Meet some of the finalists for this year's Network Cork and West Cork business awards 

The Network Ireland Cork and Network Ireland West Cork Businesswomen of the Year awards take place this week. Ahead of the events, MARY CORCORAN highlights just some of the 56 remarkable women named as finalists.

The innovation, leadership and excellence of 56 women in Cork will be celebrated this week when Network Ireland Cork and Network Ireland West Cork hold their Businesswoman of the Year Awards.

A record number of applications were submitted this year for the awards in the Network Ireland Cork branch, with 32 women named as finalists across eight categories, recognising emerging and established leaders, entrepreneurs, creatives, STEM professionals, and rising talent within organisations.

In West Cork, 24 women have been named as finalists for the branch awards across six categories.

The winners from both the Cork and West Cork awards will go forward to represent their branch at a national level later this year.

The finalist lists include women working across a range of roles and sectors, and include a musician, an author, coaches, an estate agent, healthcare professionals, artists, entrepreneurs, and more.

Here is just a sample of some of the remarkable women named as finalists for this year’s awards.

Network Ireland Cork branch Businesswomen of the Year finalists

Emerging Businesswoman- sponsored by Sian Horn

Deirdre O’Grady at AbilityWise

Deirdre O’Grady is a Disability Equality and Inclusion Trainer and is the founder of AbilityWise.

Three years ago, Deirdre O’Grady established AbilityWise to deliver bespoke disability, inclusion, and equality training.

With a background in healthcare, she said that from a professional, academic and personal level, she recognised a need for the service.

Today, she says the company is one of the most accredited disability, inclusion and equality training providers in Ireland.

“I believe disability, equality, and inclusion training is an essential part of workplace training,” she explains.

It is clear others do too, as Deirdre says she has witnessed an increase in demand for her services.

There are a number of reasons for this, she says, including access to funding for such training under the work and access scheme, which means charities and community groups are eligible for 90% of funding for such training.

Deirdre, who volunteers as a first responder for the National Ambulance Service, says she offers cost-neutral training for charities - they receive 90% through the scheme with Deirdre donating back the final 10%.

Deirdre says she was thrilled to be named as a finalist for the awards.

“It’s a privilege and it’s lovely to think that the ion that I have for what I do is being recognised by an organisation like Network Cork, and it’s lovely to get disability, equality and inclusion in the spotlight.”

Cathy Cullen, Cathy Cullen Communications

With a background in marketing, content and communications, last year, Cathy Cullen took the leap to become a self-employed communications and marketing consultant.

Cathy’s previous roles took her to Dublin, London, and Sydney, and she says she is thrilled to be living and working in Cork now.

“This is the first time I’ve based myself professionally in Cork as I had moved away during the recession,” she says.

Cathy says that within her role, she s clients with enhancing their company brand and the profiles of their leadership teams.

“I specialise in maximising clients’ impact on LinkedIn.

“I work with amazing clients and work incredibly hard to deliver them impactful results,” she added.

“I’m thrilled to be nominated for an award in my first year of trading and looking forward to meeting the amazing business women of Cork at the awards,” Cathy added.

Other finalists in this category are:

• Sofia Kalfa, Fzin Coffee & Compostable Capsules
• Ailis Crowley, FASH Forward
• Terri O’Callaghan, Decluttered by Terri

Solo Businesswoman – sponsored by Orla McAndrew

AND

Networker of the Year – sponsored by Maura Mackey Design

Louise Kane Buckley, Loula Natural

Louise Kane Buckley has been involved in the natural health sector for 20 years and says she is ionate about helping people take control of their wellbeing through a whole-body approach.

This year, she has been a finalist in two different categories, namely, Solo Business Woman and Networker of the Year.

“Being a finalist in these awards is a really meaningful milestone for me. As branch secretary, I’ve seen first-hand how powerful the and connection within this network can be, and to now be recognised for my own work feels incredibly rewarding.

“It’s an affirmation of the dedication, ion, and resilience I’ve poured into my business over the years.

This recognition gives me fresh energy and confidence to keep growing - collaborating with others, expanding my impact, and continuing to build something that s real, lasting change in the wellness space.”

