13 May 2016
By Elaine Murphy
elaine@TheCork.ie
File photo of past, and current Network Cork presidents
The Network Cork 2016 Women in Business Awards took place today with a packed and excited audience in The Imperial Hotel in Cork. Over 130 business women attended this highly renowned event that celebrates the success, positivity and support that Cork women in business are well-known for.
Ahead of the lunch, Network Cork President Joan Walsh stated “The excitement has been building for the last few weeks ahead of this event so it’s great for the day to finally be here and the celebrations to be underway. We have seen a huge jump in membership this year and the high calibre of women in business who have joined Network Cork is phenomenal, which is clearly reflected in this year’s awards. We are expecting a full house here today and I am delighted to welcome our special guest speaker Bernice Moran, who will no doubt fill us with inspiration and determination following her speech.”
Karen Fleming, Network Cork Awards and Event Co-ordinator explained why the event is such a huge success year after year. “This event attracts increasing interest and support each year and is now a highlight in the Network Cork business calendar. It is a great day where we get to celebrate the success of our peers and acknowledge the wealth of female talent in many businesses here in Cork. Network Cork is a strong and well established business network and the high attendance and record number of applications for these prestigious awards is testament to that”.
The event kicked off with a drinks reception sponsored by Barry & Fitzwilliam premium drinks company, which was followed by the announcement of the winners ahead of lunch.
The Winners were as follows:-
Business Woman of the Year – Employee: Jacqueline McCarthy- DePuy
Business Woman of the Year – Emerging Business: Teresa O’Sullivan- Douglas Law Solicitors
Business Woman of the Year – Small Business Business Woman of the Year – SME 6-20: Joanne O’Regan- JLT Tiles
Business Woman of the Year – Social Enterprise: Miriam Forde- CUH
Business Woman of the Year – Arts: Lorraine Maye- Midsummer Festival
The Overall Winner of the Network Cork Women in Business Awards was presented to Lorraine Maye, Cork Midsummer Festival, who was presented with Keanes Jewellers Perpetual Trophy.
Judges for the Network Cork Women in Business Awards were: Adrienne Rodgers Head of Enterprise, Local Enterprise Office, Aisling O’Callaghan, Proprietor & General Manager of Longueville House and John O’ Doherty AIB Regional Manager.
During the four course luncheon the guests were treated to an inspiring speech from Guest Speaker, successful entrepreneur Bernice Moran, who talked about the professional and personal side of growing your own business.
The Network Business Awards, which is organised by Network Cork, part of Network Ireland, a national organisation for women in business, profession and the arts, is one of the main highlights of the organisation’s busy calendar, with winners of the Cork Awards being recognised at the National Awards in October.
For any business women interested in learning more about Network Cork please visit www.networkcork.com
