Network Ireland Cork Branch is a non-profit, voluntary organisation which supports the professional and personal development of women. It provides a forum in which women can develop professional and personal contacts to ensure that their contribution
and influence is recognised as a vital force in business and in society. Of the branch network of members around the country, Cork has the largest membership base. Network Cork’s membership includes both entrepreneurs and employees, SME owners
and professionals, leaders in indigenous and multinational organisations, non-profits, the arts and public sector.
This dynamic branch has a strong voice and is interested in promoting diversity and equality, entrepreneurship and leadership development. The Cork branch maintains a very high level of engagement with members and a super line-up of monthly events,
annual awards, barbecue and Christmas party. Topics and event speakers are selected to appeal across the diverse membership. Members can also avail of the national mentoring programme and attend events in any branch within the country.
AIB is the official partner for Network Ireland and Network Cork is also supported by LEO Cork City.
Network Ireland is a signatory of Diversity Charter Ireland.
For more information contact the Network Cork branch secretary at cork@networkireland.ie or corkmembership@networkireland.ie if interested in joining.
Cathy joined the Network Cork branch in 2012. As an advocate for Irish produce and a published author in the areas of wellbeing and sustainability, her work involves mentoring intergenerational cohorts and
marketing consultancy services tailored to SME businesses in the agri. and food sectors, enabling them to effectively communicate and market their brands. The Culinary Celt earned Cathy the Solo Businesswoman
Award at the 2022 Network Ireland Businesswoman of the Year Awards (Cork branch), with her award-winning ethos centred on sustainable food practices using a mindful eating approach. Under her leadership,
Cathy is deeply committed to championing sustainability and prioritising the wellbeing of members. She believes these principles are integral to the success of any network, ensuring we not only thrive
in the present but also lay the foundation for a sustainable and thriving future. With this focus, she strives to continue building on the organisation’s values: leading, supporting, collaborating -
inspiring members to achieve both personal and professional growth, with a commitment to a bright and sustainable future!
Diane Higgins is a freelance graphic designer based in Cork, with over a decade of experience working with clients ranging from start-ups to established businesses. Alongside her design work, Diane lectures
university students, combining her marketing expertise with a passion for education. Since joining Network Ireland in 2020, Diane describes it as her “business family,” a community that has transformed
her personally and professionally. Through roles such as Events Officer, Social Media Officer, and Website Officer, she has supported the Network while growing her own skills and confidence. As Vice
President of the Cork branch, Diane is dedicated to fostering connection, confidence, and belonging among members. Collaborating with President Cathy and the committee, she aims to strengthen the Network’s
foundation and welcome new members. Diane’s commitment is rooted in her belief in the power of professional networking and the lifelong friendships it can create, calling the Network “the friend you
never knew you needed.” Looking ahead, Diane is excited to continue her journey with Network Ireland, helping others discover the invaluable support and opportunities it offers.
Susana joined Network Cork in 2020, while planning her move to Ireland. She often says that in her first five months in Ireland, she had more virtual coffee chats than during her 14 years in the Netherlands
and the UK combined. Susana is the 2024 Ex-Officio of Network Cork, having been President in 2024, Vice President and Awards Coordinator in 2023 and Social Media Officer in 2021 and 2022. As Awards Coordinator
in 2023, she achieved a record number of applications for the Businesswoman of the Year Awards. As the 2024 President, she goal was to help members feel truly connected to this dynamic business community.
She grew event attendance by 30%, held 7 out of 10 sold-out events, with 5 drawing over 150 attendees, and welcomed 300+ extra attendees compared to 2023. Susana's time with Network Cork has been invaluable
for her personal growth. Originally from Chile, Susana has lived in Europe for 25 years and worked as a corporate business leader across EMEA for 23 years. She is co-owner and director at BBCS Business
Advisors, helping small and medium businesses grow faster and reach their goals more effectively.
