A Heartfelt Goodbye to Our Founding Board Member, Avril MacRory

It is with profound sadness and immense gratitude that we at the Women's Irish Network say goodbye to our founding board member, Avril MacRory, who passed away peacefully on the morning of July 14th in London.

From 1996 to 2016, Avril dedicated two decades of her life to WIN, helping shape our network from its very beginnings. As one of our original board members, she played a pivotal role in setting the strategic goals that have guided us ever since. Her unwavering dedication saw her sourcing many of the prestigious speakers who graced our events, and she was a key voice in planning and execution. Avril also laid the groundwork for our social media presence—a legacy that continues to thrive today.

Beyond WIN, Avril was a brilliant and trailblazing producer in the television industry. Her career began at RTÉ, where she worked on beloved programmes like Glenroe and Celtic Woman, before moving to Channel 4 and later becoming Head of Music Programmes at the BBC. She famously ran the BBC’s Millennium coverage and co-executive produced the Global Broadcaster Consortium. Her work on acclaimed shows like Secret Diary of a Call Girl, starring Billie Piper, showcased her creative range and vision.

Avril’s impact was deeply felt by all who worked alongside her. Lady Mary Hatch recalled Avril’s tremendous talent and commercial acumen, her charisma, and her tireless energy as a founding committee member—helping to raise funds for disadvantaged young Irish people. Maire Brankin fondly remembered Avril’s energy, ambition, and ability to engage and inspire, right until the very end.

Fiona Calnan described Avril as “always a legend to us in the WIN team,” recalling her booming laugh, twinkling eye, and the raucous, laughter-filled evenings they shared—always with Avril at the heart of it all. Norah Casey called her “a remarkable woman—a brilliant force of nature” whose career was studded with landmark achievements, but who was also deeply kind, devoted, and had an infectious humour that lit up every gathering.

Throughout her illness, Avril bore everything with great good humour and stoicism. As Maire shared, she was surrounded by love until the end, with her devoted husband Val and her son Sam constantly by her side. Her legacy is not just the professional successes, but also the friendships, joy, and inspiration she brought into so many lives.

We extend our deepest sympathies to Val, Sam, Avril’s brother Simon, and all her family, friends, and colleagues.

Funeral details

A funeral service to celebrate Avril’s life will take place on Wednesday 7th August at 12.30pm at:
Putney Vale Crematorium, Stag Lane, London SW15 3DZ. 

All who knew Avril are warmly welcome to join in remembering her.

Watch here 

May she rest in peace.