Activist Natasha guest speaker at Carlow talk

CARLOW is set to welcome Limerick-based activist Natasha O’Brien tomorrow evening, Wednesday 26 March, at 7.30pm in the Community House, Haymarket.

The talk marks the fourth instalment in the Carlow Union of Parishes Lenten Series, led by Rev Paul Fitzpatrick, who encourages everyone to attend. He believes Natasha’s story will provide “hope and encouragement to many”, highlighting her dedication to campaigning for victims and survivors of gender-based violence.

“We are privileged to have Natasha … who is to the fore nationally in campaigning for victims and survivors of gender-based violence,” said Rev Fitzpatrick.

Natasha’s advocacy is rooted in personal experience: on 29 May 2022, she was violently assaulted on O’Connell Street in Limerick by then 22-year-old soldier Cathal Crotty. According to court records, the attack occurred after she urged Crotty to stop shouting homophobic slurs.

She sustained severe injuries, including concussion and a broken nose, while Crotty initially received a suspended sentence. Following an appeal by the DPP, he is now serving a two-year prison term.

In a recent media interview, Natasha emphasised that she prefers to be viewed as a human rights activist, stating that violence “doesn’t discriminate”. Despite being recognised nationally for speaking out on gender-based violence, she underlines the importance of addressing violence in all its forms and supporting every individual who experiences it. 

Tomorrow’s talk will be followed by an open question-and-answer session, giving attendees a chance to learn more about her perspective on shaping fairer legal processes and fostering solidarity with survivors. Rev Fitzpatrick says everyone is welcome, adding that Natasha’s presence will serve as a vital resource for Carlow, sparking conversations about justice, empathy and resilience. He hopes the gathering will shed further light on the challenges faced by survivors, and perhaps inspire more collective efforts to support them.