Samantha Halpin is the Managing Director of Halpin Wealth Management and the newly appointed Treasurer of the Network Cork committee. With a career dedicated to empowering people to take control of their
finances, Samantha views financial planning as more than just numbers—it’s about equipping individuals with the confidence and tools to achieve financial freedom, no matter their starting point. In addition
to her work in wealth management, Samantha is the owner of Creative Solutions, a website and marketing company. Her entrepreneurial ventures blend creativity with strategy, showcasing her passion for
innovation and connection. Since joining Network Cork, Samantha has been inspired by its vibrant community of women who champion one another’s successes. As Treasurer, she is committed to giving back
to this supportive network and contributing to its ongoing growth and impact. Outside of her professional roles, Samantha is a mum, a dog lover, and a lifelong learner. She is eager to bring her expertise,
energy, and enthusiasm to the committee, with a vision of making 2025 a year of opportunity, collaboration, and success for all Network Cork members.”
When Louise joined Network Ireland Cork in 2023, she immediately recognised how aligned its values were with her own—community, collaboration, and empowering others to thrive. As a naturopath, she believes
in treating the whole person, addressing root causes, and sharing knowledge so others can make informed choices, principles she brings into both her business and her role within the Network. Now in her
third year as a mentor for the Mentoring for Success Programme, Louise has supported well-being business owners in course creation, website content, and building confidence in their expertise. Last year,
she enjoyed writing the Network Cork newsletter so much that she’s delighted to be back on the Cork committee in 2024/5 as Secretary. With over 20 years in the wellness industry and a lifetime of experience
as a sole trader, she understands the challenges of balancing passion with the realities of running a business. She is committed to helping members get the most from their Network experience, whether
through connections, learning opportunities, or simply feeling supported in their journey. From her very first meeting, she was struck by the warmth and camaraderie of this inspiring group of women and
is excited to continue growing alongside them while being a friendly, approachable presence at events.
Roisín originally joined Network Cork in July 2019 and is now delighted to join the Network Cork Committee for 2025 in the role of Events Officer and PRO. She is Director of Sales at the Radisson Blu Hotel
& Spa in Cork, part of the iNUA Collection, with nearly 20 years' experience in the hotel industry, Roisín now focuses on Revenue, Sales, Marketing and Event Management. She's really excited to bring
her experience to join a wonderful collective of businesswomen here in Cork and looks forward to delivering dynamic events to highlight Network Cork's mission, ensuring it remains a leading platform
for professional women to thrive.
Maura Mackey is a member of Network Cork with 5 years, she is on the committee 3 of those years. She joined Network Cork when she set up her business Maura Mackey Design- Interior Design for your home and
your business. Her tag line is…. I turn new and tired properties into modern contemporary designs while adapting the biophilic design concept. So, in brief she will make your property SMILE. She loves
creating beautiful spaces for her clients. Her clients vary from homeowners, business owners and also clients who want to stage their properties for sale. She is passionate about the members in Network
Cork, she enjoys connecting people, giving introductions, creating collaborations within the network where possible. Meeting in person is so important in business, ladies get to meet the real person
behind a name or business and that’s where the monthly events are key, she says. She love’s networking - this year she was a national finalist in the ‘Networker of the Year’ category. Her motto is if
you are in business, come and meet the members in Network Cork.
From the very first event that Therese attended in 2023, she found the women of Network Ireland Cork to be dynamic, optimistic and supportive. Recognising the positive impact of the network for women in
business, she joined the committee in 2024 to help grow our membership across Cork and beyond. Leading Corporate Sustainability at MACOM, Therese is passionate about implementing practical solutions
to sustainability challenges, and about supporting Cathy Fitzgibbon’s theme of Sustainable Success. Coming from a STEM background, with an MSc. in Materials Chemistry, she is also passionate about supporting
lifelong learning, women and STEM. She is a mentor for Network Ireland and WITS (Women in Technology & Science), whilst also leading MACOM’s engagement with STEM Southwest, an organisation dedicated
to promoting STEM within our communities, our education system and industry.
