After capturing the attention of the Horse-Racing world at Cheltenham 2021 with her Champion Hurdle win aboard ‘Honeysuckle‘ and ending the week as top rider, Rachel Blackmore today has made history as the first female rider to win the world’s most famous race, the Aintree Grand National on ‘Minella Times‘, for Waterford trainer Henry De Bromhead and owner J.P. McManus.
Ms Blackmore, the daughter of Charles and Eimir Blackmore, of Killenaule, Co. Tipperary, kept her mount out of trouble throughout the race and struck the front after the 29th and 2nd last fence. A fantastic jump at the last propelled ‘Minella Times‘ into a few lengths lead over ‘Balko de Flos‘, and Rachel never relinquished her lead despite the long run in from the famous Elbow at Aintree.
This is a famous achievement for Ms Blackmore, being the first female to win the Grand National. She has shown what hard work and dedication to her craft can do, and it is a proud day for Co. Tipperary, as her Star shone brightest on the biggest stage of all on Grand National day.
She has shown that when given the opportunities, this Tipperary lady is as fine a jockey as ever produced from within these shores, male or female.
Mná Month, is held in Cashel Library every year during the month of March. The entire month morphs into one long celebration of women and it is done creatively.
International Women’s Day falls on March 8th and Mother’s Day traditionally falls towards the end of March, making this month the ideal time to make this event happen.
In a joint collaboration between Creative Ireland and Tipperary County Council Library Service, patrons are invited to celebrate women by tapping into their creativity.
The year 2025 marks the fifth year of this month-long celebration of women, with the library formerly hosting big names like Rachel Blackmore, Una Healy, Bibi Baskin, Rosemary Smyth and many more. The library will host a wonderful programme of FREE events that celebrate the achievements of women.
Annual Mná Month in Cashel Library, Co. Tipperary.
“This year the library service particularly welcomes non-nationals, the LGBTQ+ community, the active aged and adults who live with Dementia and Neurodivergence” says Ms Maura Barrett, (Branch Librarian and co-ordinator); adding “The library service is for everyone and it is important that we spread our reach as far as is possible.”
Saturday March 1st, Mná Month begins with a concert by the Wood of O, with doors open at 7.30pm. Comprising of singer-songwriter MsBreege Phelan and Songwriter/Composer MrWill McLellan, who have been mesmerising audiences for nearly a decade now, with their own unique original material and classic folk songs.
On Monday March 3rd, beginning at 11:00am the Cashel library will host ‘Write Minds Poetry Workshop’ facilitated by Ms Eileen Acheson & MsJenny Cox. This Poetry & Wellness is targeted at beginner and early-stage writers and is a fun and safe space, where writers are encouraged to put pen to paper using creative prompts, and wellness techniques.
On Monday March 3rd, and Monday March 10th beginning at 2:00pm Cashel library hosts English Conversation for new arrivals with experienced Failte Isteach tutors. These are fun filled and structured English conversations for beginners, intermediate and advanced learners of English.
On Tuesday 4th, Wednesday 5th & Thursday 6th of March, beginning at 2:00pm, Cashel library hosts a ‘Mnásome Quiz’, for the Active Aged, facilitated by librarian Ms Claire Grant. This promises to be both competitive and great craic with prizes for the winning team. Also, on Tuesday March 4th, beginning at 6:00pm, there is an Art Exhibition Launch with well-known and local artist Ms Joan O’Brien, who paints the female essence and her emotions. Her work embodies the mystical, spiritual and ethereal side of nature. Joan utilises mixed media like glass, paint and inks in her art works. This exhibition continues for the month.
On Saturday March 8th, beginning at 11:00am, there will be ‘Circle Dancing’ on International Women’s Day with Ms Tracey Tobin. Circle Dance is a gentle healing way to bring body, mind & spirit together. This workshop helps to relieve daily stress and release creative energy. It is the place where you can let your mind learn from your body. “I’ve always been struck by the quiet and unsummed female attribute of women’s creativity”, states Ms Maura Barrett(co-ordinator), “It is something that often goes undeclared but does so much to enrich the lives of others. This gift of creativity, drawn from the heart and mind is freely given, and translates into many things. It all requires vision, imagination, organisation, problem solving and orchestrating which is a creative skillset, even if many women don’t recognise it as such.”
