First Ever Gradam Bean na Mara presented to Marie Gleeson for her leadership, resilience and innovation in the marine sector

A sold out Mná na Mara celebration took place at Galway Chamber on Friday 4 September, after the event’s success last year in the Conamara Coast Hotel. For the second year, the event celebrated the women shaping Ireland’s marine sector, across research, enterprise, heritage and innovation, many of whom are leading some of the country’s top marine organisations. It forms part of Údarás na Gaeltachta’s ongoing work to support enterprise, culture and community development in the Gaeltacht. 

The afternoon included the presentation of a new award recognising Marie Gleeson, author of Be Like the Sea, who has made a significant contribution to the sector. It is the first in what is intended to be an annual honour.

The event featured an informal conversation and book signing with award winner Marie Gleeson on her book Be Like the Sea, followed by a screening of the documentary Women from the Sea / Mulheres do Mar and a Q&A afterwards. The film featured some of Ireland’s own stars of the sea, including Vera Quinlan and her daughter Lilian Quinlan Owens, who wrote the music for the film, along with Catherine McCann and many more women shaping the marine world.

Tomás Ó Síocháin, Chief Executive of Údarás na Gaeltachta, said:
“Mná na Mara was designed to shine a light on the vital role women play in the marine sector, with many leading Ireland’s top marine organisations. From Nua Mara, which supports research, development and innovation to the Gaeltacht communities who have looked to the sea as their livelihood for generations, this event is strongly rooted in the Gaeltacht but its reach is global, connecting local knowledge and tradition with the international blue economy.

We are proud to support an event for everyone with a connection to the sea, whether that connection was forged on the Conamara coastline or on the other side of the world.”

Marie Gleeson said:
“I truly felt like an imposter, as I approached the stage to deliver the opening keynote at the first Mná na Mara in Conamara in 2025, as a farmer’s daughter from Tipperary. When I finished, the reaction taught me there is no imposter syndrome, just our own imposter thoughts, and they are usually very wide of the mark. I am honoured to be part of another Mná na Mara in Galway, and to be recognised with this award.”

Lilian Quinlan Owens, composer for Women of the Sea, said:

“Growing up beside the sea, I’ve always felt the rhythm and energy of it. Creating the music for Women from the Sea gave me a chance to express that connection, drawing on my experiences sailing across the Atlantic with my family. It’s really special to share the film and this experience with my mum. I’m delighted to be part of Mná na Mara and to see those stories celebrated.” 

Gradam Bean na Mara
The Woman of the Sea Award

Gradam Bean na Mara was established as an annual award to honour the women whose work sustains our coastal and marine communities, whose contribution has often gone unrecognised. This award was created to make those women visible, and to light the way for young girls growing up along the coast.

It is fitting that the inaugural Gradam Bean na Mara was presented to Marie Gleeson, whose life has been dedicated to the sea and to the service of those who depend on it. From her years in the Naval Service to her leadership today on the boards of Bord Iascaigh Mhara and the Marine Institute, she has spent her career at the helm, charting the course of Ireland’s marine sector and paving the way for the women who will follow her.