Gemma Kingston is the founder of The Family Edit, a platform that showcases the top family friendly and family approved businesses across Ireland - from Pregnancy to Primary School Years, across eleven categories
of family life. With a unique blend of expertise in Commerce and Primary Teaching, Gemma has combined her business acumen with a deep understanding of family dynamics and educational needs. This fusion
allows The Family Edit to curate and deliver relatable and engaging content that resonates with families looking for trusted services, supports and products. Since 2023, Gemma has been a member of Network
Cork, where she loves the opportunity to connect, collaborate and be inspired along her business journey. Serving on the committee, Gemma takes pride in fostering relationships with existing members
and warmly welcoming new ones, further enriching the vibrant community that Network Cork is known for.
Nadine joined Network Cork in January 2024 and has found it to be an incredibly welcoming and supportive community. A creative professional and children's author, she is passionate about storytelling and
fostering cultural understanding and inclusion. Through her picture book series; Noah's Adventures. Through the network, Nadine was honoured to be selected for the Spark It program and the IMI 30% Club
Network Mentoring Programme, both of which have been invaluable in shaping her professional journey. Delighted to be part of the committee this year as Membership Officer, looking forward to working
alongside Cathy, Diane, and the other inspiring members of the network to contribute to its continued success and mission of empowering women in business.
Victoria is an experienced Marketing Executive with a demonstrated history of working in the performing arts and events industries. With a BA degree in New Media and a postgraduate diploma in Digital Marketing
from MTU, Victoria brought 6 years marketing experience to Cork Opera House when she took up her dream role in 2023. Victoria hails from Mallow, Co.Cork and in 2017 co-founded the Mallow Arts Festival
with her father. She loves to co-ordinate events that bring local communities together and promote the flourishing arts industry in Ireland. After becoming a member of Network Cork in 2024, Victoria
was inspired by the events throughout the year to join the committee in 2025. She is looking forward to working with her fellow committee members to bring Network Cork’s vision to life.
Marilyn joined Network Cork in 2022 to connect with like-minded professionals, and in 2023, she was honored to receive the Shining Star award at the Network Cork Businesswoman of the Year. Her marketing
career, which began in 2011, has given her a deep and comprehensive understanding of the industry. This experience plays a vital role in her position at Kneat Solutions, where she leads their Digital
Marketing and Demand Generation strategies, driving growth and engagement. She’s absolutely thrilled to continue her journey with Network Cork as a Social Media Officer on the committee for a third year.
In this role, Marilyn is dedicated to developing a strategic social media plan that delivers engaging content and impactful marketing campaigns. Her goal for the coming year is to work collaboratively
with fellow officers to drive greater engagement, enhance visibility and grow the network’s membership.
Niamh is one of the Assistant Managers in Cork College of FET- Bishopstown Campus, with responsibility for the FET for Enterprise upskilling section. In her work she supports individuals and businesses to
upskill and reskill and to engage in lifelong learning. Niamh is passionate about the transformative power of education and how it changes people’s lives. An avid reader from a young age, Niamh can usually
be found with my nose in a book, whether fiction or non-fiction. She also enjoys going to the gym, running slowly and she never turns down the chance for a coffee and a chat! Niamh also looks after the
marketing and social media for Bishopstown Campus and is looking forward to bringing these skills to Network Cork this year as part of the Social Media Team. A member of of Network Cork since July 2023,
Niamh has really enjoyed her time in the Network and the connections she has made. The energy and inspiration that each event has given her has motivated her to give back this year and deepen her connections
across the Network.
Tracy is the dedicated and innovative founder of Natural Balanced and Head to Toe Therapies, where she is now leading the way in creating honest skincare. As a mother of six, Tracy’s journey began over 15
years ago when she returned to college to study holistic therapies. Having qualified in massage, beauty therapy, neuromuscular physical therapy, reflexology, baby massage and a wide variety of holistic
therapies, Tracy progressed to become an educator teaching massage and beauty therapy for a private college in Cork. Here her passion for skin grew when she realised that true skin care needed a holistic
approach. Tracy has established two renowned clinics in Kinsale and Clonakilty specialising in holistic and physical therapies. On site she began to blend oils specific for her client’s needs which led
to the creation of Naturally Balanced concept oils, a range of plant-based oils free from chemicals and artificial preservatives. Inspired by her surroundings in Kinsale and West Cork, Tracy’s belief
in creating her product is rooted in nature and what it has to provide us. Every product is hand-crafted with care and expertise, ensuring the highest quality and efficacy and all are designed to support
overall wellbeing, promoting relaxation, reducing stress, enhancing natural beauty and sustainable.
