SISTERS were doing it for themselves in Rathkeale on International Women’s Day when more than 300 people and ten organisations celebrated in style.
Organised by Rathkeale Together, a local cohesion project, schoolgirls led a procession 2km through the main street from The Square to the Rathkeale House Hotel, with many decked out in purple.
The event included delegations from Limerick Youth Services, Limerick Sports Partnership, Music Generation, North Star Resource Centre, ADAPT, St Anne’s Girls School, St Joseph’s Boys School, Church Street National School, Coláiste na Trócaire secondary school, and Rathkeale Together Women’s Group.
After the procession, participants enjoyed traditional Irish music performed by the students of Coláiste na Trócaire, inspirational songs from the school choir led by Ms Jean O’Brien, as well as refreshments at the hotel.
Guest speakers included Anne Marie Quilligan and Chloe Markham, with entertainment rounded out by Keegan from Music Generation.
“We want to acknowledge the great cooperation of all of the staff and principals of each school and extend a huge thank you to the Rathkeale Together Women’s Group,” said Denis Robinson, Rathkeale Together’s Community Development Officer.
“They contributed to making the day an inclusive and welcoming celebration of International Women’s Day.”
Rathkeale Together is a joint venture between the Rathkeale community, West Limerick Resources, the Methodist Church, Church of Ireland, and the Roman Catholic Church.
It facilitates reconciliation and justice within and between the Traveller and settled communities of Rathkeale with events, programmes, and other initiatives.
