Mayo women's group marks 30 years of fun, friendship and empowerment
Pictured are both current and former members of the Knockmore Rathduff Women's Group with Fr. Michael Reilly PP as they celebrated the 30th anniversary of the group following a mass at Rathduff Church.
The Knockmore Rathduff Women’s Group recently celebrated its 30th anniversary, marking three decades of empowerment, friendship and fun.
The evening kicked off with a mass of thanksgiving in Rathduff Church concelebrated by Fr. Michael Reilly and Monsignor Sean Killeen with current and past members in attendance. The celebrations continued in The Lodge Cloghans, where the first meeting was held on the 25th January 1994. Members of the group were joined by Minister Dara Calleary, Cllr Seamus Weir, long-standing friend of the group Michelle Mulherin and Mairtín Ó Móráin, Community Education Facilitator at Mayo Sligo Leitrim Education and Training Board (MSLETB).
Each year, the group provides learning opportunities and social activities that help to address social isolation and help women of all generations from the parish to reach their full potential – all while having some fun.
The first meeting of the group took place when a group of women from the parish came together to create a social outlet for locals and those new to the area. Originally known as The Lodge Circle of Friends, the group aimed to create a network that gave women of all ages in this rural part of Mayo a voice and to be a force for good in the community.
The group are fortunate to still have four of the original founding members actively involved today. These include Ann Clarke, Josephine McNamara, Lynn McShane and Mary Nallon. The night was dedicated to honouring and celebrating their contribution over the years.
Former President Mary Robinson sent a note of congratulations to the group. She said: “It is a testament to all the wonderful work you are doing that you are still growing strong. It is as important now, as it was 30 years ago, that women in rural communities are given opportunities and a voice to contribute and be valued members of these communities.
“Women’s voices in society matter now more than ever as it is a proven fact that when women lead, action follows. Keep up the good work.”
Loretta Langan, Chairperson of the Knockmore Rathduff Women’s Group said: “We’re thrilled that after thirty years our group continues to go from strength to strength. We have grown to over 30 members who come together fortnightly in the Resource Centre in Knockmore to get us new insights into everything from health and wellbeing to computer technology. It would not be possible without all of the demonstrators, trainers and guest speakers who have joined us over the years.
“The 30th anniversary gave us the chance to recall all that we have achieved together, to catch up with past members, and to remember all deceased members. There are not many parishes or towns that can keep a group going for three decades and have women of all ages involved.”
The Knockmore Rathduff Women’s Group is always open to new members. For those interested in taking part, contact Loretta Langan at 087-7650092.
