SEVEN businesswomen from Limerick have been awarded at this year’s Limerick Businesswoman of the Year Awards and will go on to represent the county at the national finals in Dublin.
The awards ceremony, held in Limerick’s Clayton Hotel, featured 31 finalists from a broad range of businesses, with seven coming out on top to go to the National Businesswoman of the Year Awards in September.
Sponsored by LEO Limerick, AIB, and Network Ireland, the Limerick Businesswoman of the Year Awards aim to highlight the talented women in business across Limerick City and County.
Among the seven overall winners on the night were Sinead O’Brien (Vacious) in the Emerging Businesswoman of the Year category, Denise Brazil (The Bedford Townhouse) for Established Businesswoman of the Year, while Edwina Gore of Gore Communications took the award for Solo Businesswoman of the Year.
Speaking after her win, Ms Gore said that winning the award was testament to the hard work she has put in to her business.
“Winning the award is a fabulous endorsement for the business, all the hard work and the growth enjoyed to date. I’m very grateful. As well as giving me the confidence to do more, it reaffirms that I’m on the right track.”
Nell Stritch, of Pressed Flowers by Nell, was the winner in the Creative Professional category. Networker of the Year went to Valerie Murphy (Valerie’s Breast Care). Rising Star Employee went to Danielle Markham (Eisner Amper Ireland) and Shining Star Employee went to Susan Walsh (Metis Ireland).
Ms Walsh said: “I am so thrilled to have won the ‘Shining Star’ category. These awards recognise women’s achievements in all areas of business and provide the encouragement to strive to be the best.”
Nell Stritch, owner of Pressed Flowers by Nell and winner of the Creative Professional award, said: “I am over the moon to have won the Creative Professional award. From pressing flowers as a hobby at my kitchen table to having a beautiful studio on Roches Street, it truly is a dream come true to have all the hard work recognised.”
Speaking at the awards ceremony, Karen Ronan, president of Network Ireland Limerick, said: “Network Ireland is all about encouraging each other to be the best we can be. Our awards are a way to highlight everyone’s potential and provide a great opportunity to recognise our member’s achievements, ambition, and professionalism.”
“We had 31 inspiring finalists this year which is fantastic. I would like to congratulate them all and wish our 7 regional award winners the very best of luck at the nationals,” she said.