Other events will include Comhrá as gaeilge; Hidden History(in collaboration with the County Museum); Genealogy; Making Birdboxes(with Elke Wilson); Jewellery Making(with GG Designs); Celtic Ceol & Craic(with Ms Patrice Davern); Candle Painting and Print Making(with Ms Lisa Manton); Women’s Health(with Ms Sabine Eggars); Crystal Healing(with Eileen Heneghan); Shamanic Drumming(with the O’Riains); Mnásome Karoke; Ceili Dancing; Queer Stories; Author Interviews and a Movie Night.
Note: Do please make sure to book your place early if you see an event you like, because seating accomodation will get booked very quickly as the month progresses! Booking Please to Tel: 062 63825
You canlocate the Cashel Library building, situated on Friar Street, Lady’s Well, Cashel, Co. Tipperary, HERE. (G487+RX).
Pictured from left to right: Eileen Bourke, Ellen Carey, Cllr Sean Ryan, Liam McGuire, Joan Brennan, Catherine Fogarty (accepting cheque on behalf of Irish Heart Foundation), Mary Jo Fanning, TP Sheehan, Pat Brennan, Kathleen McGuire and the two young men at the front are Bill Hackett and Peter Melbourne.
This story is about more than a raffle and a generous donation however.
Patron, Mr Liam McGuire collapsed in Brennan’s Bar, situated on Liberty Square, Thurles, shortly after he had entered the premises in June of 2019.
Bill Hackett and Peter Melbourne(pictured above) had just completed training in how to use a defibrillator and they jumped into action using the defibrillator, obtained from The Arch Bar next door.
Michael Fogarty, well know Thurles artist was also on the scene and did trojan work to assist.
Joan Brennan, a retired nurse kept everyone calm as aid was rendered and an ambulance was able to take Mr Liam McGuire to hospital.
Liam has since made a full recovery and is delighted to be able to contribute €1,020 to the work of the Irish Heart Foundation.
The signed photo of Rachel Blackmore, (Credit Healy Racing), was arranged by Mark Troy. The photo was raffled over the Christmas festival, to raise funds for the Irish Heart Foundation and the lucky winner was Willie Ryan, Clonakenny, Roscrea, Co. Tipperary.
Possible one of the largest gathering of successful women, ever to be ’rounded up’ in one place, will be the honoured guests at Cashel Library, Cashel, Co. Tipperary, during the month of March 2020.
Ms Maura Barrett Comhairle Contae Thiobraid Árann (Tipperary County Council) reports:-
Cashel Library has designated March 2020 as “Mná Month“.
“During the month of March 2020, we will host an exciting series of free events, celebrating all aspects of the lives of Irish women, across the spectrum of the ‘Dewey Decimal System’.
This celebration which is entitled “Dewey Eyed Women” aims to be, dare we use the title ‘truly Mnásome’.
Monday 2nd March @2:00pm – ‘Daughters of Dun Iascaigh’.
‘Daughters of Dun Iascaigh’ was the Tipperary Book of the Year in 2018. It shines a light on the history of the women of Cahir, Co. Tipperary. Edited by four women Josephine O’Neill, Karol Defalco, Mary Caulfield and Breeda Ryan who will share their journey into these unique histories and how they broke into the world of publishing.
Wednesday 4th March @7:00pm – ‘An evening with former RTÉ’s legendary redhead presenter, writer and journalist, Ms Bibi Baskin’.
Ms Baskin will give a motivational talk on how you can bring positive change into your life and make your dreams, big and small, come true. Illustrated by her own story; detailing her prestigious ‘TV Presenter’ role, working with the BBC and ITV and onwards to India. It will include a Questions and Answers session and an opportunity to purchase a copy of her current bool ‘Bibi’s Wellness Wisdom’.
Monday March 9th @11:00am ‘Marie Gleeson – Former Irish Navy Ships Captain’.
Ms Gleeson was one of the first female officers in the Irish navy and this gives her a unique insight into the reality of leading in a man’s world. Marie Gleeson honed her leadership style over the course of a twenty-year military career, operating primarily in the harsh and hostile Atlantic Ocean. Her journey from naval cadet to Captain of the LE AOIFE has given her unique insight into people and how to maximise performance even in the most challenging of circumstances. Note: Limited spaces.
