Soroptimist International Galway
Chain of office and gavel
Soroptimist International of Galway was established in 1956. Soroptimist International is a global volunteer movement of women, who work together to transform the lives of their communities at local, national and international level, and who strive to educate, empower and enable women and girls to reach their full potential. Soroptimist clubs exist in more than one hundred and twenty countries worldwide. Their members are involved in projects geared towards ending poverty, eradicating abuse and hunger, providing education for all, achieving gender balance and protecting the environment.
The word “Soroptimist” is derived from the two Latin words: ‘soror’ meaning sister, and ‘optima’ meaning best. We therefore interpret Soroptimist as “the best of sisters”.
The founding president of SI Galway was Laura Cunniffe, who served from 1956 to 1960.
Thereafter president and committee were elected on an annual basis. The names of the serving presidents appear on the chain of office.
Soroptimist International Galway Presidents 1956 – 2005
1956 – 1960 Laura Cunniffe
1960 – 1961 Evelyn Tully
1961 – 1963 E. Naughton
1963 – 1965 M. Kenny
1965 – 1967 K. Lydon Moore
1967 – 1969 M. Bailey
1969 – 1970 Moira Reidy
1970 – 1971 Mary T. Molloy
1971 – 1973 Mai Craddock
1973 – 1974 Clare Porter
1974 – 1975 Esther Fottrell
1975 – 1976 Finola O’Beirn
1976 – 1978 Dolores Glynn
1978 – 1979 Julie Fives
1979 – 1981 Una Fleming
1981 – 1982 Patricia Flynn
1982 – 1983 Kathleen Toolan
1983 – 1984 Maura Hynes
1984 – 1985 Dolores Glynn
1985 – 1986 Clare Porter
1986 – Mary Hayes
1986 – 1988 Treasa Moore
1988 – 1989 Phil Keys
1989 – 1990 Imelda Greaney
1990 – 1991 Patricia Flynn
1991 – 1992 Marie O’Callaghan
1992 – 1993 Eilish Campbell
1993 – 1994 Máire O’Connell
1994 – 1995 Maureen Harewood
1995 – 1997 Ann Mitchell
1997 – 1998 Mary Bluett
1998 – 1999 Anna Farrell
1999 – 2000 Geraldine Nolan
2000 – 2001 Ann Mitchell
2001 – 2002 Maeve Moriarty / Siobhán Sciascia
2002 – 2003 Patricia Flynn
2003 – 2004 Mary Bluett
2004 – 2005 Carmel Garrett
In 2005, SI Galway found itself unable to continue as a fully functioning club and closed.
