Four women who will celebrate International Women's Day as speakers at an event in Ludgate, Skibbereen share their inspiring stories.

Caragh Bell

The mother-of-five from Skibbereen teachers French and English at Sacred Heart Secondary School in Clonakilty. She has seven published books and leads creative writing workshops. She is currently completing a PhD in Education.

Caragh Bell

I am honoured to be part of this year’s #GiveToGain celebration for International Women’s Day at Ludgate in Skibbereen.
As a working mother of five who teaches and writes books, the idea of giving and gaining is part of my daily life. I see first-hand how encouragement shapes confidence, how opportunity unlocks potential, and how even small acts of support can change the direction of someone’s journey.
To me, #GiveToGain is about recognising that when we invest in one another, everyone benefits. In my classroom, through my writing, and in the wider community, I try to give back. Whether it’s supporting young people, showcasing the arts, or simply showing up and participating, I believe community is built through consistent, meaningful involvement.
International Women’s Day is not only a celebration of achievement, it is also a reminder of our shared responsibility.
#GiveToGain reminds us that empowerment does not happen in isolation. When women and girls are supported to participate fully, the entire community grows stronger. We gain creativity, resilience, leadership, and connection.
I look forward to being part of a conversation that encourages all of us to reflect on what we can give, so that we can gain and grow.

Maria Archer

Maria Archer's background is in advertising, product design and digital transformation, but together with Ahmet Dede, they turned a former customs house in Baltimore, where she has owned a holiday home for decades, into a two Michelin-starred restaurant. 

Ahmet Dede and Maria Archer.

As I look at awards, I still see few women being recognised, equal playing field in sports, glass ceilings in business, not enough representation in politics. In hospitality women make up 54% of the industry in Ireland, but only 30% are in leadership roles. Yet 69% of students who graduate with a hospitality degree are female.
When I look back on my journey, the greatest advice I can give is to listen, encourage, share your knowledge and expertise, be respectful and empathetic, give introductions and recommendations.
In West Cork, we have many wonderful examples of female leaders such as Ruth Field of Field’s Supervalu, Sally Barnes of Woodcock Smokery, Édaín O’Donnell of West Cork film studios, Elaine Fleming of the Chestnut one-star Michelin restaurant, Regina Daly of The Church restaurant, Marian and Deirdre Bushe of Bushe's Bar, Caroline O’Leary Levis pub, Carol Barrett of Dunmore House Hotel, Kela Hodgins of Dunowen House, Didi Ronan of Native Cabins, Aoife O’Mahony, jewellery design, and Cliodhna and Sandrine McCarthy of the Riverside Cafe.
These women make me realise how lucky I am to be surrounded by the best of the best.
In my business we have just one female chef, Nell McCarthy, with Margot Wierzbowska as chef de rang, Mich McCarthy at back of house, Monica Gonzales horticulturist, Sarah Claridge gardener, Sandra McCarthy chef de rang, and Poppy Colligan as captain. To them, I would like to say: thank you for all you do!
Go get that mentor, do that course, give yourself room to grow and make mistakes at all stages, let your voice be heard by yourself and others. For me, the hardest lesson, the one I am still learning is to let yourself shine.

Mairéad O’Driscoll

Raised on her family farm in Tragumna, Mairéad has always been driven by sport, community and inclusion. Her journey has taken her from sports marketing in Boston to teaching PE in Abu Dhabi. Co-founder of Shooting Stars basketball camp in Skibbereen, she now works with Special Olympics Ireland.

Mairéad O’Driscoll

I was a student of Castletownshend National School and Mercy Heights Secondary School, where I was first introduced to sport at a higher and more competitive level. From an early age, sport became the tool I used to build confidence, resilience, and lifelong friendships. I recognise the immense contribution my coaches and mentors had on my life growing up, and the positive, long-term impact their encouragement and belief has had on my journey. That experience drives my desire to now do the same for those with more limited opportunities.
After many years living abroad and travelling, I returned home to West Cork with a renewed appreciation for the strength of local community. My work centres on creating access and opportunity in sport for people with intellectual disabilities.
I led the founding of the West Cork Warriors Special Olympics Club in Skibbereen Sports Centre and volunteer weekly as both coach and PRO. Catering for children aged 4–12 with an intellectual disability, the club provides a vital early introduction to sport and belonging.
I am deeply passionate about keeping girls in sport and equally passionate about encouraging people to step forward and volunteer within their own communities, recognising that clubs survive and thrive because of those willing to give their time.

Maria O’Donovan

Maria qualified as a solicitor in 2010 and opened her own firm in 2015. From starting out as a legal secretary and executive she has now grown her own practice, Maria O’Donovan & Co, expanding the team year on year.

Maria O'Donovan

In addition to my legal training, I am a certified mediator with a Diploma in Life & Leadership Coaching and a Certificate in NLP.
I am passionate about communication: how when it goes wrong, it can have unintended consequences, and when we get it right, it can change everything for the better.
My LIFT© method of Elevated Communication provides a blueprint of how to have a productive conversation with anyone. It is a simple, proven framework for calm, clear communication, where I teach you how to shift from emotional reactions to constructive dialogue, avoid the assumptions and misunderstandings that can fuel conflict, how to set respectful boundaries, stay focused and protect your peace of mind.
My group coaching program, Elevation, which is re-launching soon, helps people before, during and after separation to communicate more effectively, reducing conflict and, most importantly, resulting in a calmer, more peaceful environment for your children.
When I’m not working, I love to spend time travelling, reading, on the beach or enjoying good food and wine.