Jam-packed schedule of events planned for Mná Month in local Tipperary Library

Mná Month is held in Cashel Library every year during the month of March.

The entire month morphs into one long celebration of women and it is done creatively.

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International Women’s Day falls on the March 8, and Mother’s Day traditionally falls towards the end of March making this month the ideal time to make this event happen.

In a joint collaboration between Creative Ireland and Tipperary County Council Library Service patrons are invited to celebrate women by tapping into their creativity.

2025 marks the fifth year of this month-long celebration of women, with the library formerly hosting big names like Rachel Blackmore, Una Healy, Bibi Baskin, Rosemary Smyth and many more.

The library will host a programme of free events that celebrate the achievements of women.

“This year the library service particularly welcomes non-nationals, the LGBTQ+ community, the active aged and adults who live with Dementia and Neurodivergence,” says Maura Barrett, Branch Librarian and co-ordinator.

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“The library is for everyone and it is important that we spread our reach as far as is possible.”

Mná Month begins with a concert by the Wood of O, on Saturday, March 1, with doors open at 7:30pm.

Comprising of singer-songwriter Breege Phelan and Songwriter/Composer Will McLellan, who have been mesmerising audiences for nearly a decade now with their own unique original material and classic folk songs.

On Monday, March 3, at 11am, the library will host Write Minds Poetry Workshop facilitated by Eileen Acheson and Jenny Cox.

This Poetry and Wellness is targeted at beginner and early-stage writers and is a fun and safe space where writers are encouraged to put pen to paper using creative prompts, and wellness techniques.

On Monday, March 3, and Monday, March 10, at 2pm, the library hosts English Conversation for new arrives with experienced Failte Isteach tutors. These are fun filled and structured English conversations for beginners, intermediate and advanced learners of English.

Tuesday March 4, Wednesday, March 5, and Thursday, March 6, at 2pm, the library hosts a Mnásome Quiz for the Active Aged facilitated by librarian Claire Grant.

This promises to be both competitive and great craic with prizes for the winning team.

Also, on Tuesday March 4, at 6pm, there is an Art Exhibition Launch with well-known and local artist Joan O’Brien who paints the female essence and her emotions.

Her work embodies the mystical, spiritual and ethereal side of nature. Joan utilises mixed media like glass, paint and inks in her art works.

The exhibition continues for the month.

On Saturday, March 8, at 11am, there will be Circle Dancing on International Women’s Day with Tracey Tobin.

Circle Dance is a gentle healing way to bring body, mind and spirit together.

This workshop helps to relieve daily stress and release creative energy.

It is the place where you can let your mind learn from your body.

“I’ve always been struck by the quiet and unsummed female attribute of women’s creativity”, states Maura Barrett.

“It is something that often goes undeclared but does so much to enrich the lives of others. This gift of creativity, drawn from the heart and mind is freely given, and translates into many things. It all requires vision, imagination, organisation, problem solving and orchestrating which is a creative skillset, even if many women don’t recognise it as such.”

Other events include Comhrá as gaeilge, Hidden History in collaboration with the County Museum, Genealogy, Making Birdboxes with Elke Wilson, Jewellery Making with GG Designs, Celtic Ceol and Craic with Patrice Davern, Candle painting and Print making with Lisa Manton, Women’s health with Sabine Eggars, Crystal Healing with Eileen Heneghan, Shamanic Drumming with the O Riains, Mnásome Karoke, Ceili Dancing, Queer Stories, Author Interviews and a Movie Night.

Every event is open to all regardless of pronoun.

You can view the schedule of events on Tipperary County Council’s Library Service’s website https://www.tipperarylibraries.ie/whats-on/, or pick up a hard copy of the brochure in the branch itself.

Make sure to book your place early if you see an event you like because they get booked up quickly as the month goes on! Booking to 062 63825.