Judges revealed for Network Cork businesswoman of the year awards 

The countdown to this year's Network Ireland Businesswoman of the Year awards is well underway. 

The annual awards recognise exceptional women in business across multiple sectors and industries, with women recognised across eight different catgories namely; Networker of the Year, Emerging Businesswoman, Solo Businesswoman, Established Businesswoman, Early Career Employee, Advanced Career Employee, Creative Professional, and STEM Professional.

Network Ireland will run 17 local branch finals, including events in Cork and West Cork.  The winners of these will go forward to represent their branch at a national level.

Entries to this years awards have now closed and judges are beginning the difficult task of shortlising candidates for the annual accolades. 

Network Cork will host its annual awards at the Kingsley Hotel on May 16, and has officially announced details of the judging panel for the highly anticipated event. 

Helen Murphy of LEO Cork City, who are proud sponsors of the flagship event, returns as a judge for 2026. 

She praised the courage of the women who have applied for the awards.

“Judging the Network Cork Businesswoman of the Year Awards is an exciting opportunity to understand the courage, tenacity and resilience that it takes for women of all backgrounds to take the brave step to start, operate and grow their own business. It is inspiring to hear their stories and it is certainly a privilege to be asked to be a member of the judging panel."

The other judges are: Marguerite O'Donovan, Branch Manager at AIB Blackpool and Caroline O’Driscoll, Partner, Tax & Legal at Deloitte. 

Network Cork President Diane Higgins said that the branch is looking forward to the event. 

“Our annual awards are about shining a light on the achievements within our community and giving members the recognition they truly deserve. The awards are a way for our members to show what they have accomplished, and how far they have come.” 

Vice President of Network Cork and Awards Coordinator, Dr. Siobhán Lucey added said the entries for this year's awards have come from a diverse range of businesses. 

"The submissions showcase a wide array of businesses and industries and highlight the innovation, leadership, and resilience within the Network Cork community. I look forward to celebrating the achievements of our applicants at the awards ceremony in May.” 

The Network Cork Businesswoman of the Year Awards - in partnership with AIB and sponsored by Local Enterprise Office Cork City - take place on May 16. 

Tickets are available to purchase on the Network Ireland website: https://networkireland.ie/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=2055328&group=

Tickets are €109 for Network Ireland members and €125 for non-members.

Meanwhile, the Network Ireland West Cork Businesswoman of the Year awards take place on Thursday, May 21 at Dunmore House Hotel in Clonakilty. 

Speaking about the awards recently, Anna Groniecka, President of Network Ireland West Cork said the event celebrates the courage, creativity and commitment of women "who are not only shaping business in our region but who are choosing to rise beyond fear, beyond limits and beyond old stories that no longer serve them."

She added: "Under our 2026 theme #RiseBeyond we recognise that every woman’s journey is unique, and every step forward whether bold or quiet is a triumph. These awards are about amplifying that bravery, building connection and inspiring every woman to rise beyond what she once thought possible.”

Early bird tickets are priced at €65 for members and non-members while finalist tickets are priced at €30. 

See: https://networkireland.ie/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=2056818&group=