Natasha O'Brien awarded Goss.ie Woman of the Year 2024 title

NATASHA O’Brien has been announced as the Goss.ie Woman of the Year 2024. 

Limerick native and activist for women’s rights, Natasha said “she still can’t wrap her head around” that she was awarded the title of special recognition at the third annual ceremony of the Goss.ie awards.

In her acceptance speech upon receiving the award, Natasha said: “I don’t feel like this is for me, this woman of the year, this is not me. I feel like I’m merely a vessel. I’m merely just a voice for so many women, all women.

“I’m trying to put myself forward and say what needs to be said and push those boundaries and push for evolution and change, because we all deserve it.”

Former Defence Forces private Cathal Crotty, was handed a three year suspended sentence for an ‘unprovoked and vicious assault’ on Natasha in a pub in Limerick city two years ago. Crotty was discharged from the Irish army on July 11, 2024.

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There was public outcry following the sentencing, including protests nationwide in Limerick, Dublin, Galway and Cork as well as thousands showing their support online. 

Goss.ie founder and CEO Alexandra Ryan spoke upon Natasha being awarded Woman of the Year 2024. 

Thanking Natasha, Alexandra said: “hundreds and thousands of people in Ireland took to the streets and marched in her [Natasha’s] name, demanding better from our justice system, better from our government, and better from men.

“Her case highlighted the many wrongs in our society, specifically focused on how a woman’s safety seems to come secondary to a man’s career. Over the last year Natasha has continued to use her platform, her voice, to demand better, to force us all to accept the reality women live in today. 

“Women’s lives are more important than a man’s job, than a man’s reputation, while many in society still don’t believe this, she is continuing to remind us that this issue must be tackled in order for women in this country to be believed, to be understood, and to overall… be safe.”

People flocked to the comments to congratulate Natasha, saying: “Amazing young lady, congratulations”, and “well done, an amazing and worthy winner”.

Natasha herself took to Instagram to share snaps from across the day, Saturday, October 5, to say “an incredible day, filled with outstanding women”.