Each year between 10-12 local women — unsung heroes — are chosen for their various contributions to the area, with large posters of the women hung outdoors and an award ceremony on the day.

Dr. Katriona O’Sullivan was born in Coventry and grew up in Coventry UK and Summerhill, D 1.
Katriona has recently published her debut novel “Poor” which details her struggles growing up in Dublin’s Inner city. She won at the An Post Book award and recently appeared on the Late Late Show.  We are thrilled to have Katriona involved in our festival. 
 
Fionnuala Halpin is a local artist working on murals and events. She often collaborates with community groups and a lot o
 
Ann Creaner is newly retired from the role of principal at St Columba's National School, North Strand. Ann taught in a wide variety of schools in the North Dublin area over her 33 years of service to education.
 
Ann-Marie Morrison has been a carer for her parents and brother in the North Strand. She is a dedicated family person and well-known locally for her generous and caring spirit.
 
Olive Grace RIP. Olive was always known in the area for being a lady, a kind, considerate and generous woman. Olive was always involved with community work and set up the original CAA Clonlife Avenue Association which organised family days and clean ups of the area in the 1970’s.  
 
Christine Corry is a former volunteer with the local William Street Credit Union and even still is a St Francis Hospice supporter and volunteer/fundraiser.
 
Paula Meehan is a well-known poet from the North Inner City. In 2013, Meehan was installed as
the Ireland Professor of Poetry by President Michael D. Higgins. In 2023 she was elected an honorary fellow of Trinity College Dublin. She had recently published her latest book of poetry called ‘The Solice of Artemis’. Paula has fond memories of the North East Inner City, and says it was where she learned the language used all her life in her writing.f her work can be seen around the area.  She is one of the original founders of Mud Island Community Garden, helping transform it from a waste ground into a vibrant amenity.  

We can't wait for the 2026 festival

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Latest News

Nominate your Heroes for 2026

Nominate your Heroes for 2026

We are on the lookout for nominations for the 2026 Nollaig Na Mban festival for the unsung heroes of Dublin's North East Inner City Community. We are looking for local women who inspire. The Festival takes place every 6th January. We still have a large list of...

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Thanks to Paul Reardon Photography

Thanks to Paul Reardon Photography

Paul Reardon Photography captured the Nollaig na mBan events extremely well. Thanks Paul and everyone who participated in the Nollaig na MBan Festival Dublin IE#NEIC If you would like to nominate anyone for 2026 please email nollaignambanireland@gmail.com

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