'They recognised what was needed for women': Longford Women's Link reaches 30th year

What started with three ambitious go-getters has led to 30 years of helping thousands of Longford women.

To mark the milestone, the organisation, Longford Women's Link hosted a coffee morning get-together, one attended by founders, employees, and members of the community.

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Describing the event as “a reminder of what has been achieved over the last 30 years,” LWL CEO Tara Farrell said the vision of their three founders Tess Murphy, Elsie Moxham, and the late Mary O’Hara continues to guide everything they do.

“They recognised what was needed for women in 1995, and we’ve built on that to ensure women and girls in Longford are safe, equal and included.” said said.

Tara, who first began working at the centre 15 years ago, spoke highly of the team’s passion and the variety of beneficial services now available to women - domestic violence support, counselling, childcare, education, and the See Her Elected programme.

“Often women only find us when they need us,” she said, “but we want every woman to know that we’re here, and that our doors are open.”

Reflecting on how it all began, founder Tess Murphy said, “It started with a women’s studies outreach course from UCD. Back then, women had so few rights, you couldn’t even sign on for a job without your husband’s permission.”

What followed on from this was the germination of a phenomenal idea to create a centrepoint within the town specifically for women’s services. “We made the road as we walked it,” said Tess. “Step by step, we built what women needed, childcare, education, employment, and domestic violence support.”

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Today the only thing more impressive than LWL’s longevity is the incredible work its team carries out.

Employee Sonia Fitzmaurice, who joined LWL through a community employment scheme in 2017, described the organisation as life-changing. “From the day I walked in, I felt valued,” she said. “They encouraged me to get my degree, supported me through it, and now I work as a domestic violence specialist. It’s tough work, but we give women hope. Every woman walking through these doors feels she belongs.”