Network Ireland Louth announced the winners of their Businesswoman of the Year Awards last week at a gala dinner and awards ceremony in the Monasterboice Inn.
The One to Watch award went to Emily Magee of Lemonpeels Health, while Marie Fleming of Marie Fleming Digital won the Contribution to Business category.
Michelle Rankin of Michelle Rankin Marketing won the Emerging Businesswoman and will forward to represent Network Ireland Louth at the National Awards in Galway in October.
All three winners were presented with a framed tile created by local ceramicist and Network Ireland Louth member, Sarah McKenna.
A special presentation was also made to Aileen Phelan, Branch Treasurer in recognition of her years of dedication and hard work as Awards Co-Ordinator.
The judging panel for the awards consisted of Miriam McCabe of AIB bank, Eimear Hannon of Eimear Hannon Travel and Anne Caldwell with Miriam being represented by Aoife Mackey, and Jennifer Farrell, at the Awards Dinner.
Bronagh Conlon of Listoke Distillery speaking at the 2022 Network Ireland Louth Businesswoman of the Year Awards at the Monasterboice Inn. Photo:Jenny Callanan.
The consensus amongst the judges was that it was extremely difficult to pick the winners because of the high standard of applicants. They felt everyone was a winner in their businesses and they would continue to grow and achieve greatness in their respective fields.
Karen Devine, of Whitelight Consulting, was MC for the night and she did a superb job in keeping the flow of the evening going.
Andrea McQuillan, President, Network Ireland Louth, spoke of the importance of women reaching out for support to other branch members and also availing of the mentoring that is free to all members of Network Ireland.
She spoke of the difficulties of the past few years but emphasised how great it was to be back to in person events.
A special presentation was made to Aileen Phelan, Branch Treasurer in recognition of her years of dedication and hard work as Awards Co-Ordinator. Photo:Jenny Callanan.
Network Ireland Vice President Designate, Linda Codoul, said the awards are a very important acknowledgement of the work and achievements of all entrants. She also felt that all members should celebrate their successes and the advances they are making in their businesses and industries, despite the challenges of the past few years.
The keynote speaker for the night was Bronagh Conlon of Listoke Distillery and Gin School who told her story of starting out her career as a Nurse and the road that led her to creating Listoke. She spoke of the personal and business challenges she has encountered along the way.
Network Ireland Louth’s charity for the event was the Maria Goretti Foundation, that supports children with disabilities.
Paula Dowdall of the Foundation outlined the services they provide and her appreciation of Network Ireland Louth having them as the chosen charity. Funds raised on the night will go towards sensory equipment for their new building and will help to provide the necessary services to support the children and their families.
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.