Other finalists in the solo businesswoman category are:

• Sian Horn
• Tracy McCarthy, Naturally Balanced Kinsale

Other finalists in the Networker of the Year category are:

• Sian Horn
• Dr Siobhán Lucey, University College Cork
• Marilyn Reidy, Kneat Solutions
• Ciara Crossan, MIH WeddingDates

Established Businesswoman - sponsored by NuaFund

Gwen Perroud, Cameron Bakery

Gwen Perroud opened traditional French bakery, Cameron Bakery in Cork eight years ago and is now poised to open their fifth establishment.

Gwen has been involved in the industry for many more years though, and previously had a number of restaurants.

“When we sold the last restaurant in Cork, we used that to open the first bakery,” she explains.

She tells WoW! that work is progressing on the newest bakery, with the business due to open in Schull within weeks.

Gwen says she ed Network Ireland Cork just three months ago with an open mind.

“I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I quickly discovered an inspiring community of talented women - ive, driven, and generous in sharing their experiences.

“It’s a space where open conversations about business are encouraged, and where we genuinely uplift one another.”

She initially wasn’t going to put herself forward for the award, but says she is glad she did.

“Being named a finalist is an incredibly rewarding moment. It not only recognises the dedication and effort I’ve put into my journey, but also reflects how far I’ve come,” she says.

Other finalists in this category are:

• Sinead Lucey, 9 White Deer Brewery Ltd
• Orla Frawley, Bishopstown Podiatry Clinic

Creative Professional Businesswoman - sponsored by Joan Cashman

Sue Nelson, Sue Nelson Designs

Sue Nelson specialises in artwork inspired by nature and the Irish landscape. She primarily works with oil and acrylics, and also has a ion for photography.

Sue says she ed Network Cork almost three years ago to expand her professional network, but gained much more.

“I found a community of ambitious, inspiring women who have become not only peers, but real friends.

“This year, I took the plunge and applied for the Businesswoman of the Year Awards for the first time.

“It’s been a rewarding journey of reflection, both on my own personal growth and on the evolution of my business, Sue Nelson Designs.”

Sue says that being named a finalist in the Creative Professional category is a “really meaningful milestone”.

She added: “I’ve built my business from the ground up, guided by instinct, innovation and resilience. This nomination celebrates how far I’ve come and champions the power of creativity to touch hearts, connect communities, and drive sustainable success in business.”

Sue Nelson’s twin sister, Therese Deane, is a finalist in the Employee Shining Star category.

Nadine Hughes Campbell, Noah’s Adventures

Nadine Hughes Campbell created Noah’s Adventures in a bid to foster cultural exploration while promoting diversity and inclusion.

The children’s picture book series follows Noah, a young Black Irish boy, as he embarks on exciting journeys around Ireland and beyond.

“The inspiration for the series came from my own experience as a mother.

“At such a young age, I noticed that my children didn’t always feel represented in the books they were being read, highlighting a gap in our children’s literature.

“I wanted to create stories that not only allowed my children to see themselves, but also introduced young readers to different places and new faces in a fun, engaging way.

“As a Black Irish author, I am incredibly proud to champion diversity in the children’s picture book space and to be making waves in this important area,” Nadine explained.

She said that being selected as a finalist for the Network Ireland Business Woman of the Year in the Creative category is a tremendous honour.

“It acknowledges the ion and dedication I’ve poured into Noah’s Adventures and the impact it has on promoting diversity and inclusion through storytelling. This recognition reinforces my belief in the importance of representation in children’s literature and motivates me to continue expanding Noah’s world, reaching more young readers, and encouraging them to explore, learn, and appreciate all walks of life.

"I am also deeply honoured to be among such talented and inspiring creatives here in Cork.”

Other finalists in this category are:

• Emma Jacobs MIHI, Emma Jacobs Art
• Maura Mackey, Maura Mackey Design

STEM Professional category - sponsored by Access Laboratories

Fiona Walsh, Empower Presentations

Fiona Walsh left her role in the pharmaceutical sector in 2021 to start her own business, Empower Presentations.

