The Story of
Mná Ag Gáire

Mna Ag Gaire – translates as Women Laughing.

 

It started during Covid lockdown, Hilary Tonge was asked by the local nurses for help. There was no PPE and they were desperate.

An interview on Clare FM putting out a plea for help that resulted in 50 women volunteering their time and skills, resulting in a home manufacturing workforce producing enough PPE to support the local hospital and care homes throughout the pandemic.

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During this period, it became clear that there was a need in County Clare for a place where women could meet and share skills.

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 Mná Ag Gáire was created, translated as "Women Laughing."

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Shortly after finding a building in Ennis to house the women, Hilary met the right woman, Madalin McAleer, from Haven Horizons who could see what they were doing providing a safe space for the women of Clare, and she funded their first project the Skillshare program.

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"The program of skills was created because, when asked that is what the women requested. Some women just wanted a cup of tea and a chat, but most of the women wanted to learn new skills, so that is what was provided," explains Hilary.

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We know there are more women out there who need us, and there are huge untapped skills in the community.

More projects and collaborations followed as the community grew into the thriving hub it is today.

Mná Ag Gáire has developed into a safe space for women to meet and learn new skills and participate in cultural exchanges and experiences.