Renowned milliner Philip Treacy and Star of RTE’s Dragons Den Ramona Nicholas and Barry O’Sullivan were on hand to add a dash of glamour at the 9th Annual Network Galway Business Women of the Year Awards took place in The g Hotel, on Friday May 24.
The star-studded event kicked off at 7pm with a champagne reception and networking. Star of RTE’s Dragon’s Den Ramona Nicholas was the pre-dinner speaker and gave an inspirational speech about entrepreneurship and how as a working mother herself, she feels strongly about encouraging female entrepreneurship and the many 'balancing act' issues, facing modern women today.
Ms McNicholas’ speech was followed by a four course dinner, presentation of the awards by Barry O’Sullivan from RTE’s Dragons Den and Philip Treacy, Galway Chamber President Jim Fennell and Mayor Terry O’Flaherty with Gemma Ni Chionnaith of TG4 as MC and dancing until late.
The Network Galway Annual Business Women of the Year Awards Winners were as follows:
(1 ) Network Galway Business Woman of the Year (Employee ) -Sherice Verdon – DTZ Sherry Fitzgerald
(2 ) Network Galway Business Woman of the Year (New Business ) -Anna Holland - Flexible Company Secretarial
(3 ) Network Galway Business Woman of the Year (Self Employed ) -Cliona Standún - Standún
(4 ) President’s Award -Josephine Walsh- NUIG
(5 ) Network Galway Outstanding Business Woman of the Year -Faith Fahy- Faith Fahy Financial Services
Speaking at the awards, Ciara O’Callaghan, President Network Galway said the awards are about celebrating and recognising the amazing contribution that women have made and continue to make to business life in Galway.
“In these challenging times it is now more important than ever to support, encourage and celebrate our fellow women in business.
“Unlike other award ceremonies this one is "for women by women" and considering the high calibre of business woman in Galway. The winners from the first three categories will go forward for The Network Ireland National Business Woman of the Year Awards in 2013 in Cork this October”
