Niall O’Keeffe, judge and Head of Enterprise at LEO Cork City; Network Ireland Cork President Susana Marambio; Lord Mayor Cllr Kieran McCarthy; Awards Coordinator and Vice President Cathy Fitzgibbon and Audrey Houlihan, judge and Branch Manager at AIB Blackpool, at the launch of the Network Cork Businesswoman of the Year Awards. Photo: Gerard McCarthy

‘Their achievements deserve to be celebrated’

Niamh Aine Ryan

Published: Thu 23 May 2024, 9:02 AM

Last updated: Thu 23 May 2024, 9:11 AM

Tonight’s the night we will find out who the winners are of this year’s Businesswoman of the Year Awards.

Network Cork’s Annual Dinner and Businesswoman of the Year Awards celebrates the achievements of Cork businesswomen across multiple sectors and industries, from start-ups to established businesses and from entrepreneurs to organizational changemakers.

45 women from across Cork have been recognised for their professional achievements across eight different award categories, with the winners of each category to be announced during the group’s annual black-tie dinner taking place tonight, 23 May, in Vienna Woods Hotel.

The event will be hosted by Anna Daly, a multi-award winning TV anchor and presenter and founder of slow fashion brand Little Bliss, with a special address from guest speaker Minister Michael McGrath and Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr Kieran McCarthy.

Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr Kieran McCarthy said: “The Cork branch of Network Ireland plays a crucial role in supporting women in their careers and the annual awards ceremony is a significant event in celebrating and recognizing the achievements of women in business.

“These women are not only driving innovation and growth in Cork's business community but also inspiring future generations of entrepreneurs and businesswomen. Their achievements deserve to be celebrated, and I congratulate each finalist on this well-deserved recognition."

President of Network Cork, Susana Marambio extended her congratulations to this year’s finalists. “We’re delighted to celebrate these inspiring women! Representing the vast array of businesses and industries within Network Cork, they shine as examples of ambition, innovation, and dedication.

“Their stories will undoubtedly inspire not only the next generation, but all women in business. We invite the entire business community to join us as we celebrate their remarkable achievements.”

The highlight of the evening will be the awards ceremony which recognises the achievements of all the finalists and presents awards to one worthy winner in a number of categories.

The President’s Award will be presented to one worthy winner on the night. This special award acknowledges the work of one exceptional individual outside of Network Cork who embodies the spirit of the Network and who has inspired other members.

The winners in each category were determined by the judging panel made up Evelyn Moynihan, CEO of Kilkenny Group, Audrey Houlihan, Branch Manager at AIB Blackpool, and Niall O’Keeffe, Head of Enterprise at LEO Cork City.

Network Cork Awards Coordinator, Cathy Fitzgibbon - who was the recipient of the Solo Businesswoman award in 2022 - spoke of the exceptional talent and innovation within Cork's business community.

She said: "As we embark on this exciting journey of announcing the exceptional women, who will be finalists at the Network Ireland Cork's Businesswoman of the Year Awards 2024, 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."

Categories and finalists

Emerging Businesswoman, sponsored by Occupational Health Solutions

·Elaine Keohane, Ellie Tasks

·Paula McGovern, Wizard & Grace Wellbeing Candles

·Emily Murphy, The Mindset Mechanic

·Terri O’Callaghan, Decluttered by Terri

·Denise O’Gorman, Remedy Credit Control Solutions

·Dara O’Shea, RHEA

Established Businesswoman, sponsored by Hegarty Properties

·Liz Gavin, NuaFund

·Sinead Lucey, 9 White Deer Brewery

·Johanna Murphy, Johanna Murphy Auctioneer

·Karen O’Reilly, EmployFlex & EmployMum

Solo Businesswoman, sponsored by Up She Rises

·Maria Gies, Craniosacral Therapist Maria Gies

·Louise Kane Buckley, Loula Natural

·Maura Mackey, Maura Mackey Design

·Orla McAndrew, Orla McAndrew Food

·Tracy McCarthy, Naturally Balanced

·Sonya McWhinney, Kbamboo

STEM Professional, sponsored by Kneat Solutions

·Therese Deane, MACOM Technology Solutions

·Patricia Macropoulos, Access Laboratories

·Siobhán O’Leary, SOL

Learning

Creative Professional, sponsored by Maura Mackey Design

·Chani Anderson, Captures by Chani

·Celina Buckley, Artist, Author & Illustrator

·Fiona Kennedy, Fiona Kennedy Music

·Stef McSherry, Kinderama

·Suzanne O’Sullivan, Glass Artist

·Kim Whyte, Pawpear

Employee Rising Star, sponsored by Celtic Ross Hotel

·Loes Dallinga, Partnership International

·Lorna Horgan, Cork’s 96FM & C103

·Hazel Johnston, Johnson & Johnson MedTech

·Laura Noonan, Cork Opera House

· Mary O’Riordan, DePuy Synthes

·Deborah Od eworitse Oniah, Saoirse Ethnic Hands on Deck

Employee Shining Star, sponsored by Avenues Consultancy & Coaching

·Vanessa Cole, Fuzion Communications

·Divya Ravindra Deonalli, Johnson & Johnson MedTech, Depuy Synthes

·Dr Siobhán Lucey, University College Cork

·Isobel McCrum, Trelix

·Michelle Russell, Spike Island

Networker of the Year, sponsored by HerMoney

·Marion Courtney, Griffith College Cork

·Louise Kane Buckley, Nuala Natural

· Dr Siobhán Lucey, University College Cork