Siobhán has been a member of Network Ireland since November 2023, won the 2024 Network Cork Employee Shining Star award and joined the Network Cork committee as its inaugural Strategic Collaborations officer
in 2024. She was the inaugural President and co-founder of UCC’s Women’s Network (Mná@UCC) and it was in this capacity that Siobhán first approached Network Ireland Cork in 2022, to discuss the idea/opportunity
of Network Ireland Cork and Mná@UCC working together to achieve a common aim of promoting and supporting the professional development of women in respective fields. Siobhán proposed the idea of collaborating
on hosting joint speaking events and workshops and to that end the inaugural joint workshop and keynote event with Mary Ann Sieghart (The Authority Gap) took place on St. Brigid’s Day, 2023, followed
by a second joint event in February 2024 with Profs. Brad Johnson and David Smith (Workplace Allies). The success of these events has laid a strong foundation to pursue similar joint/collaborative networking
events and opportunities, which can now be further supported in this current 2025 Strategic Collaborations officer role on the Network Ireland Cork committee.
Arife Hysaj is a passionate advocate for community entrepreneurship and women’s empowerment. Originally from Albania, she has lived in Cork since 2017. Fluent in multiple languages, Arife values the power
of connection across cultures to inspire change. In April 2024, Arife joined Network Ireland Cork through Saoirse Ethnic Hands on Deck, a social enterprise she co-founded in 2020. Saoirse has become
a vital support network for migrant women and families, offering resources, mentorship, and a sense of belonging. Arife is also a Founding Member of the Women’s Coffee Morning at the CMC and Co-founder
of the International Garden Project. She has contributed to the Sanctuary Mask Initiative and Let’s Match Mums, as well as supporting migrant families through parenting workshops. Arife holds a degree
in Chemistry and Food Technology and has completed certifications in leadership, mentorship and community development. A dedicated wife and mother of two, she balances family life with her passion for
community work. As the 2025 Collaborations Officer for Network Ireland Cork, Arife is dedicated to creating an inclusive and supportive environment where women can connect, share resources and grow together.
She is eager to embrace new experiences and looks forward to collaborating with the inspiring leaders within the network.
Network Ireland Cork Branch held its 2025 Businesswoman of the Year Awards ceremony on Thursday, 23rd May 2025, at The Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, Cork. Nine individual awards were presented to exceptional female business leaders in Cork at the gala ceremony, recognising their achievements in their respective categories.
2025 Network Ireland Cork Winners are:
Emerging Businesswoman: Deirdre O’Grady, Founder of AbilityWise
Established Businesswoman: Gwen Perroud, Co-Owner of Cameron Bakery
Networker of the Year: Marilyn Reidy of Kneat Solutions
Solo Businesswoman: Tracy McCarthy of Naturally Balanced Kinsale
Creative Professional: Sue Nelson, Artist
Employee Rising Star: Sophie Murphy of Johnson & Johnson
Employee Shining Star: Therese Deane of MACOM
STEM Professional: Enrika Moore of Viska Systems
The "President's Awards" was presented to presented to Caitríona Twomey of Cork Penny Dinners.
Network Ireland Cork Branch held its 2024 Businesswoman of the Year Awards ceremony on May 23rd, 2024, at The Vienna Woods Hotel. Nine individual awards were presented to exceptional female business
leaders in Cork at the gala ceremony, recognising their achievements in their respective categories.
