Rosie Foley joins Killaloe students to launch Women’s Health Week - Clare Echo

FORMER Ireland rugby international Rosie Foley has launched Women’s Health Week 2026 in Clare alongside students and teachers at St Anne’s Community College in Killaloe.

*(L-R): Rosie Foley, Women’s Health Week Ambassador, former Irish Rugby international, and open water swimmer; Joan Tarmey, Healthy Ireland Co-ordinator, Clare County Council; Jessica O’Keefe, Clare Sports Partnership; Cllr Joe Killeen, Cathaoirleach, Clare County Council; Ruby O’Donovan and Lauren Lynch, Transition Year Students at St Anne’s Community College, Killaloe. Credit: Eamon Ward

Women’s Health Week takes place from Monday, September 28 to Sunday, October 4, with a programme of events planned across Clare under this year’s theme, ‘Strong at Every Age – Strong Bones. Strong Hearts. Strong Minds.’

The initiative is led by Clare County Council and delivered in partnership with Clare Local Sports Partnership, the HSE and Tusla.

A dedicated schools programme for teenage girls will take place in secondary schools across Clare during the week, focusing on menstrual health, self-confidence and mental wellbeing.

Community events for adult women will cover areas including bone and cardiovascular health, nutrition, exercise, strength training and healthy ageing.

The week will also feature a series of discussions on Clare FM’s Morning Focus, with expert contributors discussing different aspects of women’s health.

Women’s Health Week Ambassador Rosie Foley, who is also an open water swimmer, said: “I am proud to support Women’s Health Week and the ‘Strong at Every Age’ message, which encourages women to prioritise their health and wellbeing.

“It was a pleasure to be joined by students and teachers at St Anne’s Community College, Killaloe, in launching this year’s programme.

“Young people play an important role in promoting positive health messages, and I encourage women across Clare to take part in the events and invest in their health and wellbeing.”

Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council Cllr Joe Killeen (FF) said the range of events reflected a commitment to supporting healthier communities and ensuring women of all ages had access to information and opportunities to improve their wellbeing.

Healthy Ireland Coordinator with Clare County Council Joan Tarmey said Women’s Health Week provided an opportunity to highlight the importance of looking after health at every age and stage of life.

Acting CEO of Clare Local Sports Partnership Pat Sexton said sport and physical activity could support physical health, mental wellbeing and community connections.

He encouraged women across Clare to avail of the free events, which are sponsored by Clare County Council and Healthy Ireland.

Chairperson of the Healthy Clare Working Group and HSE Senior Health Promotion and Improvement Officer Mary McMahon said the week provided a platform for promoting positive health messages and helping women make informed choices about their wellbeing.

The full programme of Women’s Health Week 2026 events in Clare is available at clarecoco.ie/womenshealth.

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