Welcome to Network Ireland Kilkenny. We are a thriving branch of great women with a diverse membership across all sectors working together to support one another.We are all here to help you, connect, learn, grow both professionally and personally.
As President of Network Ireland Kilkenny, I am dedicated to creating opportunities for connection, collaboration and growth among our members. My focus for the year is guided by three key pillars: nurture,
inclusion, and bravery. As a creative entrepreneur and illustrator, I specialise in bespoke designs and greeting cards that bring meaningful stories to life. This passion for creativity and attention
to detail has shaped my career, and now drives me to inspire others to pursue their ambitions with confidence. Through the pillar of nurture, I aim to foster a supportive environment where members can
thrive both personally and professionally. Inclusion is at the heart of my leadership, ensuring that every voice is valued and celebrated within our diverse community. Bravery encourages me to lead by
example, empowering others to step outside their comfort zones, embrace challenges, and take bold steps towards their goals. In my role as President, I am proud to champion the incredible talent within
Network Ireland Kilkenny, promote the values of ambition and leadership, and support women in business to achieve their full potential.
As People and Culture Director at The Pembroke Hotel and Director of the Medispa, I’m passionate about empowering women to thrive in business and employment. As VP of Network Ireland Kilkenny , I’m proud
to support our community under the guidance of Cait Mackey and our pillars of Bravery, Inclusion, and Nurturing for 2025
Anne creates wonderful pieces of Irish Good Luck from Genuine Horse Shoes pieces that bring joy , and good luck wherever they go. Anne is always available to help any Network Ireland Member, and is always
available for a chat or coffee.
She has been a member of Network Ireland Kilkenny for 5 years and is the current Treasurer. Kay has found the support of the Network to be invaluable and is delighted to have the opportunity to give back.
I have been a member of Network Kilkenny for just over 2 years and I have found that not only has it helped me with my business it has opened a new world of supportive, can do boss ladies which I am so proud
to be part of. This year I am supporting my team in whatever elements they need, while hopefully keeping track of everything with very stylish stationary.
Sally Leadbetter joined Network Ireland Kilkenny in 2024 as she launched her boutique PR Agency, PR Partners. PR Partners specialises in helping small businesses raise their profile and reach more customers
through strategic storytelling.
Established by Sally Leadbetter, a PR consultant with more than 10 years of experience, PR Partners helps businesses connect with their target audience through
traditional media channels - newspapers, TV, radio, and magazines. This year, Sally hopes to help Network Ireland Kilkenny shine in the media, tell the incredible stories of its members and illustrate
the benefits of joining an inclusive, empowering network of business peers.
Statia is a Membership Officer at Network Ireland, committed to welcoming, including, and empowering new and existing members to grow within the network. Passionate about career development, she coaches
clients to take the next step in their careers by crafting standout CVs, cover letters, applications, personal statements, and LinkedIn profiles, along with interview training. With a keen eye for uncovering
hidden competencies, skills, and potential, she helps individuals present their best selves with confidence.
Ioana Felicia Somesan / Membership Officer / Holistic Leighis Spa massage / Ioana is a mom , entrepreneur and sole trader business woman. She advocates for people with hidden disabilities and guide them
through employment with Spark Joy Enterprise CLG. She is a sole trader with her amazing (based on reviews) holistic treatments located closely to Kilkenny (Holistic Leighis Spa Massage). She is here
to help you to become a member of our branch where you can enjoy amazing events and learn from other members.
As one of the membership officers in Network Kilkenny, I love welcoming new members to the network. I believe that when women support each other magic happens, and that you can't put a value on support -
it is priceless! Outside of the Network I'm a professional coach for women in their 30s and 40s and support them in finding a more joyful way in work+life.
Sandra's distinctive art work spans from intricate depictions of animals to breathtaking woodland and nature scenes. As an artist Sandra can bring a unique perspective to planning, ensuring that the events
are visually engaging, memorable and reflective of the network's goals and values.
With a passion for fostering collaboration and growth, Karina is dedicated to delivering high-quality events that inspire, educate, and support members in their personal and professional journeys. Through
her leadership and event management skills, Karina aims to strengthening the Network Ireland Kilkenny community through our events.
Catie Beth Bowman is no stranger to creative work or creative living, and she utilises her experience as our Partner and VP of Client Strategy. She launched her fashion and lifestyle blog, @xocatiebeth,
during her junior year at Winthrop University in Rock Hill, South Carolina. Since then, she’s partnered with a variety of brands, including Scout, Neutrogena, and Fabletics, and she’s worked with both
large and small companies developing social media campaigns and product launches. Following college graduation, she honed her skills as a Human Resources Specialist for Movement Mortgage in Indian Land,
SC, and EDF Trading in Houston, TX. Catie Beth joined the K. Hope Creative team in 2019, just before relocating to Kilkenny, Ireland, with her long-time Irish beau, Kevin. She’s passionate about travel,
photography, and beauty products, