The countdown is on for one of the most anticipated events on the local business calendar — the Network Ireland Waterford Branch Businesswoman of the Year Awards 2025, set to take place on May 23rd in the stunning surroundings of Waterford Castle. With 37 exceptional finalists vying for top honours across eight dynamic categories, this year’s ceremony promises to be a celebration of talent, innovation, and the incredible achievements of professional women in Waterford.
Now in its 9th annual showcase of inspiration and success since the branch's re-establishment in 2017, the awards recognise the invaluable contributions of women across a broad range of sectors. The categories for 2025 include Established Businesswoman, Solo Businesswoman, Emerging Businesswoman, Creative Professional, STEM Professional, Employee Rising Star, Employee Shining Star, and Networker of the Year.
The judging process took place locally on May 1st kindly hosted at the SETU Xcelerate Centre by Clare McCormack and Aisling O'Neill. Two panels of judges comprising of a wealth of business acumen and experience included Natasha Hayes (AIB), Aisling Carey (Local Enterprise Office), and Rosemary Ward (Propelor BIC), Clare Barrett (House of Waterford), James Taylor (Taylor & Associates), and Marian Keane (Ezfees Financial).
The awards highlight not only individual accomplishments, but also the collective power of networking and collaboration. Whether it’s a seasoned entrepreneur scaling new heights, a creative mind reshaping their industry, or a rising employee star making waves within an organisation, each finalist brings a unique story of ambition and impact.
Winners from the Waterford branch will go on to represent the region at the Network Ireland National Awards on September 26th in Killarney, continuing their journey on a national stage among the country’s brightest female leaders.
With anticipation building and excitement in the air, the 2025 Network Ireland Waterford Branch Awards promises to be an unforgettable occasion.
Mark your calendars for May 23rd — Waterford’s women in business are ready to shine.
Should you wish to support women in business by attending the awards ceremony, please register your attendance: https://networkireland.ie/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=1950849&group=
If you'd also like to contribute to our charity raffle by donating a spot prize, please email waterford@networkireland.ie.
Meet the finalists from the Emerging Businesswoman and STEM Professional Categories; the other six categories will be spotlighted here over the coming weeks.