Ms Burke becomes the chosen chief of The Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids in June 2020. She is a psychologist with a deep love of the ancient Irish tales and a passion for storytelling. She brings old tales to new audiences, and while remaining faithful to the stories – often examines them from new perspectives, so that listeners experience them as fresh and relevant.
Friday 13th March @ 11:00am ‘Sr. Patricia Wall – The Flying Nun’.
Sr. Patricia Wall has dedicated her life to volunteering and community work since 1996. In 2013 she took to the airways appearing on The Late Late Show and the skies as The Flying Nun raising over 40k for charity. Committed to education, training and up-skilling as a way out of poverty and disadvantage Sr. Patricia works tirelessly to make our community a great place to live, work and play. An octogenarian who has served over 60 years as a nun; Sr. Patricia Wall has many a tale to share.
Saturday 14th March @11:00am ‘Samantha Lambert –Tipperary All- Ireland Ladies Football Captain.
Samantha is a leader, a captain, a class player and a role model for all women in sport. She will share her experience on the field of play and what it feels like to be a woman lifting the winning cup in Croke Park. The Mary Quinn Memorial Cup will also be in residence.
Saturday 14th March @ 2:00pm ‘Dr. Lucia Gannon – All in a Doctor’s Day: Memoirs of an Irish Country Practice.
The local doctor occupies a privileged position in society. Pillars of the community and privy to the most intimate details of people’s lives, we often imbue them with superhuman qualities and expect them to have all the answers. Step into the surgery of Dr. Lucia Gannon. Journey with her as she builds a life in this tight-knit community, and discover what it means to be the one person to bring their problems to.
Thursday 19th March @ 2:00pm ‘Éanna Ní Lamhna Goes Wild’.
Ms Ní Lamhna has been a freelance wildlife consultant since 1988, working with children and adults alike, she has also been a member of the panel on the RTE’s ‘Mooney Goes Wild’ programme since 1994. She discusses nature and the environment. Note: Limited Places
Monday 23rd March @ 2:00pm Ms Rosemary Smith – Rally Driver ‘A good car and a good road do not a good driver make.’
Ms Smith has been a rally driver since 1961, and holds the distinction of being the oldest person ever to drive a Formula 1 car, reaching speeds of over 160km per hour. Ms Smith is ‘sharp as a tack’ in her 83rd year, still competing in rallies, as well as giving lessons in the driving school she founded some 20 years ago. Ms Smith has a unique insight into a ‘male dominated world’ with many side splittingly, funny anecdotes.
Tuesday 24th March @ 7:00pm ‘Rachel Blackmore – Jockey – Blazing a trail…’.
Ms Blackmore is a superstar; this is the woman who likes winning with over 90 wins chalked up, including wins at Cheltenham. Considered a mould breaker in racing circles, she joins us to share her many insights.
Wednesday March 25th @11:00am – Dr. Elzaan Marnane – Breaking out of your chains’.
Dr. Elzaan delivers a one day workshop, exploring why women limit themselves and explores option on how to step through doors of opportunity and break out of the chains. Note: Limited places.
Thursday 26th March @ 11:00am ‘Deise Medieval – Celebrating Viking Women a Living History’.
In Viking society women held a high status and equality. Come and experience this living history event, see how the Viking women lived.
Friday 27th March @ 7:00pm Breege Phelan and the ‘Wood of O’.
Preceded by world food tasting with nibbles, supplied by Pat Glavin.
Ms Breege Phelan and Mr Will McLellan are sublime singer / song-writers who perform original, innovative material under the name, ‘The Wood of O’ with a ‘Mnásome’ flair.
Saturday 28th March @ 11:00am – Dr. Louise Nugent – Encountering the Sacred.
The Archaeology and Heritage of Pilgrimage, explores a wide range of pilgrimage topics from prehistory to the present day and have an Irish and Cashel focus, with particular emphasis on the role of women and the freedoms gleaned in pilgrimage.
Monday 30th @ 11:00am – Ena Howell – Regional President of the ICA Journeys to the University of Life.
The Irish Countrywomen’s Association brings together both rural and urban women and their communities in fellowship and through co-operative effort. The ICA is the largest women’s association in Ireland, with almost 10,000 members and over 500 Guilds across the Country. They cook, travel, craft and socialise! Ms Howell shares her wisdom from the University of Life.”
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