As International Women’s Day approached this year, JUDY HOPKINS found herself thinking about her mother, Mary Hopkins, who passed away in September. Here, she remembers her and reflects on the legacy she has left behind.

The beauty industry is flooded with products, no generation has ever had as much choice as to what we can put on our faces and skin, but if you ask me, three-quarters of what is on the market is not worth buying, says EMER O'CALLAGHAN. 

While women may tend to have better health than men, there are some issues that they should be particularly aware of, writes DR CATHERINE CONLON.

When I was growing up with a developmental disability of cerebral palsy, consultants would say that I might not be able to walk by 30 years of age or possibly even stand by 40, writes JULIE HELEN. 

A special event in City Hall last week put the spotlight on the wealth of community groups, services, and organisations supporting women in Cork. MARY CORCORAN went along and spoke with Lady Mayoress Karen Brennan about the inspiration behind the gathering.

Ahead of International Women’s Day, we asked women in Cork what the event really means to them. Here, we share some of these responses.

The special event is being hosted this week by Network Ireland Cork, the Local Enterprise Office Cork City and the Local Enterprise Officer South Cork. 

I am a very proud Cork lady, but to be honest, I am really leaning into loving my breaks away and out of Cork now as I get older, writes Emer O'Callaghan

At one point in her career, Cork artist Monica Jones thought she’d have to stop painting. Now, she’s launching a new studio space, not just for herself but to share with others looking to get away from the busyness of life, she tells EMMA CONNOLLY.

Cork woman Jade Flynn-Hurley first discovered mixed-gender wheelchair rugby 13 years ago, and today is the only female player on the national team. She tells EMMA CONNOLLY how finding rugby changed her life.

The theme of this year’s event is #GiveToGain, with organisers calling on participants to help forge gender equality through abundant giving.

Christine Duff says she is continually inspired in life by people like carers, SNAs and moms, and says it’s important that ordinary women are recognised. She chats to EMMA CONNOLLY about celebrating women, manifesting, and finding love.

I cannot imagine the worry if we couldn’t afford to be warm enough, so I want to get behind anyone who endures more pain than necessary or has to run medical equipment or choose more expensive convenience foods to be able to manage independently, writes JULIE HELEN. 

A UCC graduate is on a mission to transform a long vacant former hotel off the coast of Ireland into a cultural centre celebrating Irish language, arts, and heritage. EMMA CONNOLLY finds out more about the ambitious project.

Lynda Di Blasi, Image Consultant, tells us about her career journey and the free online course she will be delivering as part of Local Enterprise Week. 

When Cork-based technology expert Shama Chilakwad had difficulty sketching designs for her artwork, she decided to use her skills to find a solution. Now, Shama has launched the Easel Club where, with the help of a robotic arm, she turns people’s photos into sketches. EMER HARRINGTON finds out more.

Could embracing the ‘admin night’ TikTok trend help you stay on top of your finances? PRUDENCE WADE chats to personal finance expert, Laura Suter about the potential benefits.

If you are a parent, there are all manner of things likely to add to your concerns for your children, but how worried should you be about AI? ELLA WALKER asks the experts.

Lowry O’Mahony, Chartered Physiotherapist and business owner tells us about her career journey in WoW. 

I feel I should settle into the deliberate decision to be at home and do the things that make our home the lovely environment it is, writes JULIE HELEN. 

A snowy Irish landscape became the backdrop for a special photoshoot last month by a Cork-based photographer and model to capture designs by Alice Halliday. AISLING MEATH finds out more about the project.

Cork violinist and artistic director of the Ortús Chamber Music Festival, Mairead Hickey chats to COLETTE SHERIDAN about the realities of her working life, and why the festival is so special to her.

This is the week of love - it’s Valentine’s Day this Saturday, and I always loved it for its feelgood factor, but also because it just brings the bit of mischief out in me too, writes EMER O'CALLAGHAN. 

When Edel Marples began to feel more isolated in her personal life, she decided to set up a walking group for like-minded women. She tells MARGARET DONNELLAN how the group flourished and has given women in Cork a new space to meet and make friends.

Designed to support women in “stepping into their power and confidently communicating their message”, the event will explore how to build presence, visibility, and influence in both professional and personal settings.

With Valentine’s Day approaching, relationship expert Carmel Wynne chats to COLETTE SHERIDAN about the importance of couples working on their relationship throughout their lives and not just at the start.

Carrigaline woman Aisling Claffey Healion has taken up the role of Chief Commissioner with the Irish Girl Guides. She tells CHRIS DUNNE how joining the guides as a shy child gave her a sense of belonging and helped shape her to be the person she is today.

Cork racing broadcaster and former jockey, Jane Mangan had a full circle moment when she became part of Royal Ascot broadcasting history last year. She told attendees at The Echo Women in Sport awards that she never even imagined that ‘the girl from Conna’ would get the chance to have such an opportunity. 

Flicky Howe, Farmer Florist, tells us about her career journey. 

