NETWORK Ireland West Cork has unveiled its finalists for the Businesswoman of the Year Awards 2026, with a shortlist for each of seven categories.

Clara Mulligan (HomeBot Ireland) has been nominated in the STEM Professional category; Mary Cotter (Mary Cotter Nutrition) and Rachel O’Boyle (AML Wellness) are shortlisted for Solo Businesswoman; Liz Ehrenberg (Coffeehouse Creative), Anya Spark (Terra Nova Art Therapy), Monica Jones (Monica Jones Art) and Nicola Stack (Florista) are all nominated in the Creative Professional category.

Emerging New Businesswoman shortlist includes Geraldine McCarthy (Steer Coaching), Melissa Clarke (Melissa Clarke PR), Shauna Colaci (Shauna Colaci Coaching) and Sinéad O’Donovan (The Leadership Biome).

In the category of Established Businesswoman nominees are Maria O' Donovan (Maria O’Donovan & Co), Karen O’Reilly (Employmum LTD, T/A Employflex), Majella Galvin (DNG Galvin).

Advanced-Career Employee shortlist includes Elma Connolly (The Ludgate Hub), Elle O’Sullivan McCarthy (Hope Foundation), Lauren Buckley (Buckley’s Tiles & Bathrooms).

Networker of the Year contenders include Jacqueline O’Donovan (ODPR Limited), Majella Galvin (DNG Galvin), Barbara Nugent (Transilient Coaching Ltd), Geraldine McCarthy (Steer Coaching) and Sinéad O'Donovan (The Leadership Biome).

This year’s finalists reflect the depth and diversity of business talent across West Cork, spanning sectors from STEM and creative industries to coaching, health, retail and community enterprise.

Gilly Brazier of The Pink PA, named Emerging Businesswoman of the Year in 2025, describes the experience not as a dramatic change, but as something steadier and more enduring. ‘Winning helped most with my confidence,’ she explains.

‘Not in an ego way, more in a settled, steady way. I stopped questioning whether I was good enough and started trusting the evidence in front of me.’

That sense of validation is echoed by Michelle Fox of Michelle Fox Interiors, whose Creative Professional award translated into tangible business benefits.

In an environment where much of the work happens behind the scenes, she notes that recognition carries weight.

‘It was incredibly affirming both personally and professionally. Potential clients see that recognition and it creates instant trust.’

Awards will be presented at a gala evening hosted by Esther McCarthy, while an independent judging panel, including Tracey Cooney (AIB), Avril Allshire-Howe (Caherbeg Free Range Pork) and Kevin Curran (Local Enterprise Office Cork North & West), will select a winner across each category.