Wexford Camogie Star tells women to “Go at it” and chase their dreams.

Speaking at a local event organised to mark International Women’s Day, Una Sinnott said “Individually, we can all speak about success… because, we have all loved and shared hard times.”

Four key speakers addressed a crowd of 59 women and 1 man, at the Presentation Centre this morning to discuss the concept of “Success beyond wealth and power”.

Among them was Linda Doran, Director at Baker Tilly Hughes Blake, who told those in attendance that success for her, was being able to provide her family “with options”. Describing education as a “passport” in life, Linda said while her “CV isn’t a road map you’d show to a leaving cert student” what she learned along the way was vital.

Joanne Powell, a learning and development professional with QED, introduced the audience to “the wheel” which shows a breakdown of various aspects of life including “home life, family, health, fitness, money, significant other, etc” She urged women to “take time out, to examine your wheel” and “follow your gut”.

Irene Walker of Soroptimist International Wexford Branch, is originally from the Netherlands, and shared stories of her life working in foreign affairs from Jamaica to London and everywhere in between. She denied ever facing any cultural barriers during her time in public service, but said one the biggest challenges in her role was that “people don’t choose not to tell the truth, yet they tell it as the see it.” In later life, Irene set up her own business in Wexford, harnessing her passion for antiques and is now travelling the world with Soroptimist International.

The final speaker, was the youngest panellist, UCD Food and Agriculture student, Una Sinnott, who spoke freely about grabbing opportunities in the ‘now’, and not waiting for the perfect time. Una says success is something that has to be felt from within. Quoting her leaving cert English teacher, Una says the best advice she’s ever received was “People may say things. Don’t take it personally.”

Today’s event was organised by Enniscorthy District Chamber, Soroptimist International Wexford, Wexford LEO and Wexford County Council, and was facilitated by TV3 News Reporter Zara King.

Chamber CEO Catriona Murphy says “I felt really proud of the talent and success we have beyond wealth and power within county Wexford. Our message today was about empowering all people, to empower women, and for each of us to have a day that matters.”