Julie Helen and her family will appear in an episode of Ear to the Ground this week as Julie's mum, Katherine, shares her story of her experience of cancer. 

Terri O’Callaghan, Professional Organiser at Decluttered by Terri tells WoW about her career. 

While many may not visibly see the dirt, trust me, we skin experts have studied it under magnifying lamps and in labs.

Cork’s Emily Hayes is on a mission to help mums find their spark and feel like themselves again. She chats to CHRIS DUNNE about creating her new online business, which is connecting women around the world.

Cork doctor, Niamh Lynch found herself sharing advice on social media at the beginning of the pandemic and quickly garnered a huge following. She chats to EMER HARRINGTON about why she feels a duty to maintain an online presence, and publishing her first book.

Theatre director Julie Kelleher is back in her native Cork where she is directing Infinity as part of the events to mark the 50th anniversary of Cork Arts Theatre. She chats to COLETTE SHERIDAN about why the play resonated with her, working with an all female creative team, and what it is like to be back freelancing.

Cork woman Ali Honour is on a mission to change how we think about beans. She’s just published a new pulse-powered cookbook, Bean, filled with recipes you might not expect. Ali chats to KATE RYAN about the book and removing the stigma behind bean consumption.

Plus, Network Ireland names President and Vice President for 2026. 

Looking to add some more exercises to your routine, without needing to buy any gym equipment? Tara Reilly shares five short-burst exercises you can weave into your routine, with CAMILLA FOSTER.

The event aims to bring women from across Cork together, and promises to be a vibrant celebration of women’s voices, achievements, and support networks across the city.

As women, we do so much for so many every day - chief cook and bottle washer - but where do we put our own self-care and time for us, asks EMER O'CALLAGHAN. 

JULIE HELEN reflects on her son Ricky's stage debut. 

Thousands of students from around the country are set to descend on the RDS next week for I Wish. EMMA CONNOLLY spoke with I Wish co-founders Gillian Keating and Caroline O’Driscoll about the event and their advice to teens considering a career in STEM. She also heard from two I Wish alumni from Cork about how the event impacted their career choices.

Julianne Sullivan, Audit Partner at Xeinadin tells us about her career. 

Cork’s Elaine Kelly will be among the shining stars from the music world descending on Los Angeles this weekend for the 2026 Grammys. She chats to COLETTE SHERIDAN about the glamour of the awards and the joy of being nominated. 

Sonya Keogh gained recognition internationally for her work with ARTlifeCULTURE and at one point was doing nine Japanese tours a year. However, behind the scenes she was facing challenges. The Cork woman had to ‘relearn everything’ after major surgery for a brain aneurysm. Sonya chats to LINDA KENNY about how the experience changed her life, and opening up to find love again.

Climate change will be key on the agenda at a special event in Cork this weekend featuring female podcasters. COLETTE SHERIDAN chats to Shirley Gallagher and Conach Gibson-Feinblum ahead of the event to find out about their fascinating work in this area.

Continuing our WoW Reset series, DR CATHERINE CONLON takes a look at 6 simple steps we can embrace to help live a healthy life.

Davina Murphy, Accommodation Manager at the Cork International Hotel, first started working in hospitality more than 20 years ago and has been in her current role for just over seven years. 

At the end of the day, it’s a personal choice what exercise you enjoy, it is entirely up to you, but exercise should be part of your daily life, says EMER O'CALLAGHAN. 

Cork cousins Dr Mary O’Riordan and Lisa O’Riordan came together during the pandemic to create PPE from thistles. The endeavour proved a success and now, they are looking at expanding their business further. DEIRDRE McARDLE finds out more.

Julie and her son Ricky have been enjoying the outdoors in recent weeks, thanks to a simple new addition. 

The new network brings together the combined memberships of the organisations.

MARGARET DONNELLAN chats to women in Cork about their postpartum recovery and hears from experts about taking the time to reset and look after yourself after having a baby.

Cork Deaf Association Advocacy Officer, Susan O’Callaghan, has been recognised for her contribution to the deaf community over the past 25 years. She tells EMER HARRINGTON that while a lot has been achieved in that time, there is still more to do.

It’s a brilliant time to reset and detox mind, body and soul, and most importantly, to be grateful to be alive to see another year, writes EMER O'CALLAGHAN. 

Two Cork changemakers are among 21 people taking part in a bootcamp for activists this week. COLETTE SHERIDAN finds out more.

JULIE HELEN said she typed all the information she knows about her cerebral palsy into an AI app...here's what she learned 

Cork wellness coach and nutritionist, Lorna O’Regan, says older adults can be forgotten when it comes to wellness events. She chats to EMMA CONNOLLY about her hopes to change this and shares some simple advice for over 60s.

Nicola Flynn, TV Researcher with Today on how she got her first break in TV and her advice to people looking to get into the industry. 

Cork woman Pamela Deasy celebrated being five years free from cancer by embarking on a 771km long Camino journey. She tells CHRIS DUNNE about the 38 day challenge and why it was so important to her.

