To celebrate women's leadership and foster regional collaboration, Network Ireland Waterford Branch held "Decisions Leaders Make: An International Women’s Day 2025 Celebration" event at the Granville Hotel on March 5th.
The gathering of South East female business leaders proved a stellar success, igniting inspiration and leaving a lasting impact. The overwhelming positive feedback from attendees underscored the event’s impact. Guests praised the insightful discussions, dynamic atmosphere, and the sheer power of being surrounded by so many remarkable female leaders.
A standout moment of the event was the panel discussion featuring Jenny Beresford, CEO of Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber of Commerce; Shonagh Lyons of BEAT 102-103; and Ann Cusack of the Granville Hotel. Expertly moderated by Margaret Julian, of The Compliance Specialist, the discussion explored the unique challenges and triumphs of female leadership in business.
“We extend our sincere thanks to our exceptional panellists and MC,” said Ann Marie Shannon, President of Network Ireland Waterford Branch and Managing Director of Veritas Chartered Accountants & Registered Auditors. “Their willingness to share their leadership journeys was invaluable, offering remarkable insights and inspiring all who attended.”
The Granville Hotel provided an exceptional venue and service that were integral to the event's success. Ann Marie noted, “The hotel's impeccable service and refined ambiance contributed significantly to the creation of an unforgettable experience. The culinary offerings were exquisite, and the venue itself provided a stunning backdrop for our celebration. The meticulous attention to detail in the décor, lighting, and floral arrangements surpassed all expectations, and the staff demonstrated unparalleled professionalism.”
The event's success was significantly enhanced by the strategic partnerships forged with local businesses. Alyson Somers of Flowertastic generously provided exquisite floral arrangements for each attendee, commemorating International Women's Day 2025. Gift partners, including Nature’s Alchemy, Victoria’s Incredible Edibles, and the Granville Hotel, contributed premium local products for the thoughtfully curated gift bags. Furthermore, numerous businesses and individuals, many of whom are valued branch members, donated prestigious spot prizes. These included Jayné Cahill Designs, Wrapped In Kindness, The Book Resort, Monica Jackman Coaching and Counselling, The Compliance Specialist, Veritas Chartered Accountants & Registered Auditors, Reduce Costs, AOS Consulting, and the Granville Hotel, adding to the celebratory atmosphere.
Ann Marie affirmed the event's success, emphasising, 'This celebration has underscored the strength and resilience of women in business throughout the South East, and we are thrilled to witness attendees leaving with renewed energy and inspiration.' She further stated, 'The overwhelmingly positive energy and feedback from both our membership and the wider business community are a powerful motivator for our commitment to fostering continued collaboration and achieving growth in 2025.
The next event “Collaborate to Elevate: A CRM & GDPR Masterclass presented by the experts, Natalie Garland Cooke of ncco – NC Consulting & Co and Margaret Julian of The Compliance Specialist will be held on 2nd April in the Granville Hotel.
Go to https://networkireland.ie/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=1941090&group= for more details on where to secure your ticket. This event welcomes all attendees.
Network Ireland Waterford Branch invites women interested in joining this dynamic network to email waterford@networkireland.ie for further information.
