Meet the Inspirational Galway Women Honoured at The Businesswoman of the Year Awards
Photography by Edel O’Malley
The event brings together Galway’s best in innovation, leadership and excellence across eight award categories. On Friday, June 19th, members of the community came together to celebrate a record 65 finalists in a gorgeous ceremony at the Salthill Hotel.
Galway Now were delighted to sponsor the Creative Professional category – read on to find out who took the award home!
Celebrating the women who make it happen
ABOVE LEFT: Joan Kennedy, Marianne Shine, Daniella Gardner and Michelle Murphy. ABOVE RIGHT: Mercy Kudakwashe, Cepta Stephens AND Mairead McGhee.
Every year, Network Ireland hosts over 300 events for like-minded, dedicated women to come together and collaborate on ideas and knowledge. The Businesswoman Awards shines a light on women who run successful businesses and make a profound impact on the local community.
Network Ireland Galway President Sharon Kelly said of this year’s finalists, “every woman who entered demonstrated courage, ambition and dedication, and the stories shared throughout the evening were both inspiring and empowering.”
ABOVE LEFT Michelle Murphy and Sharon Kelly. ABOVE RIGHT Mercy Kudakwashe (Networker of the Year winner), Niamh Bent (Advanced Career Employee winner), Joanne Sweeney (Winner of Established Businesswoman winner), Grainne Staunton (Emerging New Businesswoman winner), Network Galway president Sharon Kelly, Anne Murray (STEM Professional winner), Hannah Ryan (Early Career Employee winner) and Ciana Aspell (Creative Professional winner).
The night’s Guest of Honour was internationally acclaimed conductor and composer Eímear Noone, best known for her work in video game compositions.
Kelly described Noone as a “trailblazing Irish woman who has achieved international success in her field, she embodied the ambition, creativity and determination that our awards seek to celebrate.”
Alongside Noone was Network Ireland National President Karen Ronan, Member of European Parliament Maria Walsh and Director of the National Breast Cancer Research Institute Professor Michael Kerin.
The businesswomen of the year
There was an impressive line-up of winners on the evening across all categories, with women from all walks of Galway business honoured for their achievements.
Ciana Aspell, who won in the Creative Professional category (sponsored by Galway Now) for her award-winning boutique, Canella Lane, told us she was “thrilled” to take home the award.
“I am absolutely honoured to be named Creative Professional, and have so much respect and admiration for Network Galway. Not only have I made incredible friends through the network, but the support, encouragement, and opportunities it has provided have been instrumental in the success of Canella Lane.”
Those awarded on the night include:
- Gráinne Staunton of 8ráBeo Holistics: Emerging New Businesswoman
- Jackie Gibney of Jackie Gibney Food Safety: Solo Businesswoman
- Niamh Bent of Pulsate Mobile Ltd.: Advanced Career Employee
- Anne Murray of Slainte Wellness and Galway Science & Technology: STEM Professional
- Joanne Sweeney of the Digital Training Institute: Established Businesswoman
- Ciana Aspell of Canella Lane: Creative Professional
- Hannah Ryan of Galway Simon Community: Early Career Employee
- Mercy Kudakwashe of Miss Mercy Makeup: Networker of the Year
- Michelle Murphy of Collins McNicholas: Network Galway President’s Award
Each of these women will go on to represent Galway at the Network Ireland National Businesswoman of the Year Awards Finals on the 18th of September. We wish them the very best of luck!
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