| Galway |
Galway BranchNetwork Ireland Galway is a vibrant branch of Network Ireland, established in 1990. This dynamic organisation has a diverse membership bringing together women from a range of sectors including the public and private sectors, entrepreneurs, employees, business, creative and STEM professionals . Our aim is to support women in their personal and professional development through a range of events and activities. So whether you are the owner of an established business, just starting your business or working for an employer Network Galway can help you to develop both personally and professionally. Behind every successful woman is a tribe of other successful women who have her back. Every month we host a combination of events which will be a mix of training, key note speakers, workshops as well as social opportunities to help you get to know and support other members while expanding your connections. Members can also avail of the national mentoring programme and attend events in any branch around the country. Our Galway branch strives to promote intrapreneurship, entrepreneurship, diversity and inclusion, sustainability, leadership development, connection and collaboration. The members of Network Ireland Galway are the most empowering tribe and if you are looking to expand your network, continue learning or wanting to connect with like-minded women and experts this is the forum for you. If you require any further information, please feel free to contact us on galway@networkireland.ie or galwaymembership@networkireland.ie. We look forward to meeting you at our upcoming events. Connect with our Branch:2025 Committee
Michelle Ryan
President
Wood Plc
Galway Branch President
Vice President Growth & DevelopmentWood Plc Michelle is the Vice President of Growth & Development with Wood Plc and as recently celebrated her 18th year with the company. With over 25 years' experience expanding into executive leadership roles Michelle is adept at driving successful strategy, reporting, development and execution. Michelle also has a large passion for innovation. Michelle joined Network Ireland Galway in January 2022 and later that year won the Employee - Shining Star businesswoman of the year award for the Network Ireland Galway branch and the following year she joined the Galway committee as Treasurer. Michelle says "It’s my absolute honour to be the 2025 President of Network Ireland Galway, when I joined in 2022 I knew there was something special about Network and I remember going online to pay my membership straight away. I can’t describe the value I get from my conversations and the connections with our members and of course for the many insightful events and speakers we have had during that time. In an ever changing world we have to keep on learning, keep on connecting and keep on being there for each other. I learn so much from their stories, their journeys in business and in life. Seeing you all thrive empowers me to want to do more, be better at what I do or maybe even take the courage to do something different in my own career or business. My theme for 2025 was inspired by my early career where I had the privilege to work with Dr. Maureen Gaffney. Maureen (a well known psychologist and TV personality)has written many books and one in particular that stood out to me was “Flourishing” so this year my theme will simply be “Flourishing”. I want each and every one of you to “Flourish” in 2025 and keep flourishing thereafter. I want to help you to grow, be successful and most importantly be happy, healthy and thriving in all aspects of your businesses and lives. With the help of my new committee I want to hold events that will touch on all of these things. One of my mottos is “I will do whatever it takes to get something done” and so this is my promise to you as your President of Network Galway is that I am only at the end of the phone if I can help you or find someone who can help you what whatever challenge you are having".
Sharon Kelly
Vice President
Stocktaking.ie powered by RGIS
Galway Branch Vice President
Business Development ManagerStocktaking.ie powered by RGIS Sharon is Business Development Manager with Stocktaking.ie powered by RGIS, a multinational company who are leading Inventory specialists, providing expert outsourced stocktaking, supply chain audits, asset management and merchandising services to multiple sectors including retail, industrial, automotive, aerospace and healthcare. Sharon works with some of Ireland’s top Retailers and Businesses across the Island of Ireland working with brands like Intersport Elverys, Skechers, Louis Copeland, Aero Engines, ESB, Diesel and symbol FMCG groups like Spar, Eurospar, Maxol and the Musgrave Group. Sharon is driven by a need to understand her customer, to really listen and actually hear what they say. Once heard Sharon will then exercise her dedication to accuracy and her commitment to excellence to deliver a quality service. Sharon's passion for sales, curiosity and loyalty have delivered her success in business, skills that continue to assist in her other most important role in life, being a Mum to five beautiful children. Sharon has long understood the power of networking and has been a member of Network Galway for five years, she joined the committee in 2024 and is Vice President for 2025
Asumpta Gallagher
Ex Officio
Best Practice
Galway Branch Ex Officio
OwnerBest Practice I am the Founder & Director of Best Practice. I joined Network Ireland Galway in February 2019 & have never looked back. I joined the committee the following year as Secretary for 2020 & 2021. In 2022, I was honoured to win a national Businesswoman of the Year Award as a Solo Businesswoman and in 2023, I became VP for our Branch. In 2024, I had the incredible privilege of leading our Galway Branch as President . I’m delighted to be on the National Executive Committee for 2025 as Branch Liaison Support and excited to be supporting three Network Ireland Branches, Roscommon, Kildare and Dublin for 2025.
