Kathy Donaghy: We’ve come so far, and yet nowhere at all, in fighting violence against women

Natasha O’Brien was viciously assaulted on a street in Limerick city by soldier Cathal Crotty, who received a three-year suspended sentence. Photo: Brian Arthur

Kathy Donaghy

There are times when it feels as if we are living in two very different Irelands: in one, our young women are enveloped in a wave of positivity, while in the other they’re left desolate by violence.

The heart-warming scenes at the Aviva stadium last weekend when thous­ands of mainly young – and some not so young – women were inspired to embrace their individuality and pursue their dreams by superstar singer Taylor Swift spread like a wave.