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Limerick’s Leading Ladies in Business Celebrated at 2026 Network Ireland Limerick Businesswoman of the Year Awards

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At the Savoy Hotel was the Winners from the Network Ireland Limerick Awards pictured above. Pictures: Paul Mullins

2026 Network Ireland Limerick Businesswoman of the Year Awards celebrate women who are making a significant impact in business and entrepreneurship and community leadership.

2026 Network Ireland Limerick - Cllr Maria Donaghue, Denise O Brien, Arfa Khan J&J and Barbara Mc Carthy 
Cllr Maria Donaghue, Denise O Brien, Arfa Khan J&J and Barbara Mc Carthy 

An atmosphere of celebration, inspiration and achievement filled the room as Network Ireland Limerick honoured the outstanding winners of its annual Businesswoman of the Year Awards, recognising excellence, leadership and innovation among women across the region.

The awards, part of the prestigious Network Ireland Businesswoman of the Year Awards programme, celebrate women who are making a significant impact in business, entrepreneurship, professional services, STEM, the creative industries and community leadership. Winners from the Limerick branch will now go forward to represent the region at the national finals later this year. 


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Speaking at the 2026 Network Ireland Limerick Businesswoman of the Year Awards event, Barbara McCarthy, President of Network Ireland Limerick, praised the calibre of this year’s finalists and winners.

2026 Network Ireland Limerick - Elaine Howley, AIB, Denise O Brien , Susan Foley ( Winner) Barbara McCarthy (President )
Elaine Howley, AIB, Denise O Brien, Susan Foley (Winner) Barbara McCarthy (President )

“These awards celebrate women who are leading with vision, courage and determination. Each finalist has demonstrated exceptional commitment to their profession, business or organisation, and our winners represent the very best of the talent, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit that exists across Limerick. We are incredibly proud to celebrate their achievements and wish them every success as they progress to the national stage.”

The evening brought together members of the business community, sponsors, supporters and guests to recognise women whose achievements are helping to shape the future of business in Limerick and beyond.

2026 Network Ireland Limerick Businesswoman of the Year Winners

Networker of the Year: Helen O’Callaghan, Photography

Emerging Businesswoman: Marianne Murphy, Trauma Matters

Solo Businesswoman: Norma Psillos, The Menopause Nutritionist

Established Businesswoman: Susan Foley, Clonshire Equestrian Centre 

Advanced Career Employee: Arfa Khan, J&J 

Creative Professional: Silvi O Brien, Nordic Twist

STEM Professional: Leah McMahon, Blathu

The winners were selected by an independent judging panel and were recognised for their professional excellence, business achievements, leadership, innovation and contribution to their respective sectors. Network Ireland’s awards programme is designed to showcase and celebrate the achievements of women across all stages of their careers and business journeys. 

Awards Coordinator Denise O’Brien added, “The quality of applications this year was exceptional. Our finalists and winners have demonstrated remarkable resilience, ambition and impact. Their stories serve as an inspiration to women across the region and highlight the strength and diversity of Limerick’s business community.”

2026 Network Limerick business women of the year awards
At the Network Limerick business women of the year awards was winner of the Networker of the Year – Helen O’Callaghan, Helen O’Callaghan Photography

Network Ireland Limerick extends its gratitude to all finalists, judges, sponsors and supporters who contributed to the success of this year’s awards programme.

The branch now looks forward to supporting its winners as they represent Limerick at the national Network Ireland Businesswoman of the Year Awards, where they will compete alongside winners from branches across the country. 

Network Ireland Limerick is a dynamic organisation supporting women in business, leadership and professional careers through networking, education, mentorship and collaboration. As part of the national Network Ireland organisation, the branch is committed to empowering women to achieve their full potential and to celebrating their successes through initiatives such as the Businesswoman of the Year Awards

Denise OBrien, Norma Psillos ( The menopause Nutritionist ) Barbara McCarthy and Aideen Corry ) LEO Limerick)
Denise OBrien, Norma Psillos (The menopause Nutritionist) Barbara McCarthy and Aideen Corry) LEO Limerick)

Richard is a presenter, producer, songwriter and actor. He was named the Limerick Person of the Year (2011) and won an online award at the Metro Éireann Media and Multicultural Awards (2011) for promoting multi-culturalism online. Richard says that the ilovelimerick.com concept is very much a community driven project that aims to document life in Limerick. So, that in 20 years time people can look back and remember the events that were making the headlines.