Eilís Walsh
Emma Langford and Ann Blake are joined by Eilís Walsh, a graduate of MSc in Marketing, Consumption and Society. Walsh is a blogger, photographer, and burgeoning social media marketer from Co. Kilkenny, now living in Limerick. She is one of three project leaders of The Night Doesn’t Belong To Us, alongside Maria McSweeney and Julie McLoughlin.
In the wake of tragic events of the last few years, The Night Doesn’t Belong To Us emerges as a timely and vital project, addressing the concerns and experiences of women navigating the streets of Limerick after dark. Born from a pre-pandemic idea, the project took root during lockdowns, with its full realization delayed due to necessary restrictions. Initiated by Walsh, who has an interest in photojournalism, and sparked by a prior project delving into men’s mental health, The Night Doesn’t Belong To Us pivots to shed light on the unease felt by women during nighttime activities in Limerick. The project gained momentum following the tragic murders of Ashling Murphy and Urantsetseg Tserendorj, reinforcing the need to confront and discuss women’s safety in public spaces.
Collaborating with artist Maria McSweeney, the project aims to amplify the voices of women from diverse backgrounds and age groups living in Limerick. Through a comprehensive survey distributed on social media, the team, with invaluable assistance from William O’Neill of the People’s Museum of Limerick, received over 150 responses detailing locations and activities that evoke feelings of vulnerability and danger.
As The Night Doesn’t Belong To Us continues to unfold, the project seeks further engagement from members of Trans Limerick Community and the 65+ age group, aiming to enrich the narrative and reflect the diversity of experiences within the community. An exhibition is scheduled for the summer of 2024.
In July 2024, the People’s Museum hosted an exhibition based on the project, a photographic exploration of women’s safety at night in Limerick city.
You can find ‘The Night Doesn’t Belong To Us’ on Instagram here.
You can listen to the Limerick Lady Podcast episode #60 here.
The Limerick Lady is a grassroots movement based in Limerick, Ireland, with a focus on promoting conversation around gender, visibility, gender balance, and the arts. It was founded in 2016 by award-winning (and -losing) singer-songwriter Emma Langford, who hosts the podcast alongside fellow award-winning (and -losing) Limerick woman, theatre-maker, and musician Ann Blake. The Limerick Lady is sponsored by Ormston House and supported by The Limerick Post Newspaper.
Image courtesy of the Limerick Lady Podcast.