Countdown is on to the Kilkenny Businesswoman of the Year Awards 2025

The countdown is on for Kilkenny’s most anticipated celebrations of female leadership, the Kilkenny Businesswoman of the Year Awards 2025, taking place in Hotel Kilkenny on Friday, June 20.

Hosted by Network Ireland Kilkenny, in association with AIB and Kilkenny Local Enterprise Office, the annual event recognises outstanding achievement and ambition among local businesswomen.

Some 38 local women have finalised acknowledging their impact across six categories, including Emerging New Businesswoman of the Year, sponsored by Yellow Deer Designs, Established Businesswoman of the Year, sponsored by Valley of the Roses, Networker of the Year, sponsored by Kilkenny Local Enterprise Office, Solo Businesswoman of the Year, sponsored by AIB, Creative Professional of the Year, sponsored by Cartoon Saloon and Employee Shining Star, sponsored by Preferred Future.
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The judging panel, comprising members of the local business community, sought applicants who understand business, are passionate about their careers, and demonstrate a determination to succeed. The winners will be announced at a gala event at Hotel Kilkenny, starting with a reception in the beautiful gardens, followed by a three-course dinner, live entertainment and networking.

The regional winner will go forward to represent the Kilkenny branch at the national awards taking place at the Gleneagle Hotel, Killarney, in September.

“We’re excited to host this year’s Businesswoman of the Year Awards in the stunning Hotel Kilkenny and look forward to an unforgettable evening celebrating the incredible women who blaze a trail in business across Kilkenny,” said President of Network Ireland Kilkenny, Cáit Mackey Maher, Yellow Deer Designs.

“We are pleased to welcome Yemi Adenuga as our special guest and keynote speaker for the event, another inspiring example of grit and determination behind every businesswoman’s success.”

Pioneering Speaker
Councillor Yemi Adenuga, Ireland’s first elected black female public representative and Meath County Council’s first migrant councillor, will deliver the Keynote speech at this year's Kilkenny Businesswoman of the Year Awards. She ran in the local elections of May 2019 and was elected as a Fine Gael councillor, representing Navan.

Ms Adenuga is a People Development Strategist with a background in broadcasting. She runs the MIB Institute of People Development.

The Master of Ceremonies for the event will be Karen Ronan of Shannon Region Conference and Sports Bureau and National Vice President of Network Ireland.

“Ireland is full of talented and dedicated female professionals who balance successful careers or businesses, self-care, community and the needs of their families, whilst still facing the pension gaps, salary gaps and 'broken rungs' in the career ladder. Network Ireland Businesswoman of the Year Awards were established to recognise and elevate the achievements of these women," Ms Maher said.

Those interested in attending the Kilkenny Businesswoman of the Year Awards 2025 can contact the events team here.