“I felt I had more to offer,” she said. “Even though I’m an introvert, I love connecting with people and sharing my knowledge. I’m ionate about PowerPoint as a tool, and although the software often gets bad press – Death by PowerPoint – it’s not the tool that’s the problem, it’s the way it’s used. When people know how to use PowerPoint properly, it is a very powerful tool.

"I want audiences to have a better experience when people are presenting with PowerPoint, and that’s what motivates me.”

Fiona said that being named a finalist for the Network Cork Businesswoman of the Year - STEM Professional category is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and ion she has poured into her field of technical training.

“It represents not only personal success, but also the recognition of the importance of STEM in driving innovation and progress.

“In addition to PowerPoint training, I also train people to use Microsoft Copilot for 365, Microsoft’s new AI business tool.”

Other finalists in this category are:

• Gene Cashman, Cashman Veterinary Hospital
• Mary O’Driscoll, Mary O’Driscoll Strategic Consulting
• Enrika Moore, Viska Systems

Employee Rising Star category - sponsored by Sue Nelson Designs

Victoria Curtis, Cork Opera House

Victoria Curtis has worked as the marketing executive at Cork Opera House since April, 2023.

“My role is to strategise, implement, and oversee both in-house and touring commercial marketing campaigns,” she explained.

“As Cork Opera House is both a presenting and producing house, with over 300 productions on our stage each year, no two days are the same.

“Cork Opera House is also the leading producer of musical theatre in the country, which lends itself nicely to my ion for the performing arts,” the marketing executive added.

Victoria says that she is very proud to be a finalist in the awards.

“On a personal level, being a finalist validates the amount of energy, focus, and enthusiasm I put into my career.

The confidence boost that participating in these awards has given me amongst my peers has been truly beneficial to my overall growth as a marketing professional, as part of this network, and a reflection of how far I have come on my professional journey.

“Being a finalist has already opened the doors to new opportunities, collaborations and partnerships with other businesses in Cork, and I am very proud to be a finalist in these prestigious awards,” Victoria added.

Other finalists in this category are:

• Megan Geaney, Johnson & Johnson MedTech
• Sophie Murphy, Johnson & Johnson MedTech

Employee Shining Star category - sponsored by Dr Siobhán Lucey

Network Ireland West Cork branch finalists

Emerging Businesswoman – sponsored by Scally’s SuperValu, Clonakilty

Gilly Brazier, The Pink PA

Gilly Brazier is the founder of The Pink PA, a virtual assistant business based in Kinsale.

Having spent more than a decade working as a PA and EA in London and Cork, Gilly decided to set up her own business last year and says she now s entrepreneurs and small businesses with the kind of hands-on, behind-the-scenes that keeps everything running smoothly.

Gilly is also working on a number of other projects.

She said: “I’m currently working on something very exciting that I’ll be sharing soon, and I’m also in the middle of writing a book.

Since becoming a mum, building something meaningful, something my daughter can be proud of has become even more important to me,” she said.

Gilly said that being named a finalist means a lot to her.

“Like many small business owners, I often keep my head down and just get on with the work. This recognition is a lovely moment to pause, feel proud of everything I’ve achieved so far, and look forward to what’s still to come,” she said.

Other finalists in this category are:

• Patricia Maybury, The Etiquette Suite
• Geraldine McCarthy, Steer Coaching

Solo Businesswoman - sponsored by Billy’s Rent a Goat

Lorna O’Regan, FeelGood Health & Fitness

Lorna O’Regan founded Feel Good Health and Fitness four years ago.

She describes herself as an older adult fitness specialist and she delivers several classes in Bandon, Courtmacsherry, Kinsale, Gaggin, Rosscarbery and Lisavaird.

Most recently, Lorna launched the Feel Good Health Fest, which has already hosted two hugely successful events.

“Each one brought together a wide range of workshops, from breathwork, yoga, and dance, to food demos and nutrition talks - offering attendees a chance to explore all aspects of wellness,” she said.

The Cork woman says she is deeply ionate about making health and wellbeing accessible to all.

“I regularly host affordable wellness days to ensure that looking after yourself isn’t seen as a guilty luxury, but a realistic and enjoyable part of life.

“I’ll also be launching my first cookery book later this year, which is all about making healthy eating easy, delicious, and sustainable,” Lorna said.

