FEMALE business talent was honoured at the Network Ireland West Cork (NIWC) Businesswoman of the Year Awards 2026.
Seven category winners were named on the night, each representing the breadth of talent and brilliance of women-led enterprise across West Cork – from emerging solo founders to established industry leaders and creative trailblazers.
Melissa Clarke of Melissa Clarke PR was named Emerging New Businesswoman; Established Businesswoman was awarded to Maria O’Donovan of Maria O’Donovan & Co; Advanced Career Employee winner was Elle O’Sullivan McCarthy of The Hope Foundation.
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Networker of the Year was named as Majella Galvin of DNG Galvin in Bandon; Creative Professional category winner was Liz Ehrenberg-Redl of Coffeehouse Creative; the Solo Businesswoman award went to Mary Cotter of Mary Cotter Nutrition; and the STEM Professional award went to Clara Mulligan of HomeBot Ireland.
Winner of Established Businesswoman Maria O’Donovan of Maria O’Donovan & Co Solicitors at the Network Ireland West Cork Businesswoman of the year Awards 2026 in the Dunmore House Hotel. (Photo: Darragh Kane)
The annual event was supported by sponsors Maxol Cantillon Clonakilty with a drinks reception sponsored by Fusion Home Design and Bushby’s Strawberries, Rosscarbery.
NIWC president Anna Groniecka said: ‘The standard of entries this year was truly exceptional and we are incredibly proud of all of our finalists and winners.
‘Events like these remind us of the power of connection, community and women supporting women. On behalf of Network Ireland West Cork, I want to sincerely thank our members, sponsors, judges, committee, supporters and guests for helping make this such a special and memorable evening.’
The winners will now advance to represent the West Cork branch nationally at the Network Ireland Businesswoman of the Year Awards later this year in Galway, where they will compete with winners from across 17 branches of Network Ireland.
For more information about Network Ireland West Cork and upcoming events, visit www.networkireland.ie /@NetIrlWestCork.
