National Women’s Council of Ireland announce appointment of Susan McKay as new Director

Published: Thursday, March 26, 2009

The National Women's Council of Ireland is very pleased to announce the appointment of Susan McKay as Director.

Susan is one of Ireland's best known journalists and commentators. She has won several major awards for her writing, including an Amnesty award for an investigation into the effects of domestic violence on children.

Her most recent book is the critically acclaimed "Bear in Mind These Dead", a study of the aftermath of the Northern conflict those bereaved. Her books also include "Sophia's Story", a biography of child abuse survivor, Sophia McColgan, and "Northern Protestants - An Unsettled People".

She is a regular contributor to the Irish Times and a columnist with the Irish News and also regularly works with RTE, the BBC.

Susan replaces Dr Joanna McMinn, who retired as NWCI Director, in March 2009.

Before becoming a writer, Susan worked in the community and voluntary sector. She was a one of the founders of the Belfast Rape Crisis Centre and worked there for several years. She frequently chairs and speaks at conferences and seminars on the North and on social issues, particularly women's rights.

Susan will begin her new appointment in May 2009.

The NWCI represents 165 women's groups and organisations. It is a social partner and is involved in several leading international bodies.