Unstoppable: Women Driving Progress Celebrated at International Women’s Day Lunch
Macra, in partnership with the Agricultural Science Association (ASA), hosted its third annual International Women’s Day lunch, Unstoppable: Women Driving Progress, on Thursday, 5th March 2026 at Lyrath Estate, Co. Kilkenny. Proudly supported by FBD Insurance, the event brought together leaders and professionals from across agriculture and rural Ireland to celebrate the role of women in driving progress within the sector.
Held in recognition of International Women’s Day, the event combined networking, discussion and fundraising in support of Breast Cancer Ireland, with a raffle also taking place on the day. Over €8,000 was raised for the charity.
Una Dillon was the keynote speaker on the day. She reflected on her story of strength and resilience after being diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in 2019. She credited her odds-defying journey to three key tools in her toolbox: getting outdoors, whether gardening, going for a walk, or standing on the sidelines at a match, the unwavering support of organisations like Cois Nore and the Marie Keating Foundation, and the presence of an incredible network of friends and family who are always there for her. She highlighted the importance of events like today's, saying, “together, we are driving progress in the world of cancer treatment”. Una closed her address with a quote she strives to live by: “Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about learning to dance in the rain”.
Following a three-course lunch, guests heard from a panel chaired by Dr Brian Leonard, featuring Ciara Flavin, Katie O’Brien, and Beatrix Killeen.
Ciara Flavin outlined her journey from completing her Green Cert in Pallaskenry Agricultural College to becoming the first female graduate of a butchery apprenticeship in Dublin. Now managing her family’s business, she spoke about the importance of her support network and always having someone to turn to lend a hand or impart wisdom. She encouraged those gathered to “ask questions, put in the work, and you’ll be a valuable asset. Hard work travels fast.”
Beatrix Killeen shared insights into how she fell into farming with her now husband as she fell more in love with him, and being an intern on the farm as they converted from a beef and sheep farm to a dairy farm. She spoke of how her challenges have taught her resilience, saying, “Every challenge is a blessing, as you overcome them, you become stronger”.
Katie O’Brien, a UCD Veterinary Medicine graduate and Ruminant Nutritionist with Kerry Dairy Ireland, reflected on how being born with spina bifida and undergoing multiple surgeries meant she became resilient without even realising. She noted, “Resilience is learned. The more challenges you face and overcome, the more you feel you can face up to what comes down the line.” Katie left the audience with a piece of advice: “So often as women, we tend to wait to be asked to take a seat at the table. Don’t wait, pull up your own chair and sit down.”
Macra National President Josephine O’Neill also highlighted the impact and importance of events like today’s. Our speakers today highlighted the strength and resilience of women as they overcome obstacles which may seem unsurmountable but with a supportive community and the right mindset, women can achieve their ambitions. The event provided an opportunity to raise awareness of breast cancer. The generosity of the community on the day was outstanding, and as Úna Dillon highlighted today, these contributions will play an important role in supporting research and the development of new cancer treatments. The community spirit within the room created a wonderful atmosphere, while the Singing Chef ensured that spirits were high as we celebrated the wonderful women of the agri-food sector."
ASA President Dale Crammond said, "I'm delighted that the ASA partnered with Macra once again to host this lunch to mark International Women's Day. Great events cannot happen without great partners, so sincere thanks to FBD for sponsoring our lunch today".
Trish O’Halloran, Head of Sales East at FBD, said “FBD Insurance is proud to support and partner with Macra and the ASA for events like this that celebrate the contribution women are making across agriculture and rural Ireland. There was a fantastic energy in the room today, with people coming together to share experiences, make connections and support a very important cause in Breast Cancer Ireland.”
Macra and ASA thanked all who attended and acknowledged FBD Insurance for its continued support in helping to deliver this important annual event.