2024 Network Ireland Cork Winners are:
Emerging Businesswoman: Dara O'Shea from RHEA Family Funeral Care
Established Businesswoman: Elizabeth Gavin from NuaFund
Solo Businesswoman: Orla McAndrew, from Orla McAndrew Food
Creative Professional: Stef McSherry from KINDERAMA LIMITED
STEM Professional: Patricia Macropoulos from Access Laboratories
Employee Rising Star: Lorna Horgan, from Cork's 96fm & C103
Employee Shining Star: Dr. Siobhán Lucey, from University College Cork
Networker of the Year: Maura Mackey, from Maura Mackey Design
The "President's Awards" sponsored by RHEA Events was presented to presented to Elaine Duggan, Deputy Features Editor at The Echo newspaper and EchoLive.ie. Editor of Women on Wednesday (WoW!).
The event was hosted by Anna Daly, TV presenter, host of 'Future Island' (RTE1) Hospital Live' (RTE 1) Zoo live (RTE 1).
The winners in each category were determined by the judging panel of Evelyn Moynihan, CEO Kilkenny Design Centre, Audrey Houlihan, Branch Manager at AIB Blackpool and Niall O’ Keeffe, Head of
Enterprise at LEO Cork City
Speaking on the announcement of the winners, Network Cork President, Susana Marambio said: “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.”
On 25th May 2023, we gathered at Maryborough House Hotel to celebrate the outstanding achievements of women in business and, in particular, to celebrate those who won the Nine Businesswoman of the
Year Award categories.
2023 Network Cork Winners are:
Emerging Businesswoman sponsored by HerMoney: Carol Deasy, Occupational Health Solutions Ireland
Established Businesswoman sponsored by To Have and To Hold: Adrianna Sherry Hegarty from Hegarty Properties
Solo Businesswoman sponsored by The Culinary Celt: Virginia Foley from UpSheRises
Creative Professional sponsored by Orla McAndrew: Karla Goodman from Made to Measure Films Ltd
STEM Professional sponsored by GE HealthCare: Susan Dunlea from DePuy Synthes
Employee Rising Star sponsored by Alive Coaching: Ambika Fauzdar, from DePuy Synthes
Employee Shining Star sponsored by Kinsale Spirit Co: Marilyn Reidy, from Starcircle
Networker of the Year sponsored by Grant Thornton Ireland: Helen Wycherley, from Celtic Ross Hotel
The "President's Awards" sponsored by RHEA Events was presented to Paula Cogan, CEO at Cognate Health.
The event was hosted by Deirdre O' Shaughnessy, News Editor at Irish Examiner.
The winners in each category were determined by the judging panel of Gillian Keating, Partner at RDJ, Vicki Crean, Manager Service and Sales at AIB and Niall O’ Keeffe, Head of Enterprise at
LEO Cork City.
Speaking on the announcement of the winners, Network Cork President, Ingrid Seim said: “We are celebrating the achievements of so many outstanding women. Our members represent such a wide range
of businesses and industries in Cork, and we are proud and honoured to highlight their successes.”
Nine women from across Cork were honoured for their professional achievements at the Network Ireland Cork Businesswoman of the Year Awards held on Friday May 27th 2022 at Fota Island Resort.
Solo Businesswoman sponsored by Ardin Career Development: Cathy Fitzgibbon, The Culinary Celt
Emerging New Businesswoman sponsored by Kinsale Gin: Noella Carroll, Pinnaklo
Established Businesswoman sponsored by HerMoney: Sandra Looney, To Have and To Hold
Rising Star Employee sponsored by Alive Coaching: Aoife Behan, The Montenotte Hotel
Shining Star Employee sponsored by Beacon Commercial Business Services: Gillian Roche, GE Healthcare
Creative Professional sponsored by Hopkins Communications: Orla McAndrew, Orla McAndrew Food
STEM sponsored by DePuy J&J: Sinead O'Flynn, Health 4 U
Power Within Champion sponsored by Invesco: Diane Higgins, Diane Higgins Design
‘The President’s Award’ sponsored by Grant Thornton was presented to Irene Wallace, Cork Fire Service in recognition of her mental and physical courage, her inspiration and service
to the public, even during the pandemic, her appetite for continuous professional development, all in a male-dominated sector, and to highlight the importance of engagement between the public
and private sectors.
