Photos: Ciara Wilkinson/Solstice Media
Pictured at the gala are 2026 Network Ireland Louth Branch Award Winners: Rebecca McDermott (Creative Professional), Caroline Duffy (Solo Businesswoman), Cathrine Chiduza (Established Businesswoman), Joan McCann (Networker of the Year), Dr. Niamh Shaw (STEM Professional) and Emma Duffy (Emerging New Businesswoman).
The exceptional achievements of women in business across Louth and surrounding counties were celebrated on Saturday evening, 30 May, at the Network Ireland Louth Businesswoman of the Year Awards, held at the Imperial Hotel Dundalk.
The gala event recognised local female entrepreneurs and professionals across a range of sectors, with winners in national award categories now set to represent the Louth branch at the Network Ireland National Businesswoman of the Year Awards in September in Galway.
The 2025 Louth Branch winners, who will be going forward to represent Louth at the National Businesswoman of the Year Awards are:
• Emerging Businesswoman – Emma Duffy, My Forever Tooth Fairy
• Solo Businesswoman – Caroline Duffy, Caroline Duffy Designs
• Established Businesswoman – Cathy Chiduza, Holistic Healthcare Ireland
• STEM Professional – Dr. Niamh Shaw, Dream Big Space & Science Communications
• Creative Professional – Rebecca McDermott, Rebecca McDermott Jewellery
• Networker of the Year – Joan McCann, The Code Lab
Highly Commended recipient in STEM Category:
• Eadaoin Curran Clarke, Curran Building Solutions
Judges’ Awards celebrated unique contributions and innovation:
• Inspiring Solopreneur – Aoife Dillon, Sea Salt Speech & Language Therapy
• Outstanding Business Growth – Adele Murray, Macfar Property Management
• Unique Service Excellence – Danielle Morton, Blackrock Podiatry
• Impact and Influence – Michelle Sheelan, My Digital Marketer
• Excellence in Leadership & Team Empowerment – Irenaeus McCaffrey, Dun Dealgan Childcare & Bright Beginnings Dundalk
• The Advocate Voice – Claire Callan, Klaine Childcare Ltd. t/a Little Wonders
Network Ireland Louth President, Pauline Clarke, welcomed everyone to what she said promised to be an evening of celebrating all the female entrepreneurs and professionals in the room and acknowledging the work and commitment they put into their businesses every day.
She expressed heartfelt thanks to the judging panel and sponsors, especially AIB Bank, LEO Louth, Overhaul, Engineers Ireland North East, and Relish Café, whose support made the evening possible.
The event was expertly hosted by Anne Marie Whelan of Regsol, whose charisma and wisdom kept the evening flowing.
Anne Marie also led a special fireside chat with entrepreneur, content creator and public speaker, Caroline O’Neill of Digg. She told her story of having a shop for 12 years which she closed during Covid-19 and pivoted her business with the help of social media.
Her Digg Podcast has been ranked as one of the top podcasts in the UK.
Caroline is all about helping people and believes in sharing knowledge, helping others and helping your community. She believes that if you have an idea, go for it, and what other people think doesn’t matter because they are not paying your bills.
This year’s charity partner was SAFE, Castlebellingham, which supports mental health awareness and suicide prevention in the community.
Director and Vice Chair, Patrice Matthews, spoke of the tragic loss of her two sons in 2022 and Sandra Byrne, Chair of SAFE, advised on how to recognise when someone needs help.
Proceeds from the event supported this vital local service.
Network Ireland is a progressive, dynamic organisation supporting the professional and personal development of women.
With over 1,200 members, 17 branches, and a strong nationwide presence, the group holds regular events, workshops, and networking opportunities that promote empowerment and leadership for women in business.
They are always open to new members joining, who can avail of all the supports and benefits available. It doesn’t matter if someone is an established businesswoman or just starting out on their entrepreneurial journey.
To join Network Ireland, go to www.networkireland.ie and select ‘Become a Member’.
