IRENE Twohig of Educogym has been crowned the overall Cork Businesswoman of the Year at the Network Cork Businesswoman of the Year awards.

A gala ceremony held last night in the Fota Island Resort saw six individual awards presented to outstanding business leaders, with judges commending Ms Twohig's entrepreneurial spirit, passion for business and her willingness to take risks.

Irene also took the award for the SME with more than 10 employees.

Karen O'Reilly of Employmum scooped the Emerging New Business of the Year awards, with judges commending her business plan and effective use of social media.

Maria Desmond of Enable Ireland was commended in the Employee of the Year Category for her distinguished contribution to the charity.

The Arts award went to Fiona Kennedy, while Shirley Feeney of Shirley's Beauty Clinic took the Best Small Business Award.

Joan Walsh of Partnership was recognised for her use of digital, while there was also a special recognition award for Maureen Forrest of Hope Foundation in recognition of her dedication over the last 20 years.

Speaking on the announcement of the winners, Network Cork President Karen Fleming said: “The Cork Businesswoman of the Year Awards celebrate the exceptional achievements of women in business across Cork city and county. Both winners and finalists deserved to be recognised for outstanding contributions to their respective industries and companies.

“The calibre of entries for this year’s awards was extremely high and it was great to see a record number of submissions in 2018.”