Naomi Overend

Naomi Overend (19 August 1900 – 24 October 1993) was an Irish philanthropist, filmmaker and motor enthusiast.

Early life and family Naomi Overend was born at Airfield House, Dundrum, Dublin on 19 August 1900. She was the youngest daughter of a solicitor, Trevor Overend and Bessie Anna "Lily" Overend (née Butler). She had two older sisters, Letitia born in 1880, and Constance born in 1894 who died in infancy. Initially Overend was educated at home by a governess, then went on to Alexandra College, Dublin.

The Irish Film Archive in Dublin currently holds the Overend film collection, containing 38 films (some of which are promotional material not filmed by the sisters). The University of East Anglia has included Naomi and Letitia Overend as part of their 'Women in Focus' project, which highlights female filmmakers within archives.

Motoring Along with her older sister, Overend was a motor car enthusiast. In 1936 her mother gave her an Austin 18 Tickford which she kept for the rest of her life, and a car that became well known around Dundrum and Dublin. Both sisters were members of the Irish Veteran and Vintage Car Club and the Leinster Motor Club. Overend developed an interest in cattle breeding at Airfield, particularly Jersey cattle. Her cattle were regular winners at the Royal Dublin Society annual spring show, with the cattle being recognisable by their Gilbert and Sullivan inspired names. Alongside her sister, Overend established the Airfield Trust to care for the farm and house, initially known as The Dromartin Trust. The Airfield Estate archive, including Overend papers, from 1805 to 2001 is housed at the OPW-Maynooth University Archive and Research Centre at Castletown House.