Lady on the bridge - Barriers aweigh

THIS is quite a month for firsts — Barack Obama in the White House, the All Blacks in Croke Park today and the first female commander of an Irish navy vessel.

Yesterday, Roberta O’Brien made history when she assumed command of the LÉ Aisling.

“It is fantastic to make history. It is the dream of everybody to take command of a ship,” Roberta said.

Lieutenant Commander O’Brien is another indication of our changing world and, in the face of such developments, it is appropriate to remember that just over 30 years ago women were forced to resign from the civil service as soon as they married.

It is appropriate too to remember the discrimination still endured by so many women in so many countries.