Motorsport Ireland (MI) Women in Motorsport Commission hosted a hugely successful event in the Midlands Park Hotel in Portlaoise on Saturday 9th March to celebrate International Women’s day and Sport Ireland Women in Sport week.

The event was very well supported with 100 in attendance comprising of competitors and volunteers representing all disciplines in Irish Motorsport.

The event provided opportunity for women from all Motorsport disciplines to network, to encourage each other to believe in themselves, pursue their passions, and strive for excellence and it certainly delivered on this.

Motorsport Ireland President, Aiden Harper who is an avid supporter of Women in Motorsport opened proceedings and he confirmed Motorsport Ireland’s commitment to supporting this objective. Erika Murphy from Sport Ireland spoke about the challenges that women face in sport and how we can all work together to overcome them.

Over the evening various panel discussions comprising of inspirational competitors from all motorsport disciplines, volunteers and officials shared their experiences and gave great encouragement to all present. Rally Academy driver Aoife Raftery and Kathleen Kennedy gave a very interesting insight to the great work of the Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy.

Aoife, also as MI Women in Motorsport Commission member interviewed  the guests of the  Stars of Tomorrow  panel: Holly Dunnion (First ever female winner of an Irish Championship Circuit Racing Event) , Gemma Hallinan Junior 1000cc driver, Nicole O Leary Junior Autocross Driver  and Eimear Carey Karting who has competed nationally and Internationally. Our competitor panel of Ruthanne O Connor (Rally Navigator), Kelsey Kirby (Racing Driver) and Roisin Sweeney (Karting competitor) shared their lived experience of their involvement and achievements in  motorsport.

Finally a volunteer panel showcased the exceptional talent, expertise and commitment that is present within the volunteer community in Motorsport in Ireland.

Motorsport Ireland Women in Motorsport Commission (MIWMC) was set up in 2022 and it comprises of 13 women covering a wide variety of motorsport roles including competitors and volunteers.