Nollaig na mBan: inspiring women from rural Ireland

Little Christmas is celebrated in many Christian cultures throughout the world, but Nollaig na mBan, putting women at its centre, is very much an Irish tradition.

Women in farming, business and rural enterprise are featured in the pages of the Irish Farmers Journal and Irish Country Living every week, so today, on Nollaig na mBan, we take the opportunity to look back at some of them, their work and their passions.

In a new series profiling international farmers, Maria Moynihan met Becky Houzé, who is the youngest dairy farmer on the island of Jersey.

Leading as a female butcher- Ciara Flavin, the first female graduate to complete the National Craft Butchers of Ireland apprenticeship, is now managing her father’s butcher shop.

A return to the family farm at a challenging time allowed Ciara Lynch Burke to build a new life and business with Sage & Stone café.

Katherine Dolphin Griffin on how she found “hope to cope” with loss, cancer and all that life has thrown at her.

Monaghan sheep and dairy calf to beef farmer Denise Rafferty says she was brought up with farming and wouldn't see her career any other way.

At The Barna Way in Co Kerry, farmers Lisa Fingleton and Rena Blake are creating a special sanctuary where their love of nature meets their commitment to community and art.

Becoming your own boss: From starting her business in her parents’ farmyard to winning top regional awards, Anne Kelly outlines the challenges of running your own company.

“Don’t be afraid of opportunities that come your way”- Emma Gilsenan has extensive knowledge of the Irish dairy industry and is now the ruminant product manager at MSD Animal Health.

Cork dairy farmer Caroline O'Keeffe milks 120 spring-calving cows alongside her parents. Heavily involved in agri-politics, she is the current Macra national chair.

Emma Hannon Roche discusses life from the outback, rural Ireland and balancing working in transport with camogie training.