Dairy Women Ireland: Even the most confident women on Irish farms have doubts

The conference 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

(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.