Mairead McGhee
Treasurer
Makeup-By-Mairead
Galway Branch Treasurer
OwnerMakeup-By-Mairead I am a freelance Makeup Artist providing tailored made makeup looks along with offering makeup lessons & classes. I’m extremely passionate about empowering women providing them with the techniques, tips & tricks to feel good about themselves embodying the ethos of lifting all women up and celebrating their beauty .
Dorothy McDonagh
Newsletter Officer
SideKick Media
Galway Branch Newsletter Officer
OwnerSideKick Media Dorothy McDonagh is the founder of Sidekick Media, a data-driven, people-focused digital agency headquartered in Galway. With a career spanning more than 15 years, Dorothy is a passionate Digital Marketing Specialist who excels at crafting innovative strategies that help businesses thrive and grow their sales online. Based in Galway, Dorothy is currently in her third year as an active committee member with Network Galway and is an elected member of the Galway Chamber Council. With a Master’s Degree in Marketing from the University of Galway, she has helped many well-known businesses and brands succeed in the ever-evolving digital landscape. Her contributions to the field have been recognised with accolades such as 'Outstanding Achievement in Marketing Award 2024' and 'One to Watch in 2025.'
Ursula Kelly
Membership Officer
Cormac Tagging
Galway Branch Membership Officer
Managing DirectorCormac Tagging Ursula Kelly is the Managing Director of Cormac Tagging, an Irish company specialising in premium animal identification products. She has expanded Cormac Tagging in Ireland into a trusted name in animal traceability, Her current ambition is to expand into emerging markets where official animal identification and its systems are only in its infancy, leveraging Ireland’s reputation for excellence in animal traceability. Ursula is also a dedicated advocate for women in agriculture, currently serving as an Irish Ambassador for the European Horizon FLIARA project and she is also the AIB 2024 Network Ireland Established Businesswoman of the Year and a former board member of the Ag Tech Ireland.
Suzanne Ryan
Sponsorship & Events Officer
TBC - currently changing career
Galway Branch Sponsorship & Events Officer
Managing Director, Chairperson,Board Member and former Network Ireland Galway President for 2023 and ex Officio for 2024TBC - currently changing career Suzanne Ryan has had various roles with Network Ireland Galway and at National level within the organisation. She joined Network Ireland in early 2020 and has gone on to serve as Awards Coordinator, Vice President and Branch President in 2023. She sat on the National Executive as Branch Liaison in 2024. Suzanne has a background in both Business and Healthcare holding professional and academic qualifications in both. She has been at the helm of health-care transformation and innovation since 2000. She serves on the Advisory Board of the University of Galway J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics as well as Chair of SymPhysis Medical. She operates her own Strategic Consultancy Agency is based in Galway where she supports her five grown up children whilst living her best abundant life!
Mary Kavanagh
Social Media Officer
Create Real Estate
Galway Branch Social Media Officer
Commercial DirectorCreate Real Estate With a passion for the real estate industry that dates back to 2014, Mary has built a strong reputation for delivering exceptional customer service, market analysis, negotiation, and valuation expertise. Over the years, she has successfully managed and expanded a diverse portfolio of properties and businesses, consistently achieving outstanding results for her clients. In addition to her professional achievements, Mary is a social media officer committee member of Network Galway, where she helps foster connections and enhance engagement within the community.
