Women’s Health Week in Clare 2026 Monday 28 September to Sunday 4 October 2026
PROGRAMME STRONG AT EVERY AGE Women’s health matters at every stage of life. Women’s Health Week in Clare encourages girls, teenagers and women of all ages to learn more about their health and take positive action to build and maintain strong bones, strong hearts and strong minds.
Across the week, a welcoming programme of events and discussions will explore how good nutrition, regular exercise, social connection and a better understanding of women’s health can help women feel informed, supported and confident in caring for their health and wellbeing throughout life.
This year’s programme
The programme includes public events for women in Kilrush, Lahinch, Shannon, Ennis and Scarriff; school sessions for teenage girls; and a different women’s health discussion on Clare FM’s Morning Focus each weekday.
Health Events for Women
These events combine clear, practical health information with accessible opportunities to move, build strength and support wellbeing.
Booking for all events: claresports.ie/womens-health-week/
KILRUSH
SHANNON
Thursday 24 September 2026
Wednesday 30 September 2026
Women’s Health and Gentle Resistance Training
Why Strength Matters for Women’s Health
Time
Time Venue
8.00pm to 9.30pm K-Fitt, Kilrush Venue Dr Blathnaid Regan, GP, and Speakers Fathom Lyons, Personal Trainer, K-Fitt Dr Blathnaid Regan will discuss women’s health issues. The talk will be followed by a gentle resistance-training session led by Fathom Lyons.
LAHINCH Monday 28 September 2026
Women’s Health, Exercise and Strength Training Time
7.30pm to 9.00pm
Venue
Lahinch Leisure Centre
Speakers
Dr Dympna O’Dwyer, GP, and Aga, Fitness Instructor
Dr Dympna O’Dwyer will discuss common women’s health issues, including bone health, mental health and cardiovascular disease. She will also explain how exercise and nutrition can support women’s health. Aga will then lead a resistance and strength-training session. The talk and practical session will each last approximately 45 minutes.
Speakers
7.30pm to 9.00pm Shannon Leisure Centre Dr Colette Flynn, GP, and Ewelina
Dr Colette Flynn will explore why muscles matter for women’s health and the important roles of nutrition, hydration, sleep and recovery. Ewelina will then lead an introduction to resistance and strength training.
ENNIS
SCARRIFF
Thursday 1 October 2026
Saturday 3 October 2026
The Importance of Strength, Movement, Balance and Mobility
Why Women Need Strong Bones and Muscles for Good Health
Time
11.30am to 1.00pm Hillery Suite, the West County Venue Hotel, Ennis Speaker Grace Russell, Grace Russell Coaching Grace will begin with a 30-minute talk about women’s muscle and bone health, the effects of hormonal changes during midlife and the importance of strength, movement, balance and mobility for healthy ageing. The talk will be followed by a practical 60-minute movement session focusing on strength, mobility and balance, with accessible options to suit different abilities. This event is being organised in collaboration with Age Friendly Clare.
Time
10.00am to 11.30am
Venue
Upstairs at Scarriff GAA Hall
Speaker Ciara Magill, Physiotherapist and Pilates Teacher Ciara Magill will explain why building and maintaining strong bones and muscles is important for women’s health. The talk will be followed by a Pilates session focused on strengthening and supporting muscle and bone health.
SCHOOL HEALTH EVENTS FOR TEENAGE GIRLS
Empowering and Informing Teenage Girls
Six secondary schools across County Clare will host dedicated sessions for teenage girls. Each school talk will explore the overall theme of helping teenage girls stay strong, healthy, connected and informed as they grow. Topics covered will be menstrual health, staying engaged in sport, self-confidence and mental wellness. Christine Lane, Director and Founder of Mojo Matters, will be the guest speaker at each of the six schools.
Monday 28 September
Monday 28 September
Tuesday 29 September
Ennistymon Community College
Ennis Community College
St Caimin’s Secondary School, Shannon
Wednesday 30 September
Wednesday 30 September
Thursday 1 October
St. Anne’s Secondary School, Killaloe
Kilrush Secondary School
Scarriff Community College
Women’s Health Discussions on Clare FM MONDAY 28 SEPTEMBER Introducing Women’s Health Week
Speakers: Rosie Foley, Ambassador for Women’s Health Week and Former Ireland Rugby International; Councillor Joe Killeen, Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council; and Joan Tarmey, Healthy Ireland Co-ordinator. The opening discussion will introduce Women’s Health Week, explain its purpose and outline the programme taking place across County Clare.
TUESDAY 29 SEPTEMBER Women’s Heart Health Speaker: Dr Neasa Starr, Consultant Cardiologist Dr Neasa Starr will discuss women’s heart health, cardiovascular risk and the positive actions women can take to protect their heart throughout life.
WEDNESDAY 30 SEPTEMBER Moving Well to Remain Strong and Re-engaging with Sport Speakers: Aideen Coates-Farrell, Physiotherapist from Youtherapies, and Rachel Akers, World Masters Champion in Hammer Throw. Aideen Coates-Farrell will provide physio advice on how women can move well and remain strong and the importance of pelvic and bone health for women at every age. Rachel Akers will discuss returning to sport and physical activity, including some of the challenges women may experience when re-engaging.
Clare FM’s Morning Focus will feature a women’s health discussion each weekday during Women’s Health Week. Morning Focus airs from 9.00am to 12 noon.
THURSDAY 1 OCTOBER Let’s Talk Women’s Health: Periods, Menstrual Wellbeing and Cervical Screening Speaker: Professor Mary Ryan, Consultant Endocrinologist, Bon Secours Hospital, Limerick In this pre-recorded discussion, Professor Mary Ryan will provide clear and accessible information about periods, menstrual wellbeing and the importance of cervical screening.
FRIDAY 2 OCTOBER Putting the Science on the Plate: Nutrition for Women and Teenage Girls Speaker: Gráinne Travers, Registered Nutritionist Gráinne Travers will share straightforward, evidence-based advice on nutrition for women and teenage girls, including how food can support healthy bodies, strong hearts and active lives.
Tune In to the Discussions and Win As part of Women’s Health Week in Clare, tune in to Clare FM’s Morning Focus from Monday 28 September to Friday 2 October for your chance to win a nice prize. The lucky winner will receive a tailored women’s fitness programme at their local leisure centre, as well as lunch for two at a restaurant of their choice.