The event was hosted by Emmy-winning former CNN correspondent and anchor Gina London, while guest speaker for the evening was Minister Michael McGrath.
President of Network Cork Maria Desmond congratulated the award winners and paid tribute to sponsors AIB, Cork City LEO and the judging panel for their support. She said: "This year’s
awards were the first we were able to host, after a gap of two years over the pandemic, and it was incredible to see the collective support in the room that all of our members, finalists and
winners had for each other on the night. I would like to express my sincere congratulations to all of the winners and hope they are immensely proud of their achievements but would also like to
congratulate our finalists.”
The winners in each category were determined by the judging panel of Linda Kiely, co-founder Voxpro; Vicki Crean, AIB and Dr Niall O'Keeffe, LEO Cork City. They expressed their delight at the opportunity
to judge at the awards, and paid tribute to the standard of the applications.
Winners of the 2021 Network Cork Businesswoman of the Year Awards were announced at a virtual awards ceremony streamed lived from VE Studio on June 2nd.
Overall Businesswoman of the Year — Dr Tara Shine, Change by Degrees
STEM Businesswoman (sponsor DePuy Synthes, Johnson & Johnson) — Dr Tara Shine, Change by Degrees
Power Within Champion (sponsor O’Flynn Exhams) — Miriam Bourke, Invesco Limited
Solo Businesswoman (sponsor Lady of the Valley) — Michelle Dinneen, Ardin Career Development
Emerging New Business (sponsor Grant Thornton) — Ingrid Seim, Avenues Consultancy & Coaching
Established Business (sponsor Partnership International) — Carol Brick, HerMoney
Rising Star Employee (sponsor Kinsale Gin) — Elena Canty, Event Plan
Shining Star Employee (sponsor Transilient Coaching) — Konstantina Stefanidou, Depuy Synthes, Johnson & Johnson
Creative Professional (sponsor HerMoney) — Fiona Kennedy, Fiona Kennedy Music
Judges included former Tánaiste Mary Harney; Sharon Corcoran, Director of Economic Development & Tourism at Cork County Council; and Vicki Crean, AIB Manager of Service and
Sales, Cork City. The category sponsors are DePuy Synthes, Grant Thornton, HerMoney, Kinsale Gin, Lady of the Valley, O'Flynn Exhams, Partnership International and Transilient Coaching.
The virtual event was compered by Cork's 96fm presenter Keith Cunningham and guest speaker was Christine Armstrong, author of The Mother Of All Jobs.
Speaking on the winners, Network Ireland Cork’s president, Barbara Nugent said: “The 2021 winners of the Network Ireland Cork Businesswoman of the Year Awards are hugely
different, all operating across diverse fields, but are intrinsically linked through their exceptional leadership, creativity and resilience through crisis and uncertainty. They have used their
knowledge, expertise and influence to shape their companies, and in some cases, the wider community for the better. Each woman is a truly deserving winner.”
At a virtual awards ceremony on the 28th of August 2020, the winners of the Network Cork Businesswoman of the Year Awards were announced. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul Ireland’s national
Online and Media Coordinator Linda O’Connell was named as the overall Network Ireland Cork Businesswoman of the Year. Linda also scooped the award for Transformative Employee.
Winner of the Power Within Champion Award, recognising those who overcame challenges in business arising from COVID-19 was Trudy McQuaid, Events Coordinator for Enable Ireland,
Cork.
Solo Businesswoman winner was Maeve Lankford of Kaleidoscope Coaching and Facilitation who successfully migrated all her business online while Emerging New Business was won by
co-founder of Change by Degrees, Madeleine Murray, for the social enterprise’s ambition and focus on developing new ways of living sustainably. The award for Business Innovation
went to Jenny Murphy, the designer behind Red Balloon, who was commended for her creative and unique business model, while Eveanna De Barra Kumar of Himalaya
Yoga Valley won Online Business Transformation for demonstrating resilience and focus in pivoting to online business.