Sharon Kelly
Awards Coordinator
Stocktaking.ie powered by RGIS
Galway Branch Awards Coordinator
Business Development ManagerStocktaking.ie powered by RGIS Sharon is Business Development Manager with Stocktaking.ie powered by RGIS, a multinational company who are leading Inventory specialists, providing expert outsourced stocktaking, supply chain audits, asset management and merchandising services to multiple sectors including retail, industrial, automotive, aerospace and healthcare. Sharon works with some of Ireland’s top Retailers and Businesses across the Island of Ireland working with brands like Intersport Elverys, Skechers, Louis Copeland, Aero Engines, ESB, Diesel and symbol FMCG groups like Spar, Eurospar, Maxol and the Musgrave Group. Sharon is driven by a need to understand her customer, to really listen and actually hear what they say. Once heard Sharon will then exercise her dedication to accuracy and her commitment to excellence to deliver a quality service. Sharon's passion for sales, curiosity and loyalty have delivered her success in business, skills that continue to assist in her other most important role in life, being a Mum to five beautiful children. Sharon has long understood the power of networking and has been a member of Network Galway for five years, she joined the committee in 2024 and is Vice President for 2025
Michelle Ryan
Website Officer
Wood Plc
Galway Branch Website Officer
Vice President Growth & DevelopmentWood Plc Michelle is the Vice President of Growth & Development with Wood Plc and as recently celebrated her 18th year with the company. With over 25 years' experience expanding into executive leadership roles Michelle is adept at driving successful strategy, reporting, development and execution. Michelle also has a large passion for innovation. Michelle joined Network Ireland Galway in January 2022 and later that year won the Employee - Shining Star businesswoman of the year award for the Network Ireland Galway branch and the following year she joined the Galway committee as Treasurer. Michelle says "It’s my absolute honour to be the 2025 President of Network Ireland Galway, when I joined in 2022 I knew there was something special about Network and I remember going online to pay my membership straight away. I can’t describe the value I get from my conversations and the connections with our members and of course for the many insightful events and speakers we have had during that time. In an ever changing world we have to keep on learning, keep on connecting and keep on being there for each other. I learn so much from their stories, their journeys in business and in life. Seeing you all thrive empowers me to want to do more, be better at what I do or maybe even take the courage to do something different in my own career or business. My theme for 2025 was inspired by my early career where I had the privilege to work with Dr. Maureen Gaffney. Maureen (a well known psychologist and TV personality)has written many books and one in particular that stood out to me was “Flourishing” so this year my theme will simply be “Flourishing”. I want each and every one of you to “Flourish” in 2025 and keep flourishing thereafter. I want to help you to grow, be successful and most importantly be happy, healthy and thriving in all aspects of your businesses and lives. With the help of my new committee I want to hold events that will touch on all of these things. One of my mottos is “I will do whatever it takes to get something done” and so this is my promise to you as your President of Network Galway is that I am only at the end of the phone if I can help you or find someone who can help you what whatever challenge you are having".
Mercy Kudakwashe
Vice President Designate
Miss Mercy Makeup Artistry,
Galway Branch Vice President Designate
OwnerMiss Mercy Makeup Artistry, I am the founder of Miss Mercy Makeup Artistry, a multi-award-winning makeup Artist and certified ITEC Makeup Teacher Trainer with over 15 years of experience and have taught hundreds of women how to do their own makeup. Former Studio Manager for Bobbi Brown Cosmetics in Brown Thomas for 8 years, I specialise in Bridal and Beauty makeup. My work has been featured in publications such as the Irish Times, The Connacht Tribune, TG4, and Galway Now magazine. Advertising campaigns for renowned brands including SKY, Visa, Niquitin, Wella, G Hotel, Glenlo Abbey to mention a few. I offer Group Makeup Masterclasses and 1-1 Lessons, and I am available for Weddings, Film/TV, Special Effects, Videos, Fashion Shows, and Photoshoots.
Hazel Curran
Member Liasion
Amzel Ltd.
Galway Branch Member Liasion
OwnerAmzel Ltd. Hazel Curran is the owner and operator of Amzel Ltd, a successful childcare company based in Galway. With over 20 years of experience in the childcare industry, Hazel has managed and grown the business for 17 years. Drawing on her strong family business background, she has developed a strategic vision for Amzel Ltd, ensuring its continued success and future growth. Hazel’s expertise and dedication have established her as a leader in the childcare sector. |