Countdown to Network Ireland Businesswoman of the Year awards 

A significant Cork contingent will be travelling to Galway this week for the annual awards. 
Countdown to Network Ireland Businesswoman of the Year awards 

President of Network Cork Diane Higgins and Vice President Dr Siobhán Lucey with branch winners Ciara O’Connell, Dawn Holton, Nadine Hughes Campbell, recipient of the President’s Award Mary Crilly, and branch winners Laura Howard, Ciara Crossan, Louise Kane Buckley, Wendy O’Driscoll,and Najia Ahmadyar, at the Network Cork Businesswoman of the Year Awards 2026 Picture: Darragh Kane

Some of Cork’s leading businesswomen will be celebrated at the Network Ireland Businesswomen of the Year awards this Friday.

The event aims to recognise the achievements of extraordinary women across the country.

Nominees for the national awards comprise of women recognised at 17 local branch award finals held around the country in recent months.

Women were recognised across eight categories at the Network Ireland Cork awards, last May namely;

Emerging New Businesswoman - sponsored by Wedding Dates

Dawn Holton, Holton Homes and Properties

Established Businesswoman - sponsored by Cameron Café

Wendy O’ Driscoll, Mitchelsfort Contracting

STEM Professional - sponsored by Viska Systems

Najla Ahmadyar, Zartis

Creative Professional - sponsored by ASA Brands

Nadine Hughes Campbell, Noah’s Adventures

Solo Businesswoman - sponsored by Naturally Balanced

Louise Kane Buckley, Loula Natural

Early Career Employee - sponsored by Cork Education and Training Board (ETB)

Ciara O’Connell, SolarHill Energy

Advanced Career Employee - sponsored by Partnership International

Laura Howard, Trinny London

Networker of the Year sponsored by Kneat Solutions

Ciara Crossan, Wedding Dates

Award winners: STEM Professional Clara Mulligan, HomeBot Ireland, Creative Professional Liz Ehrenberg-Redl, Coffeehouse Creative, Emerging New Business Melissa Clarke, Melissa Clarke PR, Networker of the Year Majella Galvin, DNG Galvin, Advance Career Employee Elle O’Sullivan McCarthy, The Hope Foundation and Established Business Woman Maria O’Donovan & Co Solicitors at the Network Ireland West Cork Businesswoman of the Year Awards 2026. Picture: Darragh Kane
Award winners: STEM Professional Clara Mulligan, HomeBot Ireland, Creative Professional Liz Ehrenberg-Redl, Coffeehouse Creative, Emerging New Business Melissa Clarke, Melissa Clarke PR, Networker of the Year Majella Galvin, DNG Galvin, Advance Career Employee Elle O’Sullivan McCarthy, The Hope Foundation and Established Business Woman Maria O’Donovan & Co Solicitors at the Network Ireland West Cork Businesswoman of the Year Awards 2026. Picture: Darragh Kane

Women were recognised across seven categories at the West Cork event, namely;

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.

This year's national awards take place in Galway. 

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