Westmeath women among speakers at upcoming European Parliament conference

Westmeath voices Orla Thornton, Anna McGann, Regina Bushell and Sarah Dillon are among those speakers lined up for a European Parliament conference in Mullingar this month.

The event aims to empower women, connect leaders across sectors, and help shape future policy.

Hosted by MEP Ciaran Mullooly, the 'Empowering Women: Connecting and Shaping Future Policy' event will be held on Friday, May 22, at the Mullingar Park Hotel from 10am to 2pm.

The MC for the event will be Orla Thornton, director of Marketing and Communications at TUS, Athlone, while the line-up of speakers includes Irish rugby international Anna McGann from Moydrum, Athlone businesswoman Regina Bushell of Grovelands Childcare, and Westmeath footballer Sarah Dillon.

Mr Mullooly said the conference aims to create a vibrant and inclusive platform where women can share insights, build meaningful connections, and motivate one another.

He added that a central focus of the event will be to encourage dialogue that contributes to shaping forward-looking policies that promote gender equality and empower women in all areas of society - networking and breakout sessions will be scheduled in to the day.

"This conference is about creating space for meaningful conversations, sharing experiences, and ensuring that women play a central role in shaping the policies that affect their lives and communities," said the Independent Ireland MEP, who is a member of the Renew Europe group.

The line-up of speakers also includes Anne Heraty, founder of the Cpl Group and former president of IBEC, Martina Earley, CEO of Roscommon Leader Partnership, Ashley McDonnell, founder of Ireland Fashion Week, Tara Farrell, CEO of Longford Women's Link, and Dr Martina Roche of NUI Maynooth.

From the sporting sector, speakers include Olympic boxer Gráinne Walsh from Tullamore.

Tickets are limited, and early booking is advised. To secure a place, email: bridmary.gordon@la.europarl.europa.eu.