Six big winners at Network Ireland Businesswomen of the Year Awards

LEADING female business minds from across the county were celebrated at the Businesswoman of the Year awards organised by Network Ireland Wicklow Branch at Brooklodge and Macreddin Village.

Guests were treated to prosecco on their arrival and a gala three-course meal before the main business of the evening was dealt with – announcing the worthy winners in the six categories.

Ann Dobson from Love Mo Chuisle in Avoca, which provides an Irish tweed clothing range, was the winner of the arts category. All the fabrics used by Love Mo Chuisle are woven in Donegal before the pieces are designed, cut, sewn and finished in Avoca.

Carmel Mulligan of Laztech, which provides IT services to ensure computer systems are efficiently managed, won the large SME category.

The winner of the award for Emerging Business Owner was Christina Clarkin of Bray-based The Marketing Lounge, which provides fresh and creative marketing services to SMEs.

Muireann Fitzmaurice of MarketingCoach.ie was the winner of the Best Use of Digital Award. MarketingCoach.ie works with business owners to figure out what is the best marketing strategy for growth.

The employee category was won by Lindsay Malone, who is a lecturer, research supervisor and manager of the Faculty of Lifelong Learning at Carlow IT.

The award for small SME owner was collected by Rebecca Allen of The Farm Shop in Tinahely. The shop offers everything from farm fresh vegetables and artisan food products to traditional toys, arts and crafts and their own pottery range.

The judges were Sheelagh Daly from LEO Wicklow, Ciara O’Connor, CEO of East Coast FM and Rosie Cooney from AIB Wicklow.

Guest speaker for the occasion was Deborah Somorins, the founder of the Hope Ireland Project, which is also the Wicklow Branch’s charity of choice for 2018.

Deborah shared her inspiring story, from homelessness aged ten to her current position as a chartered accountant and associate in PwC.

The evening also acted as a charity fundraiser for Tiglin.

Deborah Somorin Guest Speaker, Louisa Meehan President Network Ireland Wicklow, Roseann Heavey President Network Ireland and Michael Healy Brooklodge Hotel and Spa.