The first meeting of the year of the Network Ireland Cork branch took place last week and the Network Ireland West Cork branch will meet on Thursday. 

Silence is something which many of us don’t experience as much these days, but are there benefits in including quiet time in your day? DR CATHERINE CONLON looks at the latest research.

LARA OWEN chats to celebrity stylist Ellis Ranson about the biggest style shifts predicted for the new year.

I love a new year, I feel very grateful to be alive and well, and lucky enough to be experiencing 2026, writes EMER O'CALLAGHAN. 

LARA OWEN chats to Parisian luxury stylist, Elsa Boutaric about how to reset your wardrobe and find your signature style in 2026.

Looking to try something new for January? Choreographer and teacher Inma Pavon will host a series of drawing and wellbeing classes in Cork. She chats to EMER HARRINGTON about what’s involved.

It is reasonable to worry about the people we have to guide in the world and to worry about serious illness when it is at our door. The rest is just small stuff, says JULIE HELEN. 

In this month’s WOW Bites!, KATE RYAN chats to Sofia Kalfa from Fzin Coffee about her pivot into the industry and her ambition to change how we use coffee pods.

As part of our WoW Reset!, EMER HARRINGTON chats to Cork sisters Edel and Lauren Marples about the benefits of vision boarding and simple ways to make your very own. 

Dr Farah Ibrahim, Executive Consultant Ophthalmologist tells us about her career. 

CAMILLA FOSTER spoke with Danish cook, author and founder of the ScandiKitchen Brontë Aurell who shared some tips on how to approach the colder months the Scandinavian way. 

We had a lot of popular trends in beauty last year, here is a reminder of what was on trend and big news in the world of beauty in 2025.

LARA OWEN chats to beauty experts about some of the trends to consider for 2026 including ditching the LED mask, decluttering your beauty stash and using retinoids correctly.

When the opportunity arose to apply to be a retained firefighter, Sabine Menz jumped at the opportunity. She tells LINDA KENNY why the role was so appealing and chats about the intense training involved to allow her to join the ranks of her local fire service.

JULIE HELEN looks back on the year and reflects on 22 years of writing her column in The Echo. 

Bethany Baker, Costume Supervisor, tells us about her career and chats about the work behind the scenes at the Cork Opera House panto. 

SAM-WYLIE HARRIS chats to Queen of Clean, Lynsey Crombie, about simple ways to restore order after Christmas.

KATE RYAN asks mixologists at the Market Lane restaurants in Cork to share their favourite cocktail recipes, while their chefs have tips on the best accompaniments.

Whether you are going out or staying in, LARA OWEN has the lowdown on what to wear for New Year’s Eve.

Liza Fitzgerald, Assistant Director of Nursing at Horizons Cork tells us about her career. 

LARA OWEN shares her picks on the top red carpet looks over the past year.

CAMILLA FOSTER chats to the experts about alcohol tolerance during menopause and shares their advice on simple ways to manage these changes.

Four Cork women tell EMMA CONNOLLY about their Christmas traditions and how they plan to spend December 25.

I have managed to drag a turkey to my Christmas table most years, but I won’t be doing it this December 25, writes FIONA SMITH.

Holly Cairns is looking forward to celebrating Christmas in West Cork with her family. She chats to EMMA CONNOLLY about juggling motherhood and politics.

I never tell him not to say how he feels because cerebral palsy will always have a significant impact on his life as well as mine, says JULIE HELEN. 

I’ve been through a recession, a pandemic and a cost of living crisis now and I’m still trucking on, says EMER O'CALLAGHAN. 

A new book aims to shine a light on 12 inspirational women who have made a significant contribution to local government in Cork city. Co-author Dr Aodh Quinlivan tells EMMA CONNOLLY the authors hope the new title will impact and resonate with secondary school girls in the city.

Rebecca Doody, Social Media Manager and Content Creator, says while she didn't study marketing or media, she has always been fascinated by storytelling. In 2024, she decided to set up her own company

This simple tidying trend could help bring calm to your home before Christmas, writes CAMILLA FOSTER.

CHRIS DUNNE pays a visit to Jessica Cunningham who has built a loyal following on Insta charting the transformation of her home in East Cork. Jessica chats about bringing her vision to life and shares some styling advice.

June Feeney was just 28, and was pregnant with her daughter, when she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2009. She tells DEIRDRE MCARDLE how her experience prompted her to set up a charity to support other women affected by ovarian cancer.

Wondering what to get the foodie in your life this Christmas? KATE RYAN shares her top cookbook picks for 2025. She also has some delicious recipes from a selection of the books so you can try before you buy.

No-one wants to be landing into the work Christmas party or the family dinner like Lapsy Pa, so this week I want to give my top tips for sparkling all Christmas and making the time for you to prioritise you too, says EMER O'CALLAGHAN. 

From frosted chromes to velvet finishes – LARA OWEN has details on the trending manicures to try this Christmas.