in the United Kingdom.
“In a way I think what’s important is this – it is St Brigid’s Day, Lá Fhéile Bríde, and we invoke as it were the long women’s history and the influence of women from the past.
“We celebrate the sheer genius of women in all the different areas of life – science, art, politics and so on.
President Higgins and wife Sabina with Irish Ambassador Adrian O'Neill and wife Aisling (Image: Malcolm McNally)“And then we look to the future and we’re left with all of the challenges. We mustn’t delay the contribution of women in this fullest sense from any aspect or sphere of Irish life.”
On the centenary of women getting the vote in Britain, President Higgins revealed he and his wife would be paying tribute to the women of the suffragette movement.
He said: “It’s important to remember the courage that was there that was necessary, and also to celebrate the capacity that is there with all the talented and genius and creative women who we are celebrating today.
“And to be able then to look to the future and be totally transformative about making all the necessary changes to be made.”
The day saw the embassy host 12 different performances, talks and panel discussions, all compèred by renowned actress McLynn.
Actress Pauline McLynn and comedian Roisin Conaty (Image: Malcolm McNally)The event celebrated the enormous contribution and talent of women in such diverse fields as music, film, comedy, architecture, poetry, literature, fashion, art, theatre, craft, business and entrepreneurship, science and technology.
Other participants in the day’s events included award-winning TV actor, writer and producer Sharon Horgan, international fashion designer Orla Kiely, comedian Roisin Conaty, musician Keeva, playwright Marina Carr and architect Angela Brady.
Event Producer Alison McKenna, Barbara Stanley and President Higgins (Image: Malcolm McNally)