Being named a finalist in the West Cork branch Solo Businesswoman category is something which Lorna says feels like a huge milestone.

“To be a finalist this year is something I’m really proud of - it’s a wonderful recognition of the journey so far, and I’m honoured to be in the company of so many incredible women,” she said.

Other finalists in this category are:

• Barbara Nugent, Transilient Coaching
• Marie Wiseman, Wiser Marketing

Established Businesswoman – sponsored by Clonakilty Food Company

Majella Galvin, DNG Galvin

Majella Galvin is an estate agent with DNG Galvin Auctioneers, Bandon.

She first ed Network Ireland West Cork five years ago, during the covid pandemic.

“At the time, I was looking to connect with like-minded businesswomen, grow my professional network, and invest in my own self-development. Although everything was online at first, I quickly built genuine relationships.

“When we finally got to meet in person, it felt like I had known everyone all my life,” she explained.

She has been named as a finalist in both the Established Businesswoman and Networker of the Year categories-- something which she says is a “real honour”.

“I’m very much a doer — always looking ahead — but this recognition encouraged me to pause and reflect on how far I’ve come, which has been incredibly meaningful.

“Networking comes naturally to me; it’s something I genuinely enjoy and is a huge part of my role as an estate agent.

“Property is a people business — it’s not just about homes, it’s about people and their dreams.

“I’ve had a ion for property since childhood, when I used to accompany my dad on weekend viewings. I feel very proud to now continue his legacy, running the family business alongside my sister.”

Other finalists in the Established Businesswoman category are:

• Carly O’Donovan, Bluebird Care Kerry & West Cork
• Tracey Keoghan, Lemon Leaf
• Hannah Dare, Organico

Other finalists in the Networker of the Year category are:

• Sandra Maybury, Maybury Marketing
• Shauna Colaci, Shauna Colaci Coaching
• Barbara Nugent, Transilient Coaching
• Melissa Clarke, Melissa Clarke PR

Creative Professional – sponsored by Cork County Council

Michelle Fox, Michelle Fox Interiors

Three years ago, Michelle made the leap from an 18-year corporate career in pensions to pursue her ion for interior design with the establishment of Michelle Fox Interiors.

“I work closely with homeowners across Munster, helping them transform their spaces into beautiful, functional, and personal environments,” she said.

“From colour consultancy and room styling to full home designs, my work blends creativity with practicality, ensuring that each space reflects the people who live in it while enhancing how they live.

“Ultimately, I’m ionate about creating a home you’d love to live in,” Michelle said.

“Importantly, I understand how much our surroundings impact our mental health and wellbeing. Through considered choices in colour, layout, and texture, I aim to create spaces that nurture relaxation, reduce stress, and foster positive energy for those who live in them,” she added.

Michelle said that being named as a finalist in the Creative Category of the Network Ireland West Cork awards is “such a milestone in my journey as a designer, business owner, and creative professional.”

She added: “It’s a celebration of the courage it took to change careers, the commitment I’ve put into building my business, and the creativity I get to share with my clients every day.

“It has inspired me to keep pushing boundaries - not only in the homes I design but also in how I grow as a creative entrepreneur.

“I’m incredibly proud to be a part of the creative spirit of the Network Ireland West Cork awards!”

Other finalists in this category are:

• Anya Spark, Anya Spark Consulting
• Liz Ehrenberg-Redl, Coffeehouse Creative
• Melissa Clarke, Melissa Clarke PR
• Sharon Thomas, Celtic Knot Events
• Claire Marie Barton, Connecting Through Sound

STEM Professional - sponsored by Groupe Clarins

Mary Cotter: The Heal Your Bladder Programme

Mary Cotter retrained as a nutritional therapy practitioner after a personal health experience and today aims to help women struggling with chronic and recurring Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs), identifying what’s at the heart of their symptoms.

“Over a decade ago, a UTI that wouldn’t go away spiraled into a chronic infection. I tried countless antibiotics, tests, and treatments, but nothing worked,” she explained.

“That experience led me to retrain in 2013, and in 2023 I brought everything together to launch the Heal Your Bladder programme, an online programme helping women with chronic UTIs and interstitial cystitis.”

