Irish Voices: An Evening of Exceptional Conversations
On September 11th, the Women’s Irish Network, in collaboration with the Women’s Prize for Fiction, hosted Irish Voices — a special evening with acclaimed authors Claire Kilroy, Lisa McInerney, and Kit de Waal, chaired by Dr Niamh Gallagher (University of Cambridge).
Despite heavy rain and a week-long tube strike, the event was a sell-out. As WIN Chair Yvonne Maher remarked in her opening welcome, “there is something very special about being in a room full of Irish women… you can feel that sense of energy, friendship and possibility.” That atmosphere filled the Bankside Hotel as Irish women from across London gathered to celebrate extraordinary words and stories.
We were also delighted to welcome Deirdre Fraser, wife of the Irish Ambassador to the UK, alongside Anna Rafferty, Chair of the Women’s Prize, and our partners at Baileys for this special evening.
The night opened with powerful readings: Lisa from The Glorious Heresies, Claire from Soldier Sailor, and Kit from The Best of Everything. From there, Dr Gallagher led a lively and thought-provoking discussion on identity, belonging, motherhood, class, and the power of storytelling. The conversation was both moving and inspiring, shining a light on the distinct voices shaping Irish literature today.
As Yvonne reflected, the partnership between WIN and the Women’s Prize was “a perfect fit.” Now in its 30th year, the Prize is the world’s leading celebration of female creativity — and Irish women have always been at the heart of that story, from tonight’s authors to Anne Enright, Emma Donoghue, and Maggie O’Farrell. Together, WIN and the Women’s Prize share a mission: to elevate women’s voices and, on this occasion, to champion Irish women writers.
The evening closed with an engaging audience Q&A, followed by plenty of time to connect, reflect, and continue the conversation over a glass of wine. A big thank-you to everyone who supported BookBar by buying books on the night — and a reminder to keep supporting your local independent booksellers!
What’s Next?
We are looking forward to Beo na Samhain (Winter Drinks) on 13 November at Prosecco House. From exceptional events with Angela Scanlon and Emma Dabiri to raising £8,000 for the Irish Youth Foundation, this has been a year of growth, connection, and collective strength.
Now it’s time to gather, toast, and celebrate the women who made it possible — you.
Book soon, and we’ll see you there!
