'I honestly can't believe it,' Tipperary business woman wins top award

The 2023 IMAGE PwC Businesswoman of the Year Awards, took place on Friday, at The Clayton, Burlington Road in Dublin.

800 of Ireland’s top business professionals, celebrities and the media gathered to celebrate women from the broadest possible spectrum of business at the national awards ceremony.

The award for Family Businesswoman of the Year 2023 was bestowed on Tipperary woman, Aisling Ryan, Chief Operating Officer of Ryans Cleaning, headquartered in Thurles.

Ryans Cleaning is Ireland’s leading events cleaning company and is a leading player in the UK and European markets also.

For over 30 years the Ryan Family led by husband and wife duo, Pat and Philomena Ryan have been remarkably successful working behind the scenes in the events and entertainment industry from small events and one day shows to large stadia contracts and more.

In recent times, their daughter Aisling has stepped up and taken the reins on the family business.

Commenting on her award, Aisling said: “I honestly can’t believe it! There were over 530 entries, 94 shortlistees and the calibre of businesswomen in running and in the room was remarkable, I’m just over the moon.

"This award comes at a really important time for Ryans Cleaning, as momentum builds for the busy events season for all the team, in fact while I was collecting the award we had our regular teams active at Dublin Zoo, 3Arena, Bord Gais Energy Theatre, The Olympia Theatre.

"Racecourse teams cleaning at The Curragh and Limerick Racecourses as well as an event specific crew in Ballina where they were covering the Biden Visit also, so although momentum is building for the season, it’s always busy and I am so grateful to all our wonderful staff and valued clients without whom none of this would be possible."

From the podium, Aisling was keen to acknowledge her parents support saying: “I want to thank my parents. They’ve been a massive support and so encouraging. They started the business, so they understand the pressures that come with it, they understand what’s involved.

"They’ve been a great support and have encouraged me to push things the whole way along. Coming from such a male-dominated industry, it’s great to see so many women supporting other women within the many different industries here tonight.”

Speaking at the awards ceremony Pat Ryan, Founder of Ryans Cleaning said: “We have been very fortunate and have won many awards for our work over the years but this award is extra special as it singles out Aisling as a successful woman in business.

"The timing could not be better as she’s just emerging as the next generation to lead Ryans Cleaning to new heights. It is richly deserved, and I say that not only as a proud father but as someone who has sat in that hot seat and knows what it takes and just how hard she works to get the job done. I know she really and truly deserves it and my wife Philomena and I are just so proud of her!

Clodagh Edwards, CEO, IMAGE Media says: “It’s incredible to think that a full generation of Irish businesswomen have been celebrated since our first awards in 2007.

"In that time, women have become more visible in every area of life, but it’s particularly rewarding to see more female faces at C-suite level, in the boardroom, and entrepreneurs who go on to become global players.

"I’m proud to say we’ve recognised so many of these women over the years, and 2023’s shortlistees, runners-up and winners are another group of outstanding individuals who show just what can be achieved through the right blend of passion, dedication and business acumen. Congratulations to all, and I’m delighted IMAGE can support and amplify your successes."

The 2023 IMAGE PwC Businesswoman of the Year Awards is sponsored by Key Capital, DS Automobiles, Glenveagh, Kuehne + Nagel, and Ibec, and held in association with Marks & Spencer, Circle Club and istil 38.

Now in its 15th year, the award ceremony recognises the outstanding contribution Irish women make to business and modern life.