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Breaking: Network Ireland Kilkenny announces president for 2026
President of Network Ireland Kilkenny for 2026, Lucie Dowling and Vice-President, Karina Cahill PICTURE: Claire Dunne
Reporter:
Mary Cody
15 Dec 2025 1:33 PM
Network Ireland Kilkenny has announced the appointment of Lucie Dowling as its President for 2026 at its AGM, held at Pembroke Kilkenny earlier this month.
Dowling succeeds outgoing President Caít Mackey Maher of Yellow Deer Design, who now steps into the ex officio role. She will be supported by incoming Vice President Karina Cahill of Melt Your Day Away.
Lucie Dowling is the People and Culture Director with Pembroke Kilkenny and Mint Medispa. A well-known figure in the local business community, she is a passionate advocate for animal welfare and volunteers with Kilkenny SPCA.
Reflecting on a successful year guided by the pillars of Bravery, Nurturing, and Inclusion,Caít Mackey Maher said,“It has been a privilege to support the network throughout 2025. When I stood here last year, I thought bravery looked like big speeches and bold decisions, but this year has taught me something new. When you shine bright, your light leads the path for those coming behind you.”
Among the highlights of the past year were a powerful International Women’s Day event, Celestial Women, held at St Canice’s Cathedral, and national recognition at the Network Ireland Businesswoman of the Year Awards. Two Network Ireland Kilkenny members, Bernie Woods of The Meaningful Múinteoir and Órlaith Halpin of Sásta Skin Health, each received the Judges’ Special Recognition Award.
Mackey Maher paid tribute to her committee and said she was proud to have strengthened the organisation’s partnerships with sponsors AIB and the Local Enterprise Office (LEO), and welcomed Lucie Dowling as President for 2026.
Speaking following her appointment, Ms Dowling said,
“I’m proud to build on the strong foundations laid by Caít and previous presidents and committees. Their work has shaped a powerful network for women in Kilkenny. It's an honour to lead Network Ireland Kilkenny into its next chapter, focused on deeper connection, meaningful support, and impact.
"Our 2026 plans are strengthened by exceptional support from AIB and the Local Enterprise Office.We’re delighted to announce a new partnership and professional development funding with Kilkenny Carlow Skillnet, along with generous support from Pembroke Kilkenny’s meeting and event space. Both will help elevate our reach and amplify the network's impact across the county.2026 will be about women supporting women, with energy, structure, collaboration, and a bit of craic along the way!”
Outlining her plans,Ms Dowling said member feedback had shaped a dynamic calendar of events for 2026, with a renewed focus on the organisation’s core mission, women supporting women.
Looking ahead, Network Ireland Kilkenny is keen to welcome new members and will host two events in January. A NetWalk, a social stroll and relaxed networking opportunity, will take place at Castlecomer Discovery Park on Saturday, January at 10 am. Later in the month, the Vision 2026 Session on Thursday, 30 January, will help members and attendees set clear, ambitious, and actionable goals for the year ahead.
Network Ireland champions women in business and in their careers, supporting more than 1,300 members across 17 branches nationwide. The Kilkenny branch, established in 2017, has grown its membership to more than 90 professional women and is supported by AIB and Kilkenny Local Enterprise Office (LEO).
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