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“Leadership, Loss and Life”: An inspirational leadership evening with Marie Gleeson

23 Feb 2025

Over 300 people gathered in Kinsale on Thursday, 20 February for an inspirational leadership evening with , former Irish Navy Captain and motivational speaker. Hosted by the Kinsale Lions Club in collaboration with Kinsale Community School and the Cork ��ҹ���޸����þ� Foundation at UCC, the event brought together distinguished guests, media representatives, and community leaders. Proceeds from the event will support the vital work of the Pregnancy Loss Research Group.

Marie’s keynote focused on leadership, decision-making, resilience, and teamwork in challenging environments. Drawing on her extensive leadership experience in the Irish navy, and her personal experiences of pregnancy and baby loss, Marie captivated the hearts and minds of the packed Shane Fitzsimons Theatre in Kinsale Community School. Throughout her speech, she reiterated the importance of ‘esprit de corps’, something which very much resonates with us at the Pregnancy Loss Research Group. 

During the fireside chat that followed, with Ann-Marie O'Sullivan, Founder and CEO, AM O’Sullivan PR and MC of the evening, Marie described as “the anchor in the storm” that was the loss of her beautiful baby boy Ciarán in 2012 and throughout her subsequent losses. When asked what charity she wished to support as part of the event, the Pregnancy Loss Research Group was top of mind.

In the lead up to the event, Marie spoke with Chris Dunne, journalist at The Echo, about . She also .

Following the fireside chat, Professor O’Donoghue joined Marie and Ann-Marie on stage to discuss the work of the Pregnancy Loss Research Group. Keelin highlighted the work that will be supported through the funds raised from the event, namely workplace supports surrounding pregnancy loss and specifically practical resources and tools for employers. In her in the days prior to the event, Keelin urged employers not to wait for the new government to implement statutory leave, highlighting that changes can be made in the interim to better support workers who experience pregnancy loss.

We are very grateful to all involved in this event, the success of which was testament to their commitment and efforts. It was an excellent opportunity to highlight pregnancy and baby loss on a public stage. In particular, we wish to thank the following:

• Marie Gleeson
• Cormac Fitzgerald and all at the Kinsale Lions Club
• Fergal McCarthy and team from Kinsale Community School
• Ann-Marie O’Sullivan, AM O’Sullivan PR
• John Allen, Photographer
• Carol Walsh, UCC College of Medicine and Health, and UCC Alumni and Development Office
• Everyone who attended, including colleagues from Cork ��ҹ���޸����þ� Maternity Hospital and Cork ��ҹ���޸����þ� Hospital.

Marie Gleeson inspiring a packed audience in the Shane Fitzsimons Theatre in Kinsale Community School 

Marie Gleeson in conversation with Ann-Marie O'Sullivan, Founder and CEO, AM O’Sullivan PR. Picture: John Allen

Professor Keelin O’ Donoghue in conversation with Ann-Marie O'Sullivan. Picture: John Allen

Professor Keelin O’ Donoghue in conversation with Ann-Marie O'Sullivan and Marie Gleeson

Professor Keelin O’Donoghue and Marie Gleeson

Pictured, Front L-R: Professor Keelin O’ Donoghue, Consultant Obstetrician, UCC; Marie Gleeson,  Keynote Speaker, former Irish Navy Captain; Carol Walsh, Head of Development, College of Medicine and Health, UCC. Back L-R: Fergal McCarthy, Principal, Kinsale Community School; Ann-Marie O'Sullivan, Founder and CEO, AM O’Sullivan PR.; Cormac Fitzgerald. Picture: John Allen

More information

For those unable to join us at the event, and who would like to support, donations can be made via UCC Alumni and Development.