Many talents showcased at Network Cork awards
You didn’t have to look too hard or far last Thursday night so see some very stylish women in Vienna Woods for the Network Cork Business Awards but as the MC Anna Daly pointed out the night was about much more than that.
It was night of celebrating the hard work by its members over the past few years as well as making new connections and hatching new business plans.
There were businesswomen from an array of fields showcasing the talents from across Cork city and county from wellness to STEM to finance to health and more.
On the night, the overall winners of the Businesswoman of the Year Awards 2024 were announced across eight categories:
• Dara O’ Shea, RHEA, Emerging Businesswoman sponsored by Occupational Health Solutions
•Elizabeth Gavin, NuaFund, Established Businesswoman sponsored by Hegarty Properties
• Orla McAndrew, Orla McAndrew Food, Solo Businesswoman sponsored by Up She Rises
• Patricia Macropoulos, Access Laboratories, STEM Professional sponsored by Kneat Solutions
• Stef McSherry, Kinderama, Creative Professional sponsored by Maura Mackey Design
• Lorna Horgan, Cork's 96FM & C103, Employee Rising Star sponsored by Celtic Ross Hotel
• Siobhán Lucey, University College Cork, Employee Shining Star sponsored by Avenues Consultancy & Coaching
• Maura Mackey, Maura Mackey Design Networker of the Year sponsored by HerMoney
The winners were chosen from multiple sectors and industries, from start-ups to established businesses and from entrepreneurs to organisational changemakers. The celebratory event is an annual opportunity to celebrate the achievements of Cork businesswomen.
Forty-five women from across Cork city and county were shortlisted for the awards across eight different award categories, based on the calibre of their professional achievement. The winners in each category were determined by a judging panel comprised of business experts including Evelyn Moynihan, CEO, Kilkenny Group; Audrey Houlihan, Branch Manager at AIB Blackpool; and Dr Niall O’Keeffe, Head of Enterprise at LEO Cork City. The President’s Award was also presented to Elaine Duggan of the Echo.
Speaking at the ceremony, Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr Kieran McCarthy stressed the importance of this annual event. “To see such an impressive line-up of finalists for the 2024 Network Ireland Cork Awards is truly spectacular. Network Cork plays a vital role in supporting women in their careers and businesses, and this annual awards ceremony is a significant event that celebrates and recognises the remarkable achievements of professionals across Cork city and county.
“These leaders are driving innovation and growth within Cork’s business community while also inspiring future generations of entrepreneurs and business leaders. Their accomplishments are worthy of celebration. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to not only the winners but also each finalist for this well-deserved recognition.”
President of Network Cork, Susana Marambio extended her congratulations to this year’s winners and shared her pride in showcasing the achievements of Cork women in business. “We’re immensely proud to celebrate our outstanding winner. Their achievements reflect the ambition, innovation, and determination that define our community. Their stories will undoubtedly inspire not only the next generation, but all women in business. Let's continue to support and uplift one another as we celebrate their exceptional accomplishments.”
Network Cork Awards Co-Ordinator and 2022 recipient of the Solo Businesswoman award, Cathy Fitzgibbon spoke of the exceptional talent and innovation within Cork's business community. “Each year at the Businesswoman of the Year awards, we are reminded of the incredible talent, dedication and innovation that define our business community here in Cork. With each nominee, we witness the embodiment of perseverance and excellence, shaping the landscape of entrepreneurship and leadership.”
To learn more about Network Cork visit networkireland.ie/cork.