'Turn celebration into action': Network Ireland marks International Women’s Day in Limerick

INTERNATIONAL Women’s Day is set to be celebrated in Limerick when members of Ireland’s largest business networking organisation for women gather at the Strand Hotel.

The Network Ireland event on Saturday will be headlined by entrepreneur and social innovator Sonya Lennon, who will join speakers from fashion, global sport and enterprise to discuss what it takes to build resilient brands in competitive markets.

The programme will also explore the concept of brand wellness, ensuring that as organisations scale, the people behind them remain supported.

The event is supported by AIB, Limerick City & County Council and Enterprise Ireland. Down Syndrome Limerick, the President’s chosen charity partner, will be represented by speaker Annie Conway.

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Established in 1983, Network Ireland supports over 1,400 female entrepreneurs, SME owners and senior professionals across sectors ranging from multinational business to non-profits, the arts and the public sector.

Karen Ronan, Network Ireland President and CEO of Galway Chamber, said the event is all about creating access to opportunity, to confidence and to leadership.

She added: “Hosting this event in Limerick, my home city and the place that shaped my own leadership journey, makes it deeply meaningful. Limerick is a city defined by resilience and ambition. Bringing together women who are scaling brands and leading on global stages reflects exactly where we are as a region.”

Mayor of Limerick, John Moran, commented: “International Women’s Day urges us to turn celebration into action, ensuring that equality, respect and opportunity are not aspirations, but realities for all. Network Ireland continues to champion women who lead, innovate and uplift others. I particularly want to commend Limerick native Karen Ronan for her work as President of Network Ireland, while wishing Barbara MacCarthy the very best of luck in her term as Limerick branch President throughout 2026.”

Geraldine Casey, Managing Director of Retail Banking at AIB, stated:

“At AIB, we believe that when women in business thrive, our communities and our economy thrive with them. International Women’s Day is a powerful reminder that progress happens when ambition is supported by access to finance, to networks and to opportunity. AIB plays a vital role in creating those connections, and we look forward to continuing to champion female entrepreneurship, leadership and sustainable growth across Ireland.”

Sarah Walker, Senior Executive, Enterprise Ireland, said:

“Enterprise Ireland is focused on increasing the number of women who start, lead and grow businesses, and we are delighted to support Network Ireland in hosting this year’s International Women’s Day event. Through our investments and initiatives, including the Going for Growth, NextWave, WeBuild, WeGrow and WeScale Shared Island programmes, we aim to give women the skills, networks and funding routes they need to scale. When women succeed in business, the benefits are felt across communities and the wider economy.”