The Network Ireland Waterford Businesswoman of the Year Awards 2025, a highly anticipated event on the local business calendar, will take place on May 23rd at Waterford Castle. With 37 exceptional finalists vying for top honours across eight dynamic categories, this year’s ceremony promises to be a celebration of talent, innovation, and the incredible achievements of professional women in Waterford.
Now in its 9th annual showcase of inspiration and success since the branch's re-establishment in 2017, the awards recognise the invaluable contributions of women across a broad range of sectors. The categories for 2025 include Established Businesswoman, Solo Businesswoman sponsored by the Granville Hotel, Emerging Businesswoman sponsored by Energia, Creative Professional, STEM Professional sponsored by Haleon, Employee Rising Star sponsored by UPMC Whitfield Hospital, Employee Shining Star, and Networker of the Year.
Speaking ahead of the event, Ann Marie Shannon commented, “As President of Network Ireland Waterford, and drawing on my experience at Veritas Chartered Accountants and Registered Auditors, I see firsthand the immense talent and drive within our business community. These awards are a powerful testament to the vision and impact of these exceptional women, who are not only leading successful ventures but also shaping the future of our region's economy.”
Adding her perspective, Awards Co-ordinator Claire Mooney of Reduce Costs said, “The Network Ireland Waterford Branch Businesswoman of the Year Awards are a truly inspiring celebration of passion, ambition, and achievement. Each applicant brings their unique story, bold vision, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. As Awards Co-ordinator, it has been a privilege and a joy to walk this journey with these phenomenal women. Their energy, innovation, and support for one another have made this experience unforgettable, and I’m honoured to have played a part in shining the spotlight on them.”
Adding to the significance of the evening, Network Ireland Waterford will be hosting a charity raffle in aid of the Solas Cancer Support Centre. Solas provides vital services and emotional support to individuals and families affected by cancer in the South East, and the raffle will be a key fundraising initiative for this worthy cause.
The judging process took place locally on May 1st kindly hosted at the SETU Xcelerate Centre by Clare McCormack and Aisling O'Neill. Two panels of judges comprising of a wealth of business acumen and experience included Natasha Hayes (AIB), Aisling Carey (Local Enterprise Office), Rosemary Ward (Propelor BIC), Clare Barrett (House of Waterford), James Taylor (Taylor & Associates), and Marian Keane (Ezfees Financial).
Adding her perspective, Margaret Julian of The Compliance Specialist stated, “As the Events Coordinator and a long-standing committee member, I’ve had the privilege of watching the Network Ireland Waterford Awards go from strength to strength in recent years – and this year is no exception. It’s a day to celebrate, connect, and showcase the incredible talent and achievements of businesswomen across Waterford. We’re thrilled to return to the stunning setting of Waterford Castle once again, with the generous support of our sponsors and venue hosts helping to make this event truly special.”
The awards highlight not only individual accomplishments, but also the collective power of networking and collaboration. Whether it’s a seasoned entrepreneur scaling new heights, a creative mind reshaping their industry, or a rising employee star making waves within an organisation, each finalist brings a unique story of ambition and impact.
Ann Marie acknowledged the support received from this year's sponsors: “Events like this aren’t possible without strong community support, and we are deeply grateful to our sponsors — AIB, Local Enterprise Office Waterford, event sponsors including Waterford Castle and award sponsors UPMC, Haleon, Energia and Granville Hotel — for their unwavering belief in our mission to empower women in business.”
The setting — the enchanting Waterford Castle, nestled on a private island — will provide a truly magical backdrop for a day of celebration, connection, and inspiration.
Winners from the Waterford branch will go on to represent the region at the Network Ireland National Awards on September 26th in Killarney, continuing their journey on a national stage among the country’s brightest female leaders.
With anticipation building and excitement in the air, the 2025 Network Ireland Waterford Branch Awards promises to be an unforgettable occasion.
Meet the finalists:
Network Ireland Waterford Emerging Businesswoman of the Year 2025 Category Finalists Award Category Sponsored by Energia
- Edel Tobin - Pink The Agency
- Pippa Halley - Halley Consulting
- Amanda Fox - Autastic
- Sonia Cruz Oro - Travel Awakens
Award Category Sponsored by Granville Hotel
- Monica Jackman - Counsellor | Coach | Mentor
- Irene Treacy - Helping People with Parkinson ́s
- Ann-Marie Sheehan - Aspire PR & Marketing
- Lynn Shead - Natures Alchemy
- Sinéad O'Neill - Sinéad O'Neill Consulting
- Elaine McBarron - Career Compass
- Jayné Cahill - Jayné Cahill Art
- Sarah Vitor - Studio Vitor
- Carmel Grant - Carmel Grant Designs
- Kelly Grimes - Anamchara Cords
- Louisa Murphy - Saints Colour Specialist
- Bonnie Boux - The Irish Soul Celebrant
Award Category Sponsored by UPMC Whitfield Hospital
- Mairead Dowling - Parker Law Solicitors
- Lisa Curtis - SETU Arena
- Cody King - MacuHealth Ltd.
- Catherine Power – Albatel
- Cathy O'Loughlin - Parker Law Solicitors
- Maxine McLoughlin - Little Darlings Childcare
Award Category Sponsored by HALEON
- Kelly Han - Supplement Certified
- Natalie Garland-Cooke - ncco - NC Consulting & Co
- Carol Faughnan - SETU Research, Innovation & Impact
- Dr. Mary Doyle-Kent - Head of the Department of Engineering Technology, South East Technological University, Waterford.
- Suzanne Parker - Parker Law Solicitors
- Jane Russell-O'Connor - Russell Environmental & Sustainability Services Limited
- Breda Power - Janelle Boutique
- Karen Murphy - Murphy Larkin Timber Products
- Aisling Finn - The Book Resort
- Jayné Cahill - Jayné Cahill Art
- Lynn Shead - Natures Alchemy
- Sinéad O'Neill - Sinéad O'Neill Consulting
- Linda Barry - LoveBeingTrue Coaching & Therapy
- Sharon Ginnetty - Optimise Marketing
- Sonia Cruz Oro - Travel Awakens
