Louth businesswomen made their mark at the Network Ireland National Conference and Awards, held in the Great Southern Hotel, Killarney on Friday, 26th September. The event, one of the most prestigious in the calendar for professional women across Ireland, celebrated leadership, ambition, and achievement across every sector of business life.
After a strong showing at the branch awards earlier this year, six Louth members went forward as national finalists:
- Natasha Keenan, Border Boutique Hire – Emerging Businesswoman
- Maria Morgan, Esker Fields Skincare – Solo Businesswoman
- Joanne Lavelle, Lavelle Auctioneers & Valuers – Established Businesswoman
- Joan McCann, The Code Lab – STEM Professional
- Caroline Duffy, Caroline Duffy Designs – Creative Professional
- Pauline Clarke, Kookee – Networker of the Year
Photo: Brownes Photography
Photo: Brownes Photography
Photo: Brownes Photography
Photo: Brownes Photography
Louth didn’t just compete — it won. Pauline Clarke (Kookee) was crowned Networker of the Year, Joan McCann (The Code Lab) received Special Recognition in STEM, and Caroline Duffy (Caroline Duffy Designs) was Highly Commended in Creative Professional.
Network Ireland Louth President Nicola Connolly Byrne praised the group’s success:
“Putting yourself forward for an award takes real courage — it means digging deep, showing vulnerability, and having the tenacity to be seen. Our Louth finalists did exactly that, and I couldn’t be prouder. This was our strongest representation yet, and our success on the national stage reflects the power of this incredible community.”
The national conference also offered workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities for the 1,200-strong membership nationwide, reinforcing Network Ireland’s mission to empower women at every stage of their professional journey.
