Clodagh Finn: An advent calendar of women to celebrate

Here's a brief introduction to 24 women from the ancient to recent past who will inspire you

Maura Wallace, Geraldine Horgan, and Angela Stout on Saint Patrick's Street in Cork. On July 18, 1979, they made history when they became the first female bus conductors in Ireland.

Can I interest you in an advent calendar with a difference? But first, a warning; it’s a DIY-version and like the best flat-pack bundles, some of the material is missing. You’ll have to supply the mounting and the flapped cardboard windows yourself.

There won’t be any daily chocolates, Match Attax or Clarins treats either, alas, just a brief introduction to 24 women from the ancient to recent past who, hopefully, will enlighten, challenge and inspire you to find out more about them in the days running up to Christmas.