Women In Leadership To Gather For Cross Border She Leads Event
Six Chambers of Commerce unite to host a cross border celebration of women in leadership
Women from across Northern Ireland and Ireland are being encouraged to save the date for a major new cross-border event, She Leads Women Shaping Economies, taking place on Friday, September 5 at The Fairways Hotel, Dundalk.
Organised by six Chambers of Commerce situated between Belfast and Dublin, each currently led by a female Chamber President, the afternoon tea event will showcase women in leadership, highlight their contribution to local and national economies and provide a platform for important conversations about leadership, resilience and growth.
The initiative represents a unique collaboration between Newry Chamber of Commerce and Trade, Dundalk Chamber, Drogheda and District Chamber, Lisburn Chamber of Commerce, County Meath Chamber and WBR Chamber of Commerce. All six Chambers are headed by women who have come together with a shared vision of creating opportunities for dialogue, connection and support.
The She Leads event has been designed as a space for women to connect across sectors, geographies and industries. It will feature panel discussions with a range of business leaders and decision-makers, together with networking opportunities over a formal afternoon tea.
Ruth Young, president of the Lisburn Chamber of Commerce said she was delighted to be taking part in the event and was looking forward to connecting with the other five chambers.
She added: “We’re delighted to be part of this groundbreaking cross-border initiative celebrating female leadership across our shared island.
“She Leads represents exactly the kind of collaboration and networking opportunity that can drive real change – connecting women across sectors and borders while supporting our local communities.
“I encourage women from all industries to join us in Dundalk for what promises to be an inspiring afternoon of meaningful conversation and connection.”
The event will begin with a prosecco reception at 1.30pm, providing an informal opportunity for participants to meet others from across the region and beyond. Guests will then take part in panel discussions featuring speakers drawn from politics, business and media. The discussions will provide insights into the realities of female leadership in today’s economic and social environment and will reflect a broad range of professional experiences.
The afternoon will conclude with a full networking tea, allowing participants to continue conversations, build relationships and form new connections that may extend far beyond the event itself.
She Leads has been created as a collaborative initiative between six Chambers of Commerce spanning both Northern Ireland and Ireland. The Chambers involved are Newry Chamber of Commerce and Trade (led by President Edwina Flynn), Dundalk Chamber (led by President Hanna McDonnell), Drogheda and District Chamber (led by President Naomi Tully), Lisburn Chamber of Commerce (led by President Ruth Young), County Meath Chamber (led by President Niamh Giffney) and WBR Chamber of Commerce (led by President Colleen Dowdall Tinnelly).
This cross-border approach aims to reflect the interconnected nature of the region’s economies while also celebrating the role of women in shaping future growth.
The event will be compered by Northern Ireland broadcaster Denise Watson, a well-known journalist and presenter with more than 30 years’ experience in television and radio.
Rather than delivering lengthy keynote speeches, each panellist will take part in conversations designed to highlight key themes such as resilience, breaking barriers in male dominated industries, leadership in public life and building creative enterprises. The full line-up of panellists will be announced in the coming weeks.
She Leads has been designed not only as a networking and professional development opportunity but also as a way to support women in the wider community. Proceeds from the event will be donated to local women’s charities, ensuring that the initiative has an immediate and tangible impact.
She Leads is supported by Local Enterprise Office Louth, PTSB, Oriel Office, Deli Lites, Southern Regional College (SRC), Newry Mourne and Down District Council and Excalibur Press.
Tickets for the event are available now via TicketTailor at https://www.tickettailor.com/events/dundalkchamberofcommerce1/1804447
Spaces are limited and early booking is advised to secure a place at this new event in the business and leadership calendar.
Mossley Mill will be transformed into a hive of activity featuring a bustling craft marketplace filled with unique stalls and artisan creations, friendly alpacas and free children’s entertainment. Watch traditional techniques come to life with demonstrations from the Ulster Guild of Spinners, Weavers and Dyers, as well as bobbin lace making.
Organised by Ards and North Down Borough Council, Aspects welcomes visitors from across Northern Ireland and beyond, celebrating Irish writing in all its forms.
From the multi-award-winning team that brought you West Side Story, Evita, and Legally Blonde, this laugh-out-loud musical comedy is bursting with energy, sass, and unforgettable songs. Based on the iconic movie, 9 to 5 follows three office workers who decide they’ve had enough of their sexist, egotistical boss—and hatch a plan to take control of their workplace and their lives.
Built in 1961 by General Motors in La Grange, Illinois, the 121 Class were the first American-built locomotives to operate in Ireland, transforming CIE’s fleet with their reliability and distinctive styling, looking more like Amtrak switchers (shunting locos) with their distinctive huge cab, with little to compare them to anywhere in Ireland or the UK. Withdrawn in the mid-2000s, most were scrapped, and for years many doubted 124 would ever run again. No. 124 had been placed in long-term storage at Moyasta, County Clare since 2008, only moving to Downpatrick in June 2025. After just two months of intensive restoration, it returned to service in time for the gala, making a surprise debut to an enthusiastic but unsuspecting crowd of visitors and photographers.
This exhibition reflects Davis’s evolving investigation into the complexities of the human experience, with works that examine how the body interacts with negative space to express emotional depth and shared vulnerability.
This autumn, step away from the everyday and into a world of grandeur, where charm and timeless elegance await at the Culloden Estate and Spa. Starting from £195 per room, on selected dates throughout September, October and November, enjoy 15% off bed and breakfast rates and a complimentary room upgrade to the next room category booked. Your stay includes a full Irish breakfast served in the Vespers Restaurant the following morning. Visit www.cullodenestateandspa.com/offers for more information.
Starting from £160 per room, sink into the season and embrace autumn in Belfast with a complimentary room upgrade, a freshly prepared full Irish breakfast, and an additional 15% off your overnight stay on select dates from September to November. Whether you’re yearning for a cosy retreat or a city escape, Grand Central Hotel’s fantastic location, exceptional service and breathtaking views of the changing cityscape provide the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable autumn getaway. Visit www.grandcentralhotelbelfast.com/offers/ for more information.