Network Ireland Galway honours outstanding women at awards
Network Ireland Galway proudly celebrated the achievements of some of the county's most inspiring female professionals and entrepreneurs at its annual Businesswoman of the Year Awards held recently at the Salthill Hotel.
The event brought together finalists, members, sponsors, supporters and guests to recognise excellence, innovation and leadership across a wide range of industries.
With a record 65 finalists competing across eight award categories, the evening showcased the exceptional talent and ambition of women making a significant impact on Galway's business community.
Guests were also honoured to welcome internationally acclaimed conductor and composer Eímear Noone as Guest of Honour, alongside Network Ireland National President Karen Ronan, MEP Maria Walsh and Professor Michael Kerin, Director of National Breast Cancer Research Institute.
Speaking following the event, Network Ireland Galway President Sharon Kelly said: "The calibre of finalists this year was truly exceptional. Every woman who entered demonstrated courage, ambition and dedication, and the stories shared throughout the evening were both inspiring and empowering.
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BRANCH winners at the Businesswoman of the Year awards Mercy Kudakwashe (Networker of the Year winner), Niamh Bent (Advanced Career Employee winner), Joanne Sweeney (Winner of Established Businesswoman winner), Grainne Staunton (Emerging New Businesswoman winner), Network Galway president Sharon Kelly, Anne Murray (STEM Professional winner), Hannah Ryan (Early Career Employee winner) and Ciana Aspell (Creative Professional winner). Missing from photograph, Jackie Gibeny (Solo Businesswoman winner). EDEL OMALLEYImage 2 of 2
MICHELLE Murphy receiving the Network Galway President’s Award from Sharon Kelly. EDEL OMALLEY“It was a privilege to celebrate their achievements and recognise the incredible contribution women are making to business and professional life across Galway.
"Having Eímear Noone join us as our Guest of Honour made the evening even more special. As a trailblazing Irish woman who has achieved international success in her field, she embodied the ambition, creativity and determination that our awards seek to celebrate."
The category winners at the event were:
Emerging New Businesswoman award: Gráinne Staunton of 8rá Beo Holistics.
Solo Businesswoman award: Jackie Gibney of Jackie Gibney Food Safety.
Advanced Career Employee award: Niamh Bent of Pulsate Mobile Ltd.
STEM Professional award: Anne Murray of Sláinte Wellness and Galway Science & Technology Fair.
Established Businesswoman award: Joanne Sweeney of the Digital Training Institute.
Creative Professional award: Ciana Aspell of Canella Lane.
Early Career Employee award: Hannah Ryan of Galway Simon Community.
Networker of the Year award: Mercy Kudakwashe of Miss Mercy Makeup.
Michelle Murphy of Collins McNicholas was honoured with the prestigious Network Galway President’s Award for her contribution within the branch.
The winners in each category go on to represent Galway at the Network Ireland National Businesswoman of the Year Awards finals taking place in Galway on September 18.