Cork women in business are honoured at awards event in Maryborough Hotel

Five women in business were honoured at this year’s Female Founder Awards, including one Cork entrepreneur.

The awards, organised by The Club Women’s Network and held at the Maryborough Hotel on Friday, aimed to spotlight women in business who are successfully running their own company.

The evening kicked off with a red carpet entrance and a drinks reception, before guests were shown to their seats and were given an opening speech by keynote speaker, Jenny Johnston O’Neill of Azure Communications.

Guests were also treated to live music on the night from DJ Nat Mac who is also the founder and chair of the Electronic Music Council.

Finalists at this year’s awards were recognised across five categories including Newcomer; Solo Business; Business of the Year; Contribution to The Club; and Most Positive Impact.

Among those recognised at the ceremony was Cork woman, Amelia McNamara of Graceful Accounting, who received an award in the Contribution to The Club category.

In a post shared on social media, Ms McNamara said when she joined The Club she “didn’t set out to win anything or make an impact”.

“I just wanted to meet like-minded women who understood what it’s like to build a business and a life at the same time,” said Ms McNamara.

“I’m leaving this week feeling proud, grateful, and very aware that none of it happens in isolation.”

Other women recognised at this year’s awards ceremony include Fiona O’Donohue of Away with Nature, in the Solo Business category; Cathy O’Byrne of the Swallows Trail, in the Most Positive Impact category; Jenny Douglas of A Good Moment Company, in the Newcomer category; and Kel Galavan of Mrs Smart Money, in the Business of the Year category.