A few good women: This Nollaig na mBan we celebrate Roscommon's trailblazing women
The O'Rourke sisters with artist Rita Oates and Anne McLoone
From the boxing ring to the history books, the women of Roscommon have made a lasting impact both nationally and internationally. Known for their sharp wit, commitment to a cause and unflappable courage, the women of County Roscommon have made an indelible mark on our sociopolitical landscape, still evident today.
In the spirit of Nollaig na mBan or Women's Little Christmas, we celebrate some of the most influential Roscommon women across sport, art, politics, and more.
We are in awe of these mná.
Middleweight champion of the world in the 2025 World Boxing Championships, Aoife's career has gone from strength to strength, representing Ireland at two Olympic Games including Paris 2024 and China 2021. One of Ireland's most decorated boxers, the Castlerea native boasts multiple European titles and continues to inspire young women and girls across Ireland.
The 2022 AUBA World Boxing Champion, Lisa has emerged as one of Ireland's top fighters on the world stage. With steely determination, Lisa secured a silver medal at the 2025 World Championships against her Russian competitor. At the 2025 women's Pro Doubles title at the World Hyrox Championships in Chicago, Lisa took home the gold, with her sister Aoife as her partner.
Along with the renowned Hanna Sheehy-Skeffington, Boyle woman Margaret Elizabeth (Gretta) Cousins founded the Irish Women’s Franchise League in 1908. Gretta served a prison sentence in Tullamore, England and India, fighting for suffrage and women's rights.
The first woman to represent Roscommon in Dáil Éireann, Joan Burke was a Fine Gael TD from 1964 to 1981. The Tulsk-based woman advocated for women's rights by opposing the Marriage Bar.
How many Knockvicar women have Rihanna and Lady Gaga saved in their phones? Artist and fashion designer, Úna Burke from Roscommon has dressed some of the world's top musical artists in her leather corsets and intricate creations. Cutting her teeth on the family farm, Úna credits her early life working with her hands as formative. From LA to Paris, Úna now operates her studio from Roscommon.
Her nature-inspired imagery emblazoned on scarves and prints brightens up the darkest of days. Roscommon artist and gallerist Rita Oates embodies positivity in her art, which can be seen at Anam Gallery.
B&B owner Anne Sheerin is known for her iconic phrase; "He's here. Oh dear. Daniel is outside."
Quite possibly Daniel O’Donnell’s biggest fan, the (he’s here, he’s here) starred in the web series, Centra Deli Drama and played an absolute blinder alongside the likes of Cork hurler Patrick Horgan and media personality Jennifer Zamperelli.
Almost every Roscommon person of a certain age will have a warm experience with London-based nurse Anne. For over 40 years Anne has been a friendly face at the Roscommon Association in London, supporting her fellow expats and raising money for charitable causes.
Breaking gender barriers from the get go, Aleen became the first qualified female veterinary surgeon in Ireland and Britain in 1900. Although she was denied entrance to the profession because of her gender, she famously rode a white Arabian stallion around the countryside caring for animals until she was finally granted a license to practice veterinary medicine in 1922 working in the Athleague and Roscommon areas.
