Empower Her brings stories of Ireland’s trailblazing women to Louth

Louth County Council’s Civic Offices in Drogheda is now home to ‘Empower Her’, an exhibition that honours trailblazing women from across Ireland, with four of them hailing from the town itself!

Created by Drogheda native Linda Hanlon, a retired psychotherapist and now photographer, ‘Empower Her’ is a collection of portraits and stories of 54 women who have shattered glass ceilings and inspired change. It was officially opened on the 1st December by Cllr Michelle Hall, the Mayor of Drogheda, and will run until January 2026.

Originally launched at the Central Bank of Ireland in 2024, the exhibition features portraits of 54 women of Ireland who have each broken through personal barriers and professional glass ceilings and made significant contributions in their respective fields.

The participants hail from all corners of the country, representing a diverse cross-section of society and range in age from 19 to 95 years. Among those featured in the exhibition are Dr Linda Doyle, Provost, Trinity College Dublin; Mairead McGuinness, EU Commissioner and former MEP; Zainab Boladale, Journalist and Presenter; Prof Lydia Lynch, Immunologist, Harvard University; Commander Roberta O’Brien, first woman to command an Irish Naval Ship; Ann Doherty, Chief Executive, Cork City Council; and Frances Fitzgerald, former Tánaiste, Minister, TD, Senator and MEP.

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The exhibition also features four Drogheda women: Natalie Kelly, Deirdre Gogarty, Senator Alison Comyn and Joanna Byrne TD. Each portrait is accompanied by a personal quote offering advice to their younger selves, alongside key milestones in Irish women’s rights from 1922 to 2018.

Speaking at the opening of the exhibition, Cllr Michelle Hall, the Mayor of Drogheda, said: "It is a privilege to welcome ‘Empower Her’ to Drogheda, particularly as its creator, Linda Hanlon, is one of our own.

"This exhibition feels like a homecoming, and the inclusion of four portraits of Drogheda women adds a deeply personal and local significance. It’s a celebration of achievement that resonates strongly within our community."

Moya Hodgers, Arts Officer with Louth County Council, added: "One of the core roles of the Council’s Arts Office is to make art accessible to everyone in our community.

"Exhibitions like ‘Empower Her’ spark conversations, inspire future generations, and bring important stories into public spaces where they can be experienced by all. I encourage everyone to take the time to visit this exhibition and be inspired by the incredible women whose portraits and words are on display."

Louth County Council is urging people not to miss this opportunity to experience an exhibition that celebrates courage, ambition, and progress. Visit ‘Empower Her’ at the Civic Offices in Fair Street, Drogheda, until the 9th January 2026. Admission is free, and no booking is necessary.

For further information, please contact: arts@louthcoco.ie