KERRY Businesswomen’s Network brought Actress and author Pauline McLynn and rally legend and motor sport pioneer Rosemary Smith to Kerry to speak exclusively for KBN on International Women’s Day, last Friday, March 8.

Over 65 women from across Kerry came together to mark the celebration of women’s social, political, and cultural achievements from the past and present,  at the Muckross Park Hotel.

Guests on the night were treated to the inspiring story of motor sport pioneer, Rosemary Smith – a woman who broke through the gender barrier to compete in, and win, some of the world’s most iconic rallies.

In 2017, aged 79, Rosemary became the oldest person to drive a Renault Sports Formula One team car.

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Joining Rosemary was actress and author Pauline McLynn, who has worked with all major Irish theatre companies including the Abbey, the Gate and Rough Magic. Pauline is probably best known for her role on TV as Mrs Doyle in Father Ted, while she also appeared as Amy Huberman’s mother in Comedy Central’s Threesome.

Pauline, who was interviewed by the talented Elaine Kinsella of Radio Kerry, had guests in stitches with her hilarious anecdotes and tales from her career, however wrapped up with some sage advice in response to Elaine’s request for any advice for the women listening today:

“I think we’re really hard on ourselves, we can’t take a compliment. I don’t know if it’s an Irish thing, but anytime we are thanked or praised we think, no.1 ‘I don’t deserve it’ and no.2 ‘What are you up to?’. Without being unrealistic about what we can achieve, we need to be easier on ourselves about who and what we are and what we are trying to do, to trust the people who are genuinely trying to help. Trust yourself, your instincts are good”

Elin Sorensen of KBN  thanked the event sponsors; Kerry Local Enterprise Office, IT Tralee, Dingle Gin and The Muckross Park Hotel. Scroll down for photos…