Marguerite O’Donovan, Branch Manager, AIB Blackpool; Dr Siobhán Lucey, Network Cork Vice President; Caroline O’Driscoll, Partner, Tax & Legal, Deloitte; Diane Higgins, Network Cork President; Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr Feral Dennehy, Lady Mayoress Karen Brennan; Helen Murphy, Export Business Advisor, Local Enterprise Office Cork City; and Sue Nelson of Network Cork at the unveiling of the 2026 judging panel for the 2026 Network Cork Businesswoman of the Year Awards. Photo: Darragh Kane

Network Cork awards are taking shape

Celebrating ambition, leadership and innovation, this year’s Network Cork’s Annual Dinner and Businesswoman of the Year Awards will honour Cork’s exceptional women in business across multiple sectors and industries - from start-ups to established businesses and from entrepreneurs to organisational changemakers

Taking place on 16 May, the judges for the awards have been chosen and the panel brings together a powerhouse of expertise and perspective. These are Helen Murphy, Export Business Advisor at LEO Cork City, Marguerite O'Donovan, Branch Manager at AIB Blackpool, and Caroline O’Driscoll, Partner, Tax & Legal at Deloitte. Helen Murphy said: “Judging the Network Cork Businesswoman of the Year Awards is an exciting opportunity to understand the courage, tenacity and resilience that it takes for women of all backgrounds to take the brave step to start, operate and grow their own business. It is inspiring to hear their stories and it is certainly a privilege to be asked to be a member of the judging panel.

This year, entrants will be shortlisted across eight award categories, reflecting the breadth and diversity of talent within the Cork business community. These categories recognise achievements across areas such as emerging business, established enterprise, employee excellence and innovation, ensuring that women at every stage of their career and across all sectors are celebrated.

President of Network Cork, Diane Higgins said: “Our annual awards are about shining a light on the achievements within our community and giving members the recognition they truly deserve. The awards are a way for our members to show what they have accomplished, and how far they have come.”

Vice President of Network Cork and Awards Coordinator, Dr Siobhán Lucey added: "I am delighted to have received numerous entries for the Network Cork Businesswoman Awards this year. The submissions showcase a wide array of businesses and industries and highlight the innovation, leadership, and resilience within the Network Cork community. I look forward to celebrating the achievements of our applicants at the awards ceremony in May.”

The Network Cork Businesswoman of the Year Awards, in partnership with AIB and sponsored by Local Enterprise Office Cork City, promise to be a standout event in the Cork business calendar once again, bringing together leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs for an evening of celebration, connection and inspiration.