The FLIARA project took centre stage on November 1st as Sir Trevor Mallard, the Ambassador of New Zealand to Ireland, visited Mountbellew and Kilconnell. Hosted by Dr. Edna M. Curley at Mountbellew Agricultural College, the Ambassador’s itinerary included a visit to the Living Bog, a town tour with Cllr. Michael Connolly, and an engaging discussion at Galway Rural Development Council.

The visit marked a significant opportunity for FLIARA, dedicated to promoting women-led innovation in rural areas. In the afternoon, Sir Trevor met with Associate Professor Maura Farrell and Dr. Louise Weir, FLIARA’s project coordinators, along with project ambassadors Blátnaid Gallagher and Ursula Kelly, as well as Teresa Roche, an innovator in Ireland. Joining the conversation was MEP Maria Walsh, whose support for rural development and gender equality helped facilitate the gathering.

Steve Dolan, CEO of Galway Rural Development Clg and member of the FLIARA Advisory Board, attended with his daughter Ciara to witness firsthand the strides women in the FLIARA project are making in transforming Ireland’s rural economy. Dolan emphasised the importance of showcasing these pioneering women to inspire younger generations, stressing that initiatives like FLIARA provide young girls with models of rural entrepreneurship, farming, and leadership—roles they too can aspire to hold.

“FLIARA is about creating a future where young women in rural Ireland see limitless opportunities for themselves,” said Maura Farrell. “Gender equality in rural areas is about providing choices and support to make those choices achievable.”

Ambassador Mallard’s visit brought new attention to the vital work FLIARA is doing across Ireland and Europe. His encouragement and support underscored the project’s significance in championing sustainable and inclusive growth in rural regions. The day showcased not only the power of female entrepreneurship but also the importance of policy and community support in nurturing the next generation of rural innovators.

The FLIARA project team expressed heartfelt gratitude to Ambassador Mallard for his visit, which highlighted the transformative potential of female-led rural initiatives and their impact on local communities.