Speaking on the winners, Network Ireland Cork’s president, Marguerite O'Sullivan said: “From migrating to an online business to designing sustainability solutions, the 2020 winners
of the Network Ireland Cork Businesswoman of the Year Awards are hugely diverse but are linked through their exceptional leadership, creativity and resilience. This has been a year unlike
any other. The pandemic has been an epic test of character and determination for so many — the pressure has been daunting and the need to pivot while staying energised and focused never more
important. In the face of certain challenges, our winners have looked outwards and showed great strength. A huge congratulations to each and everyone.”
On 24 May 2019, members and friends of Network Cork gathered to celebrate the outstanding achievements of women in business and, in particular, to celebrate those who won the six Businesswoman
of the Year Award categories. Congratulations to our six winners as well as to our finalists and nominees. Well done for stepping up and putting yourselves forward for these awards.
Pictured from back left:
Small Business – Ikon Hair – Valerie Finnegan Cahill
Employee - Rising Star – Recruitment Consultant and Change Manager in EmployMum – Helen Walshe
STEM – Depuy Johnson & Johnson – Marguerite O’Sullivan
Network Ireland Cork Branch held its 2018 Businesswoman of the Year Awards ceremony in Fota Island Resort on the 11th of May. Six individual awards were presented to outstanding female business
leaders in Cork at the gala ceremony in their respective categories. Irene Twohig of Educogym was crowned overall Cork Businesswoman of the Year 2018, with the judges commending
her entrepreneurial spirit, passion for the business and willingness to take risks. Irene also took the award for SME with more than 10 employees, sponsored by the Hayfield Family Collection,
recognising her growth mindset and future business strategy, while Emerging New Business of the Year, sponsored by the Montenotte Hotel, went to Karen O’Reilly of Employmum
for her clear business plan and effective use of media.
Maria Desmond of Enable Ireland won the Employee of the Year category, sponsored by EQ.ie, for her distinguished contribution to the charity and impact on the lives of people
who face challenges.
Fiona Kennedy won the Arts category, sponsored by Fota Island Resort, for her perseverance and resilience, whilst Shirley Feeney of Shirley’s Beauty Clinic
took the Best Small Business <10 Employees Award, sponsored by Contracting Plus and HerMoney, for their investment in the business and adaption to new trends. Joan Walsh of Partnership International was presented with the Award for Best Use of Digital, sponsored by Clayton Hotel Cork City, for embracing a range of new technologies in digital marketing.
Maureen Forrest of HOPE Foundation also received a special recognition on the evening which recognised her hard work and dedication to the charity over the past 20 years.
Speaking on the announcement of the winners, Network Cork President, Karen Fleming said: “The Cork Businesswoman of the Year Awards celebrate the exceptional achievements of
women in business across Cork City and County. Both winners and finalists deserved to be recognised for outstanding contributions to their respective industries and companies.”
Winners of the Network Cork Businesswomen of the Year Awards: Michelle Johnson from ASA Marketing who won SME more than 10 Employees; Sinead O’Keeffe from Enable
Ireland who won Social Enterprise Category; Gillian Hennessy of Collins Press who won Employee Category; Maria Tracey representing Susie Horgan of Springboard
PR who won both SME less than 10 Employees Category and overall Cork Businesswoman of the Year for 2017; Sian Horn of Elite Pilates who won Emerging Business Category; Sinead Dunphy from The Cork Choral Festival who won Arts Category with President of Network Cork Ciara Wilson, The Salon Shop at the Network Cork Businesswomen of the Year Awards 2017
in the Rochestown Park Hotel.
President of Network Cork Joan Walsh, Partnership International and President of Network Ireland Deirdre Waldron, Fuzion Communications with (front anti-clockwise)
Winners Best Business in Arts and overall Winner Lorraine Maye; Best SME 6-20 Joanne O'Regan, JLT Tiles; Best Social Enterprise Miriam Forde,
CUH; Best Employee
Jacqueline McCarthy, Deputy Synthes; Best SME 0-5 employees Clodagh Sheehan, Accuro and Best Emerging Business Teresa O'Sullivan, Douglas
Law at the Network Cork Businesswomen of the Year Awards in the Imperial Hotel, Cork.