PHOTOS: Network Ireland Louth Businesswoman of the Year Awards

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Network Ireland Louth announced the winners of Businesswoman of the Year Awards, on Friday 26th May, at a gala dinner and awards ceremony held in the Monasterboice Inn. Awards were presented in a variety of branch and national categories with the winners of the national categories going forward to the Network Ireland National Awards, in Kildare, in September.

The winners of the branch category awards were: Chloe Litchfield of Revitalise Your Home (One to Watch) and Pauline Clarke of KooKee (Business Sector Champion).

The winners of the national category awards were: Elena Calvia of Lingotot Drogheda and East Meath (Emerging Business Woman); Andrea McQuillan of Coppertops Digital Marketing (Solo Business Woman) and Carmel McCarthy of EMS & Associates (Networker of the Year).

Winners were presented with a framed tile created by local ceramicist, Sarah McKenna. Network Ireland Louth says it looks forward to supporting its Network Ireland national category winners when they go forward to represent the branch at the Network Ireland National Conference and Awards in Kildare, in September.

The judging panel for the awards consisted of Audrey Doherty of AIB bank, Bronagh Conlon of Listoke Distillery and Sarah Mallon of Local Enterprise Office Louth with Sarah being represented by Grainne McKeown at the awards presentation. The consensus amongst the judges was that it was extremely difficult to pick the winners because of the high standard of applicants. 

Karen Devine, of Whitelight Consulting, was MC for the night and Network Ireland Louth said she did a superb job in keeping the flow of the evening going. Niamh Pentony, President, Network Ireland Louth, spoke of the importance of the role of the network in supporting women in business – be they starting out or established.

She thanked everyone involved in making the night a huge success and, in particular, acknowledged the hard work done by Awards Coordinator, Estelle Cotter of Green Opal Media, who is also Vice President of Network Louth.

Amy O’Sullivan, Network Ireland Vice President Designate, said the awards are a very important acknowledgement of the work and achievements of all entrants. She also felt that all members should celebrate their successes and the advances they are making in their businesses and industries.

The keynote speakers for the night were Sinead Crowther and Denise Lauaki of Soothing Solutions. They told their story of starting their business, despite many personal challenges that both of them encountered during their lives.

It is a story of resilience that led them to create Tonstix – an award-winning natural product, sold through pharmacies. It is a “Child Friendly Honey Jelly Pop for toddlers to tweens that comforts through seasonal ailments.” Their story touched everyone and a standing ovation, came from the crowd present.

Network Ireland Louth’s chosen charity for the event was SOSAD. Carol Murphy, General Manager of SOSAD spoke on behalf of the charity and outlined the services that they provide and her appreciation of Network Ireland Louth having them as the chosen charity. 

Network Louth is a branch of Network Ireland, a Nationwide organisation supporting the professional, and personal, development of women. It provides support, learning and networking opportunities for women in business and enterprise, throughout Ireland, through the branch network.