'I am ready to lead': Meet the new President of Network Ireland Cork 

Becoming Network Ireland Cork’s 42nd president has an extra special meaning for Cathy Fitzgibbon, who will be at the helm of the organisation for the coming year.

“It connects me to my mother Kathleen’s birth year, 1942,” said Cathy.

“My mother has been a huge inspiration throughout my life, both personally and professionally, so taking on the role this year feels even more special … it’s lovely to feel that connection and it feels like a full-circle moment,” she said.

Cathy, originally from Killavullen in North Cork, returned home 18 years ago after living and working in Australia and New Zealand.

Now settled back and living in the community where she grew up, she is deeply rooted in its agricultural life.

From a young age, Cathy was surrounded by hard work, resilience, and the deep connection between people and the land.

“Growing up on a farm, I saw how food was produced using a farm-to-fork ethos, long before that approach became socially on-trend,” she said.

Kathleen and her dad Joe, who sadly ed away last year, farmed together for more than 50 years and were her first examples of entrepreneurship.

Their influence has shaped both her values and leadership style.

“My mother was an entrepreneur without even realising it, and they both instilled in my siblings and I the importance of education as it was something their generation wasn’t automatically entitled to,” she said.

Cathy worked in sales and marketing in the media industry for 24 years and moved her way up to senior management level for some well-known regional newspaper titles.

An appetite for change then led her to work in radio, where she managed a diverse range of multi-platform advertising campaigns for clients across all industry sectors.

ion project 

The culmination of these diverse marketing experiences paved the way for her ion project and business, The Culinary Celt, launched in 2018.

This year, her life-long dream became a reality as she transitioned to working on it full-time.

At the heart of The Culinary Celt is Cathy’s deep love for nature and the environment, and a profound respect for Irish food sources.

As an advocate for Irish produce and a published author in the areas of wellbeing and sustainability, the work involves business mentoring services for intergenerational cohorts and marketing consultancy services tailored to SME businesses in the agri and food sectors, enabling them to communicate their brand messages effectively and strengthen their market presence.

She also leads workshops, corporate webinars and wellness retreats that explore sustainable living through food.

These educational pathways expose the merits in embracing a more mindful, eco-conscious approach to eating, that works in harmony with our natural environment resources.

Her debut book, Eat With The Seasons, alongside her many peer-reviewed articles on sustainability, mental health, food tourism and environmental issues, also offer practical ways to enjoy seasonal produce while living sustainably.

But for Cathy, The Culinary Celtis more than a business - it’s a platform for promoting her core values and that’s something she’ll bring to the role of Network president.

Nurturing wellbeing and professional growth 

“I’m focussed on fostering an environment that nurtures both personal wellbeing and professional growth for ,” she said.

For Cathy, Network Cork has always been more than a networking group.

“It’s a space where women each other, lift each other up and create opportunities that might not otherwise exist.

“It’s a place where connections go beyond business and where genuine business collaborations, friendships and mentorships are formed.” 

The decision to step up as president wasn’t just about leadership; it was about service, as she wanted to give back to this community that has been a catalyst for her own growth.

She believes that by fostering a ive, inspiring and dynamic environment, we can break through barriers and inspire a new generation of female leaders.

“Women continue to face unique challenges in the business world and having a dedicated space to share experiences, mentor one another and celebrate successes is vital for building confidence and mutual ,” she said.

Her philosophy is simple yet powerful “true success is not measured by financial gain alone but by the positive impact we have on the world around us.”

Ultimately, her presidency will be marked by her drive to steer the organisation towards a future that prioritises sustainability and wellbeing,providing a healthy environment that nurtures both the personal and professional growth for .

“I am ready to lead, ready to listen and ready to make sure that Network Cork continues to be the force for empowerment and inspiration that it has always been.”

Commenting on Cathy’s appointment, outgoing President, Susana Marambio, owner of Beacon of Light for Business, said: “I want to thank the networks committee for their dedication and hard work, and wish Cathy, our 2025 President, the very best of luck.

“With her ion and commitment, I know she will take the network to even greater heights.

“The weight of responsibility in accepting the chain of Network Ireland Cork President and representing a remarkable community, which has championed women in business for over 40 years, is both a daunting and exhilarating task-one that Cathy will take in her stride.”

See www.networkireland.ie.