Firsts For Irish Women: They Led the Way (In a Nutshell Heroes )

Catherine Hayes, Ireland's first female opera singer, who was adored the world over.

Eleanora Fleury, first women in Ireland to qualify as a doctor, was also Ireland's first female psychiatrist.

Lilian Bland built her own biplane and took to the skies, becoming Ireland's first woman pilot.

Eileen Kennedy, Ireland's first female judge, headed a groundbreaking investigation into abuse in reformatory schools.

Brenda Fricker was the first Irish woman to win an Oscar and Mary Robinson, youngest ever professor of law in Ireland, became Ireland's first female president.

Against the odds, the managed to succeed and shine. The Led the way.