Mary said the programme integrates advanced urinary and vaginal microbiome screening with tailored dietary interventions and evidence-informed supplement recommendations to long-term urinary health.

She has since launched a podcast, and this year has been invited to speak on nutrition for UTIs for a number of audiences, including by her local Timoleague community garden and women’s shed and the British Association of Urological Nurses.

Mary said that if she were to win the Network Ireland award in the STEM category, it would be a powerful moment of recognition for the work she has dedicated her career to.

“To be acknowledged by Network Ireland would validate the years I’ve spent developing a specialist approach, ing clients who are often dismissed by conventional healthcare, and raising awareness about conditions that disproportionately affect women, particularly from perimenopause and beyond.”

Other finalists in this category are:

• Aislinn Horgan, By Aislinn Medical Micropigmentation
• Katherine O’Sullivan, Chartered ant.

Networker of the Year – sponsored by Hollywood Coaches, Bandon

Melissa Clarke, Melissa Clarke PR

Melissa Clarke has been named as a finalist in two categories in the awards, namely, Networker of the Year and Creative Professional.

With a ion for writing and art, following her graduation, Melissa spent the early years of her career working in theatres and art galleries, undertaking internships in press and marketing roles to get my foot in the door.

“My breakthrough came with my first permanent job in the Royal Lyceum Theatre in Edinburgh as their sole PR Officer, which then opened up many opportunities to work on internationally renowned arts festivals, and in high profile national charity press offices based in BBC Scotland and in London (Comic Relief, Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, Age UK).”

Melissa took a career break to raise her two young children in 2017, and then moved to Ireland in 2022.

“I saw a need for PR services in Clonakilty, West Cork where I now live, with several community fundraising initiatives, local business owners and large-scale festival events approaching for my help,” explained Melissa.

In 2023, she started Melissa Clarke PR.

“My services enable clients to refine their key messaging and goals to increase public awareness, improving their visibility in the media and on social media through commissioning creative photography and videography content, and writing press releases, features and pitches to the press,” she explained.

One of the achievements which Melissa is most proud of is the awareness that was built around the Clonakilty Playground project through an integrated and far-reaching fundraising PR campaign.

Melissa is currently the Press Relations Officer for Network Ireland West Cork.

“The role and hip have been invaluable for my profession and networking opportunities, and growing credibility for my new business, she said.

“I am responsible for boosting the profile of the West Cork branch through the media, adding creative input into events and our publicity of them, as well as profiling our through media features and social media stories,” she said.

Melissa said being named as a finalist is something which is very important to her.

“It really would mean the world to me to be recognised for the long hours and moments of nearly giving up as I navigated working around my children and starting out in a new country creating new connections and networks.

“It’s also important to me that I can help inspire and encourage other women who have similar career paths to not give up on their incredible skill sets they have worked so hard to achieve before starting their families.

“Being self-employed was never something I planned to do, but I’m so glad I took that leap of faith.

“Working around my family’s needs and enjoying the creative freedom it comes with, as well as working with amazing clients and making new collaborative connections locally.”

Other finalists in this category are:

• Sandra Maybury, Maybury Marketing
• Shauna Colaci, Shauna Colaci Coaching
• Majella Galvin, DNG Galvin
• Barbara Nugent, Transilient Coaching

Awards events

The Network Ireland Cork branch awards will take place tomorrow evening at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Little Island.

Elaine Duggan, former editor of WoW! and Digital Media and CRM Coordinator with See Her Elected, will MC the event.

This year’s judges are Audrey Houlihan, Regional Business Development Manager, AIB; Jim Barry, Managing Director, Barry Group; and Helen Murphy, Senior Enterprise Development Officer, Local Enterprise Office Cork City.

The Network Ireland West Cork branch awards will take place at the Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa, Clonakilty this Friday afternoon.

MC and host for the afternoon is Life/Style editor of the Irish Examiner, Esther McCarthy, with the judging including Aisling Riordan, Vice President of Client Communications at J.P. Morgan Workplace Solutions; Susan Robbins Fehily, the owner of Wildberry Bakery; Kevin Curran, Head of Enterprise with the Local Enterprise Office Cork North and West; and Maeve Buckley, Branch Manager at AIB Skibbereen.