Irish writer, journalist and activist Nell McCafferty will be celebrated at the upcoming event An Evening With Nell. On Monday, November 18, her friends and admirers will gather in the Round Room of the Mansion House to celebrate her life, work, and lasting legacy.
This special evening will include songs, readings, and recordings of her media appearances throughout her lifetime. Described by her lifelong friend Eamonn McCann as “an instinctual socialist,” she will be remembered as an immensely talented writer, human rights campaigner, and committed feminist, who was a force that challenged the status quo.
The event, hosted by broadcaster Olivia O’Leary, will see a group of friends, fans, and peers come together to read from her exceptional body of work, which includes A Woman to Blame, In the Eyes of the Law, Peggy Deery, and Nell: An Autobiography. Her pioneering writings exposed the deep injustices in Ireland, particularly shining a light on class and gender discrimination. It is no exaggeration to say that Nell transformed the position of Irish women in the home, workplace, and society.
Among those participating are activists Eamonn McCann, Bernadette McAliskey, and Ailbhe Smyth, as well as writers and journalists Una Mullally, Evelyn Conlan, Muire McCallion (her niece), Martina Devlin, filmmakers Lelia Doolan and Margo Harkin, and poet Paula Meehan. Music will be performed by the renowned Mary Coughlan.
Brilliant, fearless and passionate, Nell McCafferty ignited the fire of rebellion in me and my generation of women. There was no one like Nell to stir us up to act against injustice and callousness.
We will miss you sorely Nell. pic.twitter.com/wATgpBsbie
— Ailbhe Smyth (@ailbhes) August 21, 2024
Marie Redmond, a lifelong friend of McCafferty’s and an organiser of the event, explained, “This is a public celebration of Nell. She was an extraordinary talent and activist, and in over 50 years of friendship, she taught me to always speak the truth. Nell changed the very fabric of Ireland and deserves to be honored.”
Nell McCafferty’s fearless voice and advocacy leave a profound legacy for generations to follow. You can book a free ticket for An Evening with Nell here.
© 2024 GCN (Gay Community News). All rights reserved.
Support GCN
GCN has been a vital, free-of-charge information service for Ireland’s LGBTQ+ community since 1988.
During this global COVID pandemic, we like many other organisations have been impacted greatly in the way we can do business and produce. This means a temporary pause to our print publication and live events and so now more than ever we need your help to continue providing this community resource digitally.
GCN is a registered charity with a not-for-profit business model and we need your support. If you value having an independent LGBTQ+ media in Ireland, you can help from as little as €1.99 per month. Support Ireland’s free, independent LGBTQ+ media.
comments. Please sign in to comment.