The sun shines on Network Ireland Louth Award winners

The 2021 Network Ireland Louth Businesswoman of the Year Awards were presented on Thursday last at a special outdoor event at the Monasterboice Inn. 

COVID-19 restrictions meant the awards were presented in sunshine rather than under spotlights but the enthusiasm of the winners was far from dimmed as the sun shone brightly throughout the event. 

Awards were presented in different categories, with the winners going forward to the Network Ireland National Conference and Awards which will be held in Waterford in October.

Those chosen to go forward to the Network Ireland National Awards were: 

• Niamh Pentony, Boyne Ergonomics – Winner – Emerging New Business
• Karen Devine, Whitelight Consulting – Winner – Established Business
• Joanne Lavelle, Michael Lavelle Estate Agents – Winner – Power Within Champion.

Those achieving Network Ireland Louth branch awards were: 

• Pauline Clarke – Kookee – One to Watch;
• Denise Wogan, FooDee  – Holistic Entrepreneur;
• Niamh Pentony, Boyne Ergonomics  – Innovative Entrepreneur;
• Marina Branigan, Brava Virtual – Contribution to Business
• Karen Devine, Whitelight Consulting – Contribution to Community (and Power Within).

In her welcoming address Network Ireland Louth President Marie Fleming spoke of the importance of the awards for recognising the achievements of women in business. 

“The level of interest in the awards, this year, was phenomenal with entries from all over County Louth and into County Meath” she said. 

“This shows a very positive trend and confidence in business, despite the difficult 15 months we have all had, where businesses have had to rethink how they work.” 

All events, during the year, have been virtual but Marie said they were very fortunate to secure excellent speakers who contributed to both the personal and business growth of members. 

Marie also felt that all members should celebrate their successes and the advances they are making in their businesses and industries, despite the challenges that have been presented in the past while.

She encouraged members to use the supports of the network and, in particular, to avail of the Mentorship programme, which is available free to members of Network Ireland. 

Marie expressed her sincere thanks to the judging panel for their hard work and commitment to the awards process. 

The judging panel for the awards consisted of Aoife Mackie, AIB Bank, Anne Reilly, Paycheck Plus and Eimer Hannon, Hannon Travel.  The consensus amongst the judges was that it was extremely difficult to pick the winners because of the very high calibre of this year’s finalists and they felt that everyone should reflect on, and celebrate, their successes.

Network Ireland and Network Ireland Louth partner with AIB who support the organisation at both a national and branch level.  LEO Louth also support Network Ireland Louth at branch level.

Network Louth is a branch of Network Ireland, a Nationwide organisation supporting the professional, and personal, development of women.  It provides support, learning and networking opportunities for women in business and enterprise, throughout Ireland, through the branch network.  

Network Ireland is a non-profit, voluntary organisation, established in 1983 and now has 14 Branches Nationwide.   Membership is made up of a diverse group of women, from budding entrepreneurs to SME owners, professionals, and leaders in indigenous and multinational organisations, the Public Sector, the Arts, non-profit organisations and charities.