Meet the women shortlisted for the Cork Businesswoman of the year award

THE finalists for the Network Cork Businesswoman of the Year Awards 2024 have been announced.

A total of 45 women have been shortlisted across eight categories for the annual awards ceremony, due to take place on Thursday, May 23, at Vienna Woods Hotel, Glanmire.

The awards celebrate the achievements of Cork businesswomen across multiple sectors and industries, from start-ups to established businesses and from entrepreneurs to organisational changemakers.

The black-tie event will be hosted by Anna Daly - much loved, 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.

Speaking at the launch of the 2024 Awards, the Lord Mayor stressed the importance of Network Cork’s annual awards ceremony.

The Cork branch of Network Ireland plays a crucial role in ing women in their careers and the annual awards ceremony is a significant event in celebrating and recognising 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 and shared her pride in showcasing the achievements of Cork women in business.

“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 us as we celebrate their remarkable achievements.

Echoing the anticipation surrounding the event, Network Cork Awards Co-Ordinator, 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.

This year’s judges include Evelyn Moynihan (CEO, Kilkenny Group), Audrey Houlihan (Branch Manager at AIB Blackpool) and Niall O’Keeffe (Head of Enterprise at LEO Cork City). The finalists are:

Emerging Businesswoman

(Sponsored by Occupational Health Solutions)

• Elaine Keohane, Ellie Tasks
• Paula McGovern, Wizard & Grace Wellbeing Candles
• Emily Murphy, The Mind Mechanic
• Terri O’Callaghan, Decluttered by Terri
• Denise O’Gorman, Remedy Credit Control Solutions
• Dara O’Shea, RHEA

Established Businesswoman

(Sponsored by Hegarty Properties)

• Elizabeth Galvin, NuaFund
• Sinead Lucey, 9 White Deer Brewery
• Johanna Murphy, Johanna Murphy Auctioneer
• Karen O’Reilly, EmployFlex

Solo Business Woman

(Sponsored by Up She Rises)

• Maria Gies, Craniosacraltherapist 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
• Siobhan O’Leary, SOL Learning

Creative professional

(Sponsored by Maura Mackey Design)

• Chani Anderson, Captures by Chani
• Celina Buckley, Artist, Author and Illustrator
• Fiona Kennedy, Fiona Kennedy Music
• Stef McSherry, Kinderama
• Suzanne O’Sullivan, Suzanne O’Sullivan Glass
• Kim Whyte, Pawpear

Employee Rising Star

(Sponsored by Celtic Ross Hotel)

• Loes Dallinga, Partnership International
• Lorna Horgan, Cork’s 96FM and C103
• Hazel Johnson, Johnson & Johnson MedTech
• Laura Noonan, Cork Opera House
• Mary O’Riordan, DePuy Synthes, Johnson & Johnson MedTech
• Deborah Odeworitse Oniah, Saoirse Ethnic Hands on Deck

Employee Shining Star

(Sponsored by Avenues Consulting and Coaching)

• Vanessa Cole, Fuzion Communications
• Divya Deonalli, Johnson & Johnson MedTech, Depuy Synthes
• Siobhan Lucey, UCC
• Isobel McCrum, Trellix
• Michelle Russel, Spike Island

• Networker of the Year

Sponsored by (HerMoney)

• Marion Courtney,Griffith College Cork
• Louise Kane Buckley, Loula Natural
• Siobhan Lucey, UCC
• Maura Mackey, Maura Mackey Design
• Johanna Murphy, Johanna Murphy Auctioneer
• Terri O’Callaghan, Decluttered by Terri
• Denise O’Gorman, Remedy Credit Control Solutions
• Deirdre O’Grady, Ability Wise

The President’s Award will also 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 .

Tickets to the Network Cork Businesswoman of the Year Awards are available to purchase at https://networkireland.ie/events

Tickets are €99 for Network Ireland and €120 for non-.

Tables of 10 are available – advance booking required by emailing [email protected]

Further information in relation to Network Cork is available on the website at www.networkireland.ie/cork