Who will be named 2025 Businesswoman of the Year?
One of Cork’s most prestigious business awards has announced a stellar list of finalists for this year.
Network Ireland Cork’s 2025 Businesswoman of the Year Awards honour excellence, innovation, and leadership among women in business across Cork.
The awards ceremony will take place on Thursday 22 May at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Little Island, and will be an event with a sustainable focus across a number of areas.
The awards celebrate women in business across eight categories, recognising emerging and established leaders, entrepreneurs, creatives, STEM professionals, and rising talent within organisations. A special President’s Award will also be presented to an individual who exemplifies the values of Network Ireland Cork.
This year, Cronin’s Coaches will provide complimentary shuttle transport for guests. The gesture honours the network’s origins—Nora Cronin, founder of Cronin’s Coaches, was one of the original founders of Network Ireland Cork 42 years ago, and is in keeping with the sustainable theme of this year’s event.
In addition, ticket prices include a carbon offset contribution, underscoring Network Ireland Cork’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and environmentally conscious business practices.
Finalists by category:
Emerging Businesswoman (Sponsored by Sian Horn)
Deirdre O’Grady – AbilityWise
Sofia Kalfa – Fzin Coffee & Compostable Capsules
Cathy Cullen – Cathy Cullen Communications
Ailis Crowley – FASH Forward
Terri O’Callaghan – Decluttered by Terri
Established Businesswoman (Sponsored by NuaFund)
Sinead Lucey – 9 White Deer Brewery Ltd
Orla Frawley – Bishopstown Podiatry Clinic
Gwen Perroud – Cameron Bakery
Solo Businesswoman (Sponsored by Orla McAndrew)
Louise Kane Buckley – Loula Natural
Sian Horn
Tracy McCarthy – Naturally Balanced Kinsale
STEM Professional (Sponsored by Access Laboratories)
Fiona Walsh – Empower Presentations
Gene Cashman – Cashman Veterinary Hospital
Mary O'Driscoll – Mary O'Driscoll Strategic Consulting
Enrika Moore – Viska Systems
Creative Professional (Sponsored by Joan Cashman)
Sue Nelson – Sue Nelson Designs
Emma Jacobs – Emma Jacobs Art
Maura Mackey – Maura Mackey Design
Nadine H. – Noah's Adventures
Employee Rising Star (Sponsored by Sue Nelson Designs)
Megan Geaney – Johnson & Johnson MedTech
Victoria Curtis – Cork Opera House
Sophie Murphy – Johnson & Johnson
MedTech Employee Shining Star (Sponsored by Dr Siobhán Lucey)
Niamh Gaine – Cork Education and Training Board
Sinead O'Dea – Griffith College Cork
Roisín Flynn – Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, Cork
Doroteja Bogdanovic – Johnson & Johnson MedTech
Therese Deane – MACOM
Networker of the Year (Sponsored by Maura Mackey Designs)
Louise Kane Buckley – Loula Natural
Sian Horn
Dr Siobhán Lucey – University College Cork
Ciara Crossan – WeddingDates
Marilyn Reidy – Kneat Solutions
The awards take place at Radisson Blu Hotel, Little Island on Thursday 22 May at 6pm. Ticket cost €99 for members while a members + Carbon Offset Contribution is €109. Tickets for non-members are €120 with the Carbon Offset Contribution ticket for Non-Members costing €130.
Purchase tickets at: networkireland.ie/events. For table bookings or sponsorship enquiries see corkawards@networkcork.com.