One of the most unique of the many events the Irish American Partnership puts on each year to raise money and awareness of its goals is its celebration of Nollaig na mBan, or “Women’s Christmas,” an old Irish tradition honoring women’s leadership within the family and community, celebrated each year in January by giving women a day of rest and merriment after the Christmas season.
The tradition has strong roots in counties Cork and Kerry, and now, thanks to the Irish American Partnership and its President and CEO Mary Sugrue (Irish America Business 100 honoree), it is now celebrated in the U.S.
The Partnership commemorates Nollaig na mBan by honoring prominent Irish and Irish American female leaders, highlighting their global impact and contribution to programs in Ireland that support and inspire future leaders.
The first Nollaig na mBan event was held in Washington, D.C., in 2013, and the Partnership has continued the tradition every year since.
It now hosts two annual events in January, one in Washington and one in Boston.
This year’s honoree at the Washington, D.C. breakfast on January 8, was Ireland’s first astronaut, Dr. Norah Patten. A proud County Mayo native, Dr. Patten is an aeronautical engineer, Global Faculty Member at the International Space University, passionate STEM advocate, and award-winning children’s author.
This coming year, Dr. Patten will join the IIAS-02 spaceflight with Virgin Galactic, becoming the first Irish person in space on the Delta Mission, alongside Dr. Shawna Pandya and Kellie Gerardi.
The event was held at the Cosmos Club and featured Dr. Patten in conversation with Caitríona Perry an Irish journalist who works for BBC News as its chief presenter based in Washington, DC.
On Thursday, January 15, boxer Katie Taylor will be honored for her role as a true vanguard of women’s leadership in sport. In a fireside conversation, Katie will share her story and reflect on her remarkable career. The event will take place at the Boston Harbor Hotel, from 8 a.m. – 9.30 a.m. See here for tickets and sponsorships.
An icon of Irish athleticism, Katie has redefined what’s possible in the ring and beyond. She won a gold medal at the 2012 London Olympics, became the undisputed and undefeated lightweight world champion in 2019, and is considered by many to be the greatest female boxer of all time.
The Irish American Partnership’s reimagining of the Nollaig na mBan tradition remains true to the heart of the holiday — honoring the invaluable contribution of Irish and Irish American women.
“At its core, our celebration remains a joyful tribute to women — their strength, dedication, and ambition. We come together in the company of family, friends, and colleagues to connect, reflect, and be inspired,” said Sugrue who leads the Boston-based non-profit in its mission to connect Irish America with Ireland through targeted investments in education, community, and peace initiatives.
The Kerry native has a long history with the organization, having served in various capacities for over 35 years before becoming CEO in 2016.
The proceeds of the annual Nollaig na mBan Women’s Leadership Celebrations will be donated to the Partnerships hallmark O’Neill School Grants program which helps primary schools in Ireland by donating funds to enhance the literacy, science, and math materials available for young students.
Below is the full list of past Nollaig na mBan honorees in Boston and Washington, DC, over the years.
Nollaig na mBan Washington, DC:
2026 Dr. Norah Patten, Astronaut
2025 Lady Mary Peters, Gold Medal Olympics
2024 U.S. Ambassador to Ireland Claire Cronin
2023 Geraldine Hughes, Actor
2021 (virtual): Former President of Ireland Mary Robinson, Editor-in-Chief of Glamour Samantha Barry, Irish Ambassador to the U.S. Geraldine Byrne Nason, RTE correspondent Caitriona Perry (virtual)
2020 Senator Joan Freeman
2019 Baroness May Blood
2018 Mary Davis, CEO Special Olympics
2017 Irish Ambassador to the U.S. Anne Anderson
2016 Former Irish President Mary Robinson
2015 Dr. Avila Kilmurray
2014 Kathleen O’Toole
2013 Abbess Maire Hickey, Kylemore Abbey
Nollaig na mBan Boston:
2026 Katie Taylor
2025 U.S. Ambassador to Ireland Claire Cronin (ret.)
2024 Geraldine Hughes, actor
2023 Lisa McGee, screenwriter Derry Girls
2021 (virtual): Former President of Ireland Mary Robinson, Editor-in-Chief of Glamour Samantha Barry, Irish Ambassador to the U.S. Geraldine Byrne Nason, RTE correspondent Caitriona Perry (virtual)
2020 Former U.S. Ambassador to the UN Samantha Power
2019 Former Irish President Mary McAleese
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