Louth Laughs to celebrate International Women`s Day with all–female line–up in aid of homeless charity

Louth laughs started as a passion project for local comedian Shinanne Higgins and has gone from strength to strength since its inception last July in The Tipsy Cow.

Shinanne aimed to set up a monthly comedy gig that would provide a space for well known acts and also give opportunity to new acts to perform.

So far she has brought big names to her stage, including local comedian, Lisa Casey and Joe Rooney, of Father Ted fame, who will take to the stage this May.

She has also had all three of the Best New Comedians (Patrick McLoughlin, Jordan Robinson and Brian Guilfoyle) from the recent Bray Festival on her stage. 

Shinanne performs regularly around Ireland and this has allowed her to keep a firm pulse on the best up-and-coming comedians in the country. This that has helped Louth Laughs become a firm favourite among Ireland`s top comedy nights.

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Local comedian Elizabeth Redmond said:

"I knew Shinanne was creating something special when she set up Louth Laughs and that it was going to be a terrific venue, and it is!

"It's a fun and intimate room where the comedians and audience feel like they are coming together as a team to enjoy a great night.

"It's the kind of place that you can go by yourself or in a big group because Shinanne makes everyone feel welcome. Louth Laughs is really creating a buzz on the Irish comedy circuit at the moment".

To celebrate International Women's Day Shinanne is bringing an all-female line-up to Louth Laughs.

Shinanne says:

"I am a huge advocate for women in comedy. Traditionally, comedy was hugely underrepresented by women and we are tired of the trope that women are not funny. Ireland is bursting at the seams with fantastic women in comedy from Aisling Bea to Joanne McNally and Sharon Horgan to name but a few. I've been blown away by the recent surge in top class female comedians . If you don't believe me get down to The Tipsy Cow on 10th March!"

The upcoming Louth Laughs will also be a charity night to raise money for homelessness.

The comedy night has teamed up with Today FM's The Big Busk to raise money for Focus Ireland. Shinanne believes that "homelessness is the greatest issue facing Ireland and is something that greatly impacts women.

"I myself, was living in Dublin until last year and was forced to leave due to increasing rent, and moreover, there are just no places available.

"Luckily, I was able to move home to Louth. I'm currently living in a mobile home and waiting for the day the council tell me I can't stay there.

"For me, it's the only way I can save to buy a home. I have two jobs but no running water. That's the shocking reality of Ireland in 2023!

"I still count myself lucky and would like to support people who are worse off than me."

To support homelessness go on to https://joinus.focusireland.ie/fundraisers/sineadcrilly/ the–big–busk to support homelessness. 

"Louth laughs is always run as a free gig because everyone deserve to access great comedy, but if you wish to reserve a ticket for the March 10th event, go on to https://www.eventbrite.ie/ e/louth-laughs-all-female- line-up-tickets-562939054867 to book your place at Louth Laughs and leave a donation if you are able.

"We will also have busking buckets on the night so don't forget to bring your loose change!"

Eight hilarious female comedians will take to the stage on the night.

MC for the night is none other than Shinanne herself. Shinanne Higgins by name shenanigans by nature. She is single, very single...and she's about to turn 40. Her hilarious comedy provides insight into navigating the dating world when your eggs are trying to hold on like an athlete in Ireland's Fittest Family.

Jess Collins is the headline act on March 10th. She is just back from her debut in Las Vegas. She has twice hosted the Galway Comedy Festival. Jess is recently engaged to her partner, whom she met on the popular RTE show First Dates.

Jess will be joined by Rachel Spence, Claire Corrigan, Barbara Neeson, Phyllis Seale and Louth locals Ellen O'Reilly and Elizabeth Redmond. Kick off is at 8:30 but arrive early to ensure a seat.