Ten extraordinary women honoured as Dublin's 'unsung heroes' on Nollaig na mBan
To celebrate Nollaig na mBan, ten women from across the city are being honoured today as the 'unsung heroes' of Dublin .
As part of the annual Nollaig na mBan which hosts events across the North Inner City, women are celebrated for the vital role they play in society and their often undercelebrated contributions to the community. Through music, art exhibitions, interactive workshops, and engaging panel discussions, the festival is centred around supporting and uplifting women.
Nollaig na mBan, also known as Women’s Christmas or Little Christmas, occurs on the 12th and final day of Christmas each January 6. Traditionally, this is the day when women get together to celebrate their Christmas while the men are tasked with staying home and looking after the chores.
In the spirit of this celebration, the Nollaig na nBan festival features a jam-packed schedule of female-led events with expert speakers, incredible musicians playing across various venues, and an awards ceremony at Charleville Mall Library. Established by a group of local women from Ballybough, the North Strand and Clonliffe areas, and sponsored by Dublin City Council , NEIC, Inner City Trust and Local Safety Partnership this special day was designed to honour and celebrate local women.
Those celebrating can dance throughout the day and night as, following the awards ceremony hosted by Catriona Crowe from 3pm to 4:30pm, there’s plenty more music events throughout the North Inner City. This includes Ailbhe Reddy and Ham Sandwich at St Columba’s Church from 7pm.
From 9pm until late there’s also Camille O’Sullivan and Sharyn Ward at Annesley House. The Queen Bees hit the stage at Cusack’s Pub at 9:30pm, while Mary Byrne will also be singing at Clonliffe House from 10pm. As an evening filled with fun, there’s something for everyone this Nollaig na mBan.
Dubliners may already be aware of the incredible achievements of the various women who have been honoured throughout the years, as Dublin City Council showcased the recipients in bright lights as their images were illuminated in the city as the ‘Dames of Dame Street’ in 2025. The ten unsung heroes of Nollaig na mBan festival 2026 include:
A celebrated Dublin artist whose environmental and social photography has gained national recognition, alongside her strong local advocacy work.
Founder of Sunflower Recycling and a driving force in community development for over 40 years, championing social-economy projects and local employment.
Chair of Mud Island Community Garden and founder of the Repair Café, leading sustainability and community-building initiatives in North Strand.
Sandra Burke has been involved in community work for most of her life—from anti-drug initiatives in the 1990s to delivering food to residents in the Ballybough area. She decorated local streets in support of the Dublin GAA team and organised a hugely successful 1916 centenary commemoration. Sandra also established an after-school service for local children under 10, addressing a critical community need.
A Daughter of Charity for over 50 years, known for her compassionate support of families and her long service to Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Sean McDermott St.
A lifelong volunteer and former TD dedicated to social justice, youth services, and advocating for marginalised communities.
Owner of Strand Pharmacy, celebrated for her steadfast dedication to community health and support during the COVID pandemic.
A much-loved James’ Avenue resident who ran her local shop for 35 years and served her community through Credit Union volunteering.
A dedicated inner-city carer for 25 years whose commitment was recognised with a Carer of the Year Award in 2025.
A researcher who brings local history to life for communities across Dublin North Central in her role as Historian in Residence for Dublin City Council.
This content is funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme