Businesswomen of the Year awards celebrated by Network Cork

President of Network Cork, Cathy Fitzgibbon; national president of Network Ireland, Amy O'Sullivan and vice president of Network Cork, Diane Higgins with award winners at the annual Network Ireland Cork Businesswoman of the Year Awards in the Raddison Blu Hotel - Enrika Moore, Viska Systems winner of STEM Professional; Therese Deane, MACOM winner of Employee Shining Star; Sophie Murphy, Johnson & Johnson MedTech, winner of Employee Rising Star; Gwen Perroud, Cameron Bakery, winner of Established Business Woman; Tracy McCarthy, Naturally Balanced Wellness, winner of Solo Business Woman; Deidre O'Grady, AbilityWise, winner of Emerging Business Woman; Sue Nelson, Sue Nelson Design, winner of Creative Professional; Caitríona Twomey, Penny Dinners, winner of the President’s Award and Marilyn Reidy, Kneat Solutions, winner of Networker of the Year. (Pic: Darragh Kane)

Network Cork recently announced the overall winners of the Businesswoman of the Year Awards 2025, across eight award categories. 30 women from across Cork city and county were shortlisted for the awards across eight different award categories, based on the calibre of their professional achievement.

The celebratory event, held in Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, Cork on Thursday, 22nd May, was an annual opportunity to celebrate the achievements of Cork businesswomen.

The winners were as follows: Emerging Businesswoman, Deidre O’Grady, AbilityWise; Established Businesswoman, Cameron Bakery; Solo Businesswoman, Tracy McCarthy, Naturally Balanced Wellness; STEM Professional, Enrika Moore, Viska Systems; Creative Professional, Sue Nelson, Sue Nelson Designs; Employee Rising Star, Sophie Murphy, Johnson & Johnson MedTech; Employee Shining Star, Therese Deane, MACOM; Networker of the Year, Marilyn Reidy, Kneat Solutions.

The President’s Award, sponsored by Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa was also presented to Caitríona Twomey, Cork’s Penny Dinners. This special award acknowledges the work of one exceptional individual outside of Network Cork who embodies the spirit of the Network and who has inspired other members.

‘PASSION, RESILIENCE AND COMMITMENT’

President of Network Cork, Cathy Fitzgibbon extended her congratulations to this year’s winners and shared her pride in showcasing the achievements of Cork women in business.

“I’m incredibly proud of this year’s winners from our annual flagship Businesswoman of the Year Awards, who will now go on to represent the Cork branch at the national awards in Killarney this September. Their passion, resilience and commitment to excellence truly embody the spirit of our network. I would also like to acknowledge all our outstanding finalists – your achievements and dedication continue to inspire us all. Over the coming months we will be supporting our winners every step of the way on their journey as they prepare to take the national stage.”

The evening, which had sustainability at its core included a bus for attendees to reduce carbon emissions, sponsored by Cronin’s Coaches, a drinks reception sponsored by Blue Planet Consulting, and a more sustainable digital program of the evening, sponsored by Cork ETB, followed by an exquisite dinner featuring local produce.