Dairy Women Ireland: Even the most confident women on Irish farms have doubts
(Left to right) Maria Walsh MEP, Fiona O'Donnell, and Cynthia Ní Mhurchú MEP, at the Dairy Women Ireland event this week in Charleville, Cork. 'You have women on farms that have always farmed all their life, and their visibility is just not there.'
When Fiona O’Donnell left her high-flying banking career to farm in partnership with her husband, she brought years of business savvy, a background in dairy — and an unexpected sense of self-doubt.
“I think every woman does,” she said, reflecting on the challenge of "imposter syndrome" that continues to plague even the most capable hands in Irish agriculture. Despite record numbers of women actively managing Irish farms, many still struggle for recognition and equal representation within the agricultural sector.
At the recent Dairy Women Ireland conference, new president Fiona O’Donnell spoke candidly about her experience of that creeping sense of self-doubt she and others face — even at the highest levels of achievement. Despite significant progress in making sure women’s contributions are seen and valued throughout rural Ireland, her remarks shine a spotlight on the work yet to be done.
Ms O'Donnell farms with her husband, Eddie, in Co Tipperary. As a former credit analyst with AIB, holding a Master's Degree in Agricultural Extension and Innovation from UCD and a background growing up on a dairy farm, she brings bucketfuls of business acumen and a solid awareness of the practicalities of modern farming.
Combined with the recognition of her peers, who have just elected her as the organisation's new president, it makes her confession all the more surprising to hear.
"I think every woman has self-doubt," she told the . "You can see it in other people and tell them they’re great, but for yourself, there’s always that little voice in the back of your head going, ‘Oh, yeah?’"
It was something she said Eddie had helped her to overcome.
"During moments of imposter syndrome, he’d say to me, ‘Don’t be daft. You know you can do anything.’ And my mother always said, ‘You can do anything you put your mind to'. That stuck in my head, but looking back with a bit of maturity I notice she lacks the same confidence in herself."
Ms O'Donnell spoke of the importance of having groups like Dairy Women Ireland to foster confidence in young women in the industry.
"You have women on farms that have always farmed all their life, and their visibility is just not there.
She explained that the groups offer a "safe space" for farming women.
"It’s the support, it’s the feeling that you’re not alone that groups like Dairy Women Ireland provide — that reassurance. Sometimes you just need someone to verify what you're thinking, or back you up or, so you know you’re not going mad.
"It's somewhere to talk about things you perhaps can’t talk about with someone who’s not on a farm because they just don't understand the realities of it. Nothing leaves the rooms; it’s that code where you don’t speak about the club outside the club," she laughed, explaining the importance of having a group of like-minded women who understand exactly what you are facing on farm.
"There’s an unspoken thing; they celebrate their successes, share their pains, and it’s just, it’s a totally separate language in a way to those who are not farming."
Ms O'Donnell stressed that a lot of the main challenges of the industry affect both men and women.
"It’s the uncertainty; the derogation, prices... those things coming down the tracks — they can see livelihoods being wiped out. The only thing certain at the moment is uncertainty," she said, adding that the groups give women a place to have their views heard without being judged.
"It’s changing, and it’s all positive. Women are getting their place, being heard, being valued, and being included more in decision-making. The movement is so positive."
The conference, which took place at the Charleville Park Hotel, Cork, on Friday, November 21, included keynote addresses from MEPs Cynthia Ní Mhurchú and Maria Walsh, who both spoke of the importance of women finding their voice and making it heard.
Breakout sessions covered a wide range of topics, from juggling personal life and farming to managing lameness, sire selection, and business management.
But perhaps one of the most salient messages came from the final panel with the key message that no success is possible without first overcoming setbacks.
The session facilitated by IFA deputy president Alice Doyle, included Donegal entrepreneur Shannon Porter, Kerry dairy and beef farmer Imelda Kinsella and Blarney dairy farmer Katherine O'Leary, in which the three women shared their personal experiences of building resilience.
