2026 Network West Cork award finalists announced
Carly O'Donovan, Bluebird Care Kerry & West Cork was named the 2025 Established Businesswoman of tthe Year at the regional and national events. Kathryn O'Shea
The awards aim to recognise and celebrate women across the region.
Women will be recognised across seven categories, namely: Networker of the Year, Emerging New Businesswoman, Solo Businesswoman, Established Businesswoman, Advanced Career Employee, Creative Professional, and STEM Professional.
Network Ireland West Cork President Anna Groniecka said that there was an “outstanding response” to the call for entries for this year’s awards.
“The calibre of applications was exceptionally strong, highlighting not only business success but also leadership, resilience, and impact within the community.”
The Network West Cork Businesswoman of the Year finalists are:
- Clara Mulligan, HomeBot Ireland
- Mary Cotter, Mary Cotter Nutrition
- Rachel O’Boyle, AML Wellness
- Liz Ehrenberg, Coffeehouse Creative
- Anya Spark, Terra Nova Art Therapy
- Monica Jones, Monica Jones Art
- Nicola Stack, Florista
- Geraldine McCarthy, Steer Coaching
- Melissa Clarke, Melissa Clarke PR
- Shauna Colaci, Shauna Colaci Coaching
- Sinéad O’Donovan, The Leadership Biome
- Maria O’ Donovan, Maria O’Donovan & Co.
- Karen O’Reilly, Employmum LTD, T/A Employflex
- Majella Galvin, DNG Galvin
- Elma Connolly, The Ludgate Hub
- Elle O’Sullivan McCarthy, Hope Foundation
- Lauren Buckley, Buckley’s Tiles & Bathrooms
- Jacqueline O’Donovan, ODPR Limited
- Majella Galvin, DNG Galvin
- Barbara Nugent, Transilient Coaching Ltd
- Geraldine McCarthy, Steer Coaching
- Sinéad O’Donovan, The Leadership Biome
Judges Tracey Cooney (AIB), Avril Allshire-Howe (Caherbeg Free Range Pork) and Kevin Curran (Local Enterprise Office Cork North & West) will have the difficult task of selecting a winner across each category.
These winners will go forward to represent their branch at a national level at the Network Ireland awards later this year.
Carly O’Donovan of Bluebird Care, 2025 winner of the Established Businesswoman category at both regional and national level, reflected on the significance of her awards last year.
“When you’re running a business, you’re focused on delivery rather than awards. The recognition strengthened my confidence and reinforced that the decisions I’ve made and the culture I’ve built are working.”
Michelle Fox, of Michelle Fox Interiors, spoke of how her 2025 Creative Professional award translated into tangible business benefits.
“It was incredibly affirming both personally and professionally. Potential clients see that recognition and it creates instant trust.”
The Network West Cork Businesswoman of the Year Awards take place at Dunmore House in Clonakilty on Thursday, May 21.
MC on the night is Esther McCarthy.
Open to members, supporters and the wider business community, the event will include the awards ceremony, live entertainment, and opportunities to connect, reflect, and celebrate the achievements of women shaping the future of business in West Cork.
Tickets are priced at €30 for finalists and €65 for members and non-members.
Meanwhile, the Network Cork Businesswoman of the Year Awards - in partnership with AIB and sponsored by Local Enterprise Office Cork City - will take place at the Kingsley Hotel on May 16.
In all, 55 finalists in eight categories have been announced ahead of the awards. Some of these finalists are in the running for awards in more than one category.
Speaking ahead of the awards, Vice President of Network Cork and Awards Coordinator, Dr Siobhán Lucey, said this year’s event is celebrating a record number of finalists.
“Their entries demonstrate the innovation, impact, and resilience occurring across diverse businesses and industries within the Network Cork community.
“For our judges, this means the judging task is no small one. With so many excellent submissions, much careful consideration and robust discussion will be needed to ensure that the selected winners truly represent the best in each category and will serve as outstanding representatives of Network Cork at the Network Ireland National Awards later this year.”
Tickets are priced at €109 for Network Ireland members and €125 for non-members.
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