The Story of Ireland's Only Steeplejill

By Angela Collins O'Mahony

Angela Collins O'Mahony came from a small farming background and originally worked as a secretary for a steeplejack company. One day she was sent to a site to deliver materials and, when she couldn't attract the men's attention, she climbed up to the top of the chimney stack to tell the steeplejack's that their materials were there. With that Angela's life-long passion for climbing was born. She went on to establish her own business, which eventually employed 62 people and allowed her to work with a major American company. Even when she was the Managing Director, Angela still scaled 300-foot high church spires to replace blown-off crosses, and 600-foot industrial chimney stacks. 'Steeplejill' is the remarkable story of this remarkable woman.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Mercier Press
• Release date: Aug 19, 2016
• ISBN: 9781781174470

Angela Collins O'Mahony

Angela Collins O'Mahony is originally from Kilkishen, Co. Clare. Her work with Collins Steeplejacks, Essco Collins Ltd and The Clonlara Golf and Leisure Company led to her being awarded the first ever Veuve Cliquot Business Woman of the Year Award, the Bowmaker Award for Irish Industry and an honorary doctorate bestowed by HETAC. She has now retired and the company, based in Ardnacrusha, Co. Clare, is run by her son, John, and daughter, Susan – Ireland's second female steeplejack!