Women & Agriculture Gala Dinner

We want more, said our audience. So, ladies, this year we’re giving you more. Join us for a delicious three-course dinner in the beautiful setting of the Knightsbrook Hotel in Trim, Co Meath. After dinner, we’ll be announcing the winners of our Women & Agriculture Awards 2015. Then, catwalk at the ready, our fashion show will host some of the best looks from the popular boutique, McElhinneys of Athboy. Afterwards, we’ll be dancing to musician Sean Boland right until bedtime.

Women & Agriculture Conference

Minister Simon Coveney: Minister Coveney will discuss the prospects for agriculture in a volatile environment and the role that women will play in bringing the industry forward.

Majella O’Donnell: It’s hard to believe that just a few years ago Majella O’Donnell was battling breast cancer, that occasionally she plummets into the deepest of depressions and that once upon a time she experienced a marriage breakup that left her feeling broken, lonely and fearful. That’s because her outlook on life is so positive and inspiring. This honest and uplifting lady will have a presentation that simply can’t be missed.

On the Couch: In an entertaining and revealing chat, former Irish Farmers Journal’s editor Matt Dempsey, Mary Flavahan of Flavahans, Colette Twomey of Clonakilty Black Pudding and dairy farmer Ann Moore will talk about growing the family business, passing it on to the next generation and looking forward to the future.

Dr Aoife Hearne, Operation Transformation: Healthy eating isn’t just about a healthy weight. It’s about being the best version of yourself for your family, the farm, for work and for enjoying life. It isn’t always easy though, so Dr Aoife Hearne from Operation Transformation will be on hand to let us know how to make good nutrition a simple part of your day.

Evelyn O’Rourke, RTÉ: Imagine finding out you’re pregnant, and four days later learning you have breast cancer. Evelyn O’Rourke will tell her inspiring story and will update us on her healthy, happy son Ross.

Julie O’Leary: Julie O’Leary is a daughter, a sister, a writer, an activist, a graduate with a degree and a master’s, and she also has cerebral palsy. She talks about how her disability is just one element of her life and as she prepares for her Christmas wedding, she proves that it simply won’t hold her back.

Dr Fergus Heffernan: In a thought-provoking, challenging, and humorous presentation, Psychologist Dr Heffernan looks at the way we as families and community can bounce back and, despite all the odds, create sanctuaries of honesty, integrity, and belonging by utilising the essence of the human spirit.

Plus: Diane Banville, Maura Canning and surprise entertainment acts that will keep you smiling the whole way home.

Confused about your PRSI contributions? Once again this year, the Department of Social Protection will be on hand at the Women & Agriculture Conference to guide our audience through the practical application of the PRSI system and the PRSI contribution conditions associated with the various schemes and services of the Department.

With very few exceptions, all employees (full-time or part-time) and self–employed workers who are aged 16 or over and under pensionable age, currently 66, are liable for PRSI contributions. PRSI contribution classes are decided by the nature of the employment or whether a person is self-employed.

At the conference, the Department of Social Protection will provide advice on how to access information on your social insurance record, the types of PRSI contributions, and the more common PRSI classes. If you have questions that you want answered, please send us your queries and we will do our very best to have these addressed. Please email Ciara Leahy (cleahy@farmersjournal.ie) with PRSI Question in the subject line by Wednesday 21 October.