Seven women recognised at 2026 Network West Cork awards

Businesswomen from across West Cork came together recently to recognise and celebrate industry leaders and creative trailblazers in the region. 

Network West Cork held its annual Businesswoman of the Year awards at Dunmore House Hotel in May. 

The event, which was MC'd by Irish Examiner journalist Esther McCarthy,  brought together the region’s most driven entrepreneurs and professionals for what was described as "an evening of inspiration, celebration and community."

Women were recognised across seven categories at the event, namely: Networker of the Year, Emerging New Businesswoman, Solo Businesswoman, Established Businesswoman, Advanced Career Employee, Creative Professional, and STEM Professional.

In all, there were 22 finalists across these categories for the awards.

Anna Groniecka, President of Network Ireland West Cork, said that the standard of entries was "truly exceptional". 

“The Businesswoman of the Year awards are a celebration not only of business success, but of the incredible women behind those businesses. Women who continue to lead, innovate, support their communities and inspire others every single day," said Anna. 

"Events like these remind us of the power of connection, community and women supporting women. On behalf of Network Ireland West Cork, I want to sincerely thank our members, sponsors, judges, committee, supporters and guests for helping make this such a special and memorable evening.” 

The winners of the 2026 Network West Cork Businesswoman of the Year Awards are:

Emerging New Businesswoman, sponsored by Scally’s of Clonakilty SuperValu

Melissa Clarke of Melissa Clarke PR 

Established Businesswoman, sponsored by Clonakilty Food Company

Maria O’Donovan of Maria O’Donovan & Co 

Advanced-Career Employee, sponsored by Groupe Clarins

Elle O’Sullivan McCarthy of The Hope Foundation

Networker of the Year, sponsored by Cork County Council

Majella Galvin of DNG Galvin 

Creative Professional, sponsored by RH Vintage Interiors

Liz Ehrenberg-Redl of Coffeehouse Creative 

Solo Businesswoman, sponsored by MSD Brinny

Mary Cotter of Mary Cotter Nutrition 

STEM Professional, sponsored by MSD Brinny

Clara Mulligan of HomeBot Ireland 

The winners will now advance to represent the West Cork branch nationally at the Network Ireland Businesswoman of the Year Awards later this year in Galway, where they will compete with winners from across 17 branches of Network Ireland.

A spokesperson for the awards said that the success of the evening was made possible through the dedication and support of the Network Ireland West Cork committee, judges, sponsors and event partners.

"Special recognition was given to Vice President and Awards Coordinator Susan Collins Duggan for her outstanding work behind the scenes and sincere thanks were also extended to judges Kevin Curran, Tracey Cooney and Avril Allshire-Howe for their time and expertise, and to all sponsors for their ongoing commitment to supporting women in business across West Cork. Appreciation was also expressed to the team at Dunmore House Hotel for hosting the event, to Flicky Howe of Howe Hill Flowers for the beautiful floral arrangements locally grown in West Cork, and to all those who contributed to making the evening such a memorable celebration."