Record number of applicants for Businesswoman of the Year Awards due to take place in Kilkenny

Network Ireland has received the highest ever number of applications for its Businesswoman of the Year Awards, which recognise the achievements of accomplished and committed female professionals. 

The women’s business group received almost 460 applications from members across its branches, highlighting female-led entrepreneurship figures around the country.

The winners from 17 local branch finals, including Kilkenny's, will go forward to a national level round where a panel of business experts select the winners in the eight categories. The successful businesswomen will be announced at a gala awards ceremony at Lyrath Estate Hotel, Kilkenny, on Friday, September 27.

The event coincides with the Network Ireland national conference which affords attendees networking opportunities, interactive sessions and focused masterclasses. The flagship event will include a range of inspirational speakers on topics such as empowering growth, leadership agility and unlocking success strategies. 

The conference this year is focusing on the talented businesswomen amongst the network. Speakers on the day will represent their local branch, showcasing the diverse range of expertise amongst the organisation. 
READ: COUNTDOWN IS ON TO AWARDS NIGHT

There will be a raffle on the night and all proceeds go towards this year’s charity partners, The Rise Foundation. The Rise Foundation’s mission is to support families impacted by a loved one's addictive behaviour through awareness, education and therapy, and to combat the associated shame and stigma.

“Each year we look forward to the annual conference and businesswoman of the year awards," said National President of Network Ireland Linda Codoul.

"It’s a cornerstone on the calendar. We have received a phenomenal amount of entrants for this year's awards. I’m blown away by the calibre of talent amongst our network. So this year I am focusing on showcasing that talent and the level of support offered by our branches when we all come together in the Lyrath hotel.

"We have invited members from as many branches as possible to present on the day. I’d like to thank all the branches and members for your continued dedication, support and hard work. The accomplishments of our members within the business community is astonishing and I’m very proud to be part of such a talented group. I’d also like to take this opportunity to wish the entrants the very best - it’s a tremendous achievement to reach the final.”

The awards are divided into eight categories:

• Networker of the Year 2024

• Emerging Businesswoman

• Solo Businesswoman 

• Established Businesswoman

• Creative Professional 

• STEM Professional

• Employee - Rising Star

• Employee - Shining Star

“I would like to thank all our sponsors. Their support and partnership really enhance this event," Ms Codoul said.

"Thank you to AIB for their support with the Established Business award. Abbott sponsors our STEM award, Enterprise Ireland focuses on the Emerging Business award while Sound to Light champions the Creative category. Other event partners include the Lyrath hotel, Galway Crystal, and Virgin Media. I’m very grateful to them for their commitment.”

Front row (L-R): Amy O' Sullivan, Network Ireland Vice President; Ciara Ryan, AIB; Linda Codoul, Network Ireland President; Anna-Marie Turley, Enterprise Ireland; Xavier McAuliffe, Lyrath Estate Hotel: Rudy the dog, Lyrath Estate Hotel. Back row (L-R) Ciara Kiely, Abbot; Caitriona O’Mahoney, Lyrath Estate Hotel; Orlaith Fortune, AIB; pictured at the Lyrath Estate Hotel, Kilkenny, at the launch of Network Ireland’s Annual Conference and Businesswoman of the Year Awards which will take place at the Lyrath Estate Hotel on September 27. Picture: Patrick Browne

AIB is Network Ireland’s official partner. Ciara Ryan, Head of Wealth and General Insurance at AIB said: “We are thrilled to continue our longstanding partnership with Network Ireland, which provides crucial support to businesswomen at all stages, from first-time entrepreneurs, to leaders in SMEs, multinational organisations, nonprofits and the arts.

"At AIB we are deeply committed to advancing gender equity by creating opportunities that empower women both in their businesses and personal lives. Our research on financial planning has highlighted a gender gap, which we are determined to help close. We are very pleased to be aligned with such talented, committed businesswomen and to support these awards as each year they raise the bar demonstrating an impressive level of commercial acumen combined with passion for their businesses. We wish all nominees every success for the awards on the night and in the future.”

Anna-Marie Turley, Department Manager Entrepreneurship and HPSU Operations, Enterprise Ireland said; ”Enterprise Ireland is delighted to partner with Network Ireland once again. We are committed to supporting Irish businesses at every stage of their journey and these awards are a wonderful opportunity to recognise motivated, passionate and intuitive female leaders throughout the country. I’m looking forward to hearing the presentations and seeing first-hand the impact these innovative and inspiring women in business have on influencing and contributing to economic growth both domestically and in international markets.”