Ann Louise Gilligan
Ann Louise Gilligan was an influential figure in the Irish LGBTQ+ rights movement, best known for her partnership with Katherine Zappone. Together, they fought for marriage equality in Ireland, contesting the legal recognition of same-sex relationships before the landmark referendum in 2015. Gilligan's commitment to social justice and her activism have left a lasting impact on both the LGBTQ+ community and the broader landscape of equality in Ireland.
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Recent news mentions
Dunne presided over a significant case involving Ann-Louise Gilligan and her partner Katherine Zappone.
‘Calm, thoughtful’ Supreme Court judge retires, creating one of two pending vacancies – The Irish Times
Ireland· 2026-02-20
Ann Louise Gilligan was Katherine Zappone's late wife who passed away in June 2017.
‘I didn’t really realise how crazy you can become with grief’ – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-09-28
Ann Louise Gilligan's legal battle for marriage equality was a significant catalyst for the marriage equality campaign in Ireland.
first same-sex couple to marry in Ireland say marriage equality ‘isn’t finished’ – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-05-23
Ann Louise Gilligan was a theologian and the late wife of Katherine Zappone, who together campaigned for marriage equality in Ireland.
‘I burst out crying on referendum results day. I realised how exhausted and scared I had been’ – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-05-23
Ann Louise Gilligan, alongside Katherine Zappone, made the case in courts for same-sex couples' rights.
A boy sees us hold hands and says ‘I f***ing hate gay people’ – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-05-19