Network Cork president: ‘My year was as much for mum as it was for me’

When Cathy Fitzgibbon accepted the chain of office to become the 42nd President of Network Ireland Cork, she stepped into the role with quiet determination and a clear vision for the year ahead.

What defined her presidency more than anything was her unwavering commitment to sustainability - not as a buzzword, but as a core organisational value. She approached the topic holistically: environmental sustainability, personal sustainability and business sustainability.

And as her presidential term draws to a close, there’s multiple tangible examples of how hugely successful she was in making positive changes to the ethos of the organisation and the habits of members.

One of the most defining achievements of her term was the recent launch of the Network Ireland Cork Community Orchard Project in Ballincollig - a sustainability initiative she personally championed from concept to reality.

Designed to offset the environmental impact of the 2025 Businesswoman of the Year Awards, the project embodied the values she had woven throughout her presidency: long-term thinking, community collaboration and purposeful legacy.

Working alongside Green Spaces for Health, the Cork Biodiversity Hub and the Cork ETB Horticulture Department, the Killavullen native helped establish an initiative that will enhance biodiversity, support pollinators, and leave a meaningful environmental imprint on the city.

It was, in many ways, the practical expression of her leadership vision - something tangible, enduring and rooted in care for future generations.

“It’s a living legacy for future generations,” said entrepreneur Cathy, a marketing consultant for businesses in the food, agriculture and biodiversity sectors.

“It’s a gift to the city from Network Cork, which has benefited so much from the city,” she said, adding that it’s something that can also act as a blueprint for the other 16 Network Ireland branches nationwide.

Another new idea she employed at the business awards was a focus on circular fashion.

“We encouraged everyone to wear what they already had, as a badge of honour.

“Also, Cronin’s Coaches provided a shuttle from City Hall which reduced individual car journeys. That was sponsored by Nora Cronin, who was one of the founding members of Network Cork, so I thought that was a lovely legacy piece to intertwine on the night.”

As a whole, the event in the Radisson Blu Hotel set a new benchmark for hosting sustainable awards in Cork.

Through measured food waste with full diversion to composting, responsible menu planning, efficient lighting, and low impact transport, Network Cork and the iNUA Collection delivered a celebration that balanced excellence and environmental leadership.

“This model provides a practical blueprint for future events across the wider business community,” said Cathy.

Her sustainable innovation wasn’t reserved just for the business awards though.

“Throughout the year, we encouraged people to car pool which allowed members to start networking before they ever got to an event!” said Cathy.

Under her guidance, the membership team reduced name tags used at events from an average of over 80 per meeting to around 27, and she promoted the use of local food producers at catered events as well as keeping a close eye on food waste.

Cathy isn’t one for doing things by half as she also embarked on a postgrad in Climate Entrepreneurship from Trinity College this year.

“The Trinity course started in September and I took over as President last December. It was a lot all at once but I didn’t want to defer it for another year so it was a case of taking the bull by the horns, and I really feel that the day we stop learning is the day we stop living,” said Cathy, who also launched her business, The Culinary Celt, full-time last July.

But with the guidance of her ‘beacon,’ mum Kathleen, she ably kept all plates spinning.

Her inspiration and guide throughout the year was Kathleen - an anchor she always returns to.

“My year was as much for mum as it was for me. She’s from a farming background and growing up she never had opportunities like I’ve had, even though she’s also an entrepreneur without even realising it.

“She left school when she was 13 and herself and my late father made so many sacrifices to facilitate our education, to get me where I am.

“Working in agriculture, women like her weren’t even recognised by the state and that left a psychological impact on a that generation, leaving them feel undervalued.

“So I was always intent on involving mum, who is my inspiration in terms of being a trailblazer in her own right.”

Under Cathy’s guidance, Network Cork continued to evolve beyond its reputation as a business networking organisation.

She championed it as a community - one where women could share experiences openly, feel supported and access opportunities that may not have surfaced otherwise.

Cathy had entered the role declaring: “I am ready to lead, ready to listen and ready to ensure that Network Ireland Cork continues to be a force for empowerment.”

Looking back, her tenure stayed true to that promise.

Reflecting on the experience, she noted that the role had strengthened her appreciation for thoughtful communication, collaborative decision-making and the importance of creating space for people, for new ideas and for herself. Those insights, shaped by the values her mother instilled, informed the holistic, purposeful tone of her presidency.

To the incoming president, her advice is simple: “Lean into the support of the committee, honour the diversity of voices within the network, and stay connected to your own guiding influences because they will steady you in the busiest moments.”

As she passes on the chain, Cathy is confident that the organisation is well positioned for the year ahead.