PICTURES: Meet the winners of the Kilkenny Businesswoman of the Year Awards 2025

The winners of the Network Ireland Kilkenny Businesswoman of the Year Awards 2025 were announced at a spectacular gala event in Hotel Kilkenny on Friday.

Hosted by Network Ireland Kilkenny, in association with AIB and Kilkenny Local Enterprise Office, the annual event celebrates female entrepreneurship in the local business community. Thirty-two local businesswomen were shortlisted for an award across six diverse categories.

The winners were Bernie Woods, Meaningful Múinteoir, Emerging New Businesswoman of the Year, sponsored by Yellow Deer Designs, Kate Fleming, LawEd, Established Businesswoman of the Year, sponsored by Valley of the Roses, Dominika Stoppa, InnLyte, Networker of the Year, sponsored by Kilkenny Local Enterprise Office, Maryjane Mulrooney, Solo Businesswoman of the Year, sponsored by AIB, Sandra Blanchfield, Creative Professional of the Year, sponsored by Cartoon Saloon and Órlaith Halpin, Employee Shining Star, sponsored by Preferred Future.

The winner will now go forward to represent Kilkenny at the national interview round in August. The overall national winners will be announced at a ceremony in The Gleneagle Hotel, Killarney, in September. CLICK HERE FOR MORE KILKENNY BUSINESS NEWS

"We’re here to honour the incredible women who have stepped forward and put their names in the ring for a Businesswoman of the Year Award,” said President of Network Ireland Kilkenny, Cáit Mackey Maher, Yellow Deer Designs.

“Network Ireland Kilkenny is made up of women who lead in all kinds of places, in homes, studios, shops, schools, clinics and the boardroom. Whether they’ve been in business for 10 years or 10 months, a sole trader, an employee, a CEO, or a side hustler, every woman who has applied is a winner. Congratulations to each and every one of you.”

The celebration was attended by over 100 people, who enjoyed a three-course dinner and entertainment by DJ Brian Hennessey. Spot prizes were provided by Sasta, Pembroke Hotel, Butterslip, Bó Bar Soap, and Lyrath Estate Hotel, and the custom-designed awards were made by local craft makers at Jerpoint Glass Studio.

Network Ireland Kilkenny is open to new members, and the committee invites career women living and working in Kilkenny to consider joining the networking group.