Book celebrating women's contribution to local government in Cork city launched

A new book that celebrates twelve women who have made significant contributions to local government in Cork city was launched recently in Cork City Hall.

Leading the Way is written by Dr Aodh Quinlivan (senior lecturer, University College Cork), John Ger O’Riordan (retired local government official) and Anne Twomey (adult educator with the Cork Education and Training Board).

The twelve women profiled in the book who have made a significant impact on local government in Cork city include Anna Haslam, Susanne Rouviere Day, Mary MacSwiney, Anne Sutton, Jenny Dowdall, Chrissie Aherne, Deirdre Clune, Catherine Clancy, Mary Shields, Deirdre Forde, Ann Doherty and Valerie O’Sullivan.

Among those in attendance at the book launch was the Lord Mayor of Cork Fergal Dennehy, who stated that the twelve featured women in the book “broke new ground, challenged the status quo and laid the foundations for others to follow”. 

He added that Aodh Quinlivan’s record of publishing eleven books in nineteen years was an achievement that few could match.

Valerie O’Sullivan, Cork city council chief executive, added that it was an honour to be included in the book and also highlighted the importance of public service.

Rebecca Loughry, director of services – corporate, community and cultural affairs and Cork City Council, thanked Cork City Libraries for publishing Leading the Way and added that the book will shortly be distributed to schools across the city.

The current chair of the city council women’s caucus, councillor Ciara O’Connor, outlined the ongoing work of the caucus and stated that the group was delighted to be associated with the book.

The three authors also delivered short speeches, pointing out that in the 125 years from 1900 to 2025, there have only been six women who have served as lord mayor in Cork city.