Limerick's Danielle Markham, EisnerAmper and Sinead O'Brien, Vacious by Sinead had much to celebrate at Network Ireland’s Businesswoman of the Year Awards 2023 on Friday night. They were both representing Network Ireland Limerick at the national awards.
Danielle won the Employee Rising Star Award and Sinead O'Brien was highly commended in her category of Emerging Businesswoman.
The results were announced at the organisation’s annual Businesswoman of the Year Awards at Lawlor’s Hotel, Nass, Co. Kildare on Friday night, 29th September. 350 guests attended the gala ceremony which was hosted by businessman and social entrepreneur Aubrey McCarthy.
The National Business Networking Group, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary, received an overwhelming response to the awards this year with 370 applications from members of all its branches.
The winners of the eight categories were:
- Emerging Businesswoman: Donna Reilly, Donna Reilly People & Wellness, Dublin
- Solo Businesswoman: Katie Mugan, Nursing Mama, Kildare
- Established Businesswoman: Róisín Leacy, Eikon Beauty, Wexford
- Creative Professional: Heidi Higgins, Fashion Designer, Tipperary
- STEM Professional: Susan Dunlea, DePuy Synthes, Cork
- Employee Rising Star: Danielle Markham, EisnerAmper Ireland, Limerick
- Employee Shining Star: Aisling O’Connor, Dooley Insurances, Kildare
- Networker of the Year (a new award to mark the 40th anniversary of Network Ireland): Helen Wycherley, Celtic Ross Hotel, Cork
The awards ceremony followed Network Ireland’s annual conference which was hosted by film producer, entrepreneur, human rights campaigner and former Dragon’s Den judge Norah Casey. Norah was honoured with the Trisha Murphy Memorial Award on the night.
National President of Network Ireland Emma Early Murphy said; “I would like to congratulate the eight winners who are an inspiration to so many women around the country. The competition this year was really strong and it was a difficult decision for the judges to make. I’d like to express my sincere gratitude to all our members who took the time to apply for the Businesswoman of the Year Awards this year. We were blown away by the response and it’s a great reflection on where the organisation is, 40 years after being established. Our theme this year is about celebrating success and I have met some really great business women this year who are doing tremendous things and it has been a great opportunity to celebrate with them at our flagship event. I’d also like to thank all our sponsors who helped to make the conference and awards ceremony such a memorable occasion.”
Network Ireland Limerick were delighted to see 7 candidates put forward for the National awards this year.
New members of Network Ireland Limerick are always welcome. Their next event is a Networking Masterclass on 10 October at the Absolute Hotel. Women in business from across the region are invited to attend.
The masterclass will be delivered by Networking Architect Jean Evans, who will share her tips, ideas, strategies and tactics to help others increase their confidence, their self belief, their business prowess through learning the value, the benefits and the wins from networking.
The Masterclass will conclude with a speed networking session for all members to get to know each other and find synergies and opportunities.
Karen Ronan, President of Network Ireland Limerick, said, “Networking is an essential part of doing business, but for some it can be daunting, for others, ineffective. Through this session, attendees will learn how to network more confidently and effectively while getting lots of practical experience on the night. It should be a win win for everyone.”
Event details:
Tuesday, 10th October from 7pm to 9pm at the Absolute Hotel, Limerick
To register, visit NetworkIreland