Vicky Phelan is a hero. There is no doubt about that.

What she has done for the women of Ireland, at a time when she would have been well within her rights to put herself and her own health first, can never be acknowledged enough. She has and will continue to, save lives.

Over the past couple of years, Vicky has become a household name, but to many of us, she is, above all else, our friend. Since we first set up in 2016, Vicky has been a phenomenal ally and supporter of The Shona Project and our relationship with her is even more special, because our founder, Tammy worked with Vicky for 7 years. That team was and will continue to be fierce, strong and capable women. They have supported each other through many of life’s challenges. They have laughed, cried, hugged, bitched, learned and eaten copious amounts of cake together. We are all tough, but she is by far the toughest.

So, when we found out that Waterford Chamber will be joining forces with Waterford Institute of Technology, Network Waterford, Waterford Chamber Skillnet and the Waterford Local Enterprise Office on International Women’s Day to pay tribute to Vicky, we can guarantee we were first in line to attend this event. But, wait, it gets better. Vicky has graciously asked for all funds raised from this event to be donated to the Solas Cancer Support Centre and to us at The Shona Project.

So, What Are The Details?

On Tuesday, March 8th the Vicky Phelan Portrait will be on public display from 4pm to 6pm in the Parlour Vintage Tea Rooms. 

After the viewing, the organisations mentioned above will be hosting a business networking event, where guests will have the opportunity to meet with Vicky’s lifelong friend David Brennan who purchased the portrait at auction and hear from artist Vincent Devine on the heartfelt story behind the creation of this masterpiece. We’ll also be there so, please come and say hi! This also happens to be the last ever time The Vintage Tea Rooms will open its doors, so it’s only right we give it a proper farewell!

Everyone is welcome to come along and you can donate on the day or also online at https://www.idonate.ie/VickiPhelanPortraitExpoMar22.

What better way to mark International Women’s Day than to honour Vicky Phelan, an incredible lady who has changed the landscape of the Irish health system for future generations.

What Are We Up To After The Event? 
Following the event, we are heading over the road to Garter Lane for the opening night of How To Fall Flat on Your Face by Waterford’s Katie Honan, another female tour-de-force. Katie’s play focuses on mental health and the enduring strength of women. After missing out on so much over the past two years, International Women’s Day 2022 is certainly going to be one to remember. We were lucky to have Katie write an article for us recently on her journey to writing her play. You can check that out HERE.

To register for the Network Waterford event, please go to https://www.eventbrite.ie/…/international-womens-day… or come along to the Parlour Vintage Tea Rooms between 4pm and 6pm for the public viewing.

 

Additionally, if you would like to support the work ourselves and The Solas Cancer Support Center do, you can donate through the event page HERE.