Saoirse's 20th Anniversary Celebration

Thursday, 12 November

Maldron Hotel, Tallaght, Dublin

Lunch included

A celebration of survivors, storytelling & solidarity

The people coming together for Saoirse's 20th Anniversary Celebration.

Suzanne Kane

Broadcaster, TV presenter & Saoirse Supporter, Suzanne Kane is our host for this special celebration.

Betsy Cornwell

Bestselling author, founder of The Old Knitting Factory, and domestic abuse survivor, Betsy Cornwell will share her inspiring survivor story.

Alannah Thornburgh

Live music from Alannah Thornbugh, an award-winning multi-instrumentalist with a focus on traditional Irish harp.

Ronika Merl

Writer, speaker and domestic violence survivor Ronika Merl will share her brave story of overcoming abuse and receiving shelter and support from Saoirse.

Allison Graham, Saoirse CEO

Allison Graham has been at the forefront of Saoirse since its establishment in 2006, leading its transformation into the trailblazing organisation it is today. With extensive experience in frontline service delivery and strategic leadership, Allison represents the DSGBV sector at the highest levels of government.

Gráinne Gleeson, Saoirse Chair

Gráinne Gleeson is an accomplished international legal leader. A passionate advocate for women's empowerment and wellbeing, Gráinne brings her considerable professional expertise and commitment to social change to supporting Saoirse's mission.

Elizabeth Peña, Cuan

Presenting a talk titled, 'Reflecting on Progress', Elizabeth Peña is Head of Service Delivery and Development at Cuan, Ireland's national statutory agency dedicated to tackling and reducing domestic, sexual and gender-based violence.

Darren Wright, Fiosrú

Presenting a talk titled, 'Fiosrú and DSGBV investigations – an improved service to survivors and new challenges', Darren Wright is Deputy Director of Operations at Fiosrú, the Office of the Garda Ombudsman.

Leanne Ryan, Saoirse

Saoirse's Outreach & Prevention Manager, Leanne has been working within the community sector for over 20 years. Also host of the How's Your Ma podcast, Leanne will bring her warm, empathetic interviewing style to the event.

Saoirse has been supporting women and children experiencing domestic violence for 20 years

What began as a small organisation with a big vision has grown into a trailblazing domestic violence charity, supporting thousands of women and hundreds of families every year. Together, we’re transforming lives.

1994

Our founding member, Pam O’Connor, launches a campaign calling for a domestic violence centre to serve women and families families across South Dublin, West Wicklow & Kildare.

2006

Following 12 years of tireless campaigning, our first employee, Allison Graham is employed as Manager in January 2006 and Saoirse opens its first domestic violence refuge in Tallaght in December. The building is provided by South Dublin County Council and funding is provided by the HSE.

2019

We achieve a key strategic goal and open our second refuge, located in South County Dublin.

Our services expand to meet growing demand. We majorly extend our Outreach & Prevention services and Child & Youth services.

2026

Saoirse Domestic Violence Services continues to grow, and we now provide a full suite of specialised accommodation and support services across three locations.

Our dedicated team of more than 60 people now provide compassionate support to more than 500 families every year.

Attend Saoirse's 20th Anniversary Celebration