More than a century after the day was first celebrated (1909), 170 people gathered in St Mary and Patrick’s Church for an evening of music and musings from inspirational women, organised by the Avoca Parish Focus Group, with proceeds going towards the restoration of the church.
Among the amazing speakers was local artist Pauline Merry, who displayed three of her works from her series of fifteen meditations on the power of creativity and meaningful change.
Horticulturalist Debbie Bailey showed fascinating photos of her plant-hunting expeditions in inaccessible areas of the Himalayas and then told the story of the birth of the Wicklow Hospice gardens, where she is the chief gardener.
Debbie leads a team of around thirty volunteers who spend two days a month working in the gardens with the simple aim of creating a place of peace, calm and beauty for the residents and their families and friends.
“From three and a half acres of mud, muck and builders’ rubble, we created 15 individual gardens as well as a wildflower meadow, an orchard and a courtyard,” Debbie said.
Local Councillor Miriam Murphy told of her struggles to be a voice for ordinary people as she tries to make the town of Arklow a better place for anyone with a disability.
Sage Advocacy’s Bibiana Savin caught the mood of the evening when she explained the work she is doing for older and vulnerable people, including those in nursing homes.
She spoke at length about the respect due to every human being, including respecting their wishes despite their possible medical circumstances, and later told the story of a very unhappy older woman forced to wear trousers in a nursing home, where she had always dressed in a skirt.
Bibiana detailed far more serious violations, including wills, control of money and occupying someone’s home against their will. She said Sage Advocacy is happy to investigate all of these cases free of charge.
The event also featured Barbara Scully, author of ‘Wise Up’, a guide for older women, as well as Rathdrum Agony Aunt Tina Koumarianos, who brought the house down with her own tales of woe and the advice she doles out in her radio slots.
Members of Avoca ICA and ‘The Tuesday Night Ladies’, a group of local quilters, displayed a dazzling array of their work around the church.
Throughout the evening, a wonderful selection of music was provided by Mary Graham and Neasa Kenny. Host for the evening, Marian Kavanagh from Avoca, said she was delighted with the variety of insights into the lives of ordinary women, the shared sadness and joy and the realisation of the “sisterhood where we can all support one another”.
“The church was decorated with swags of cedar and boughs of pine to celebrate the Lenten season, and there were daffodils too as a reminder of Spring and renewed hope,” an organiser said.
“The proceeds of the event will go towards the restoration work on the church, a listed building which is badly in need of repair, including rewiring.
“The heating of the building is a major issue with Parish priest, Fr Michael Murphy, stashing mini hand warmers in his pockets to say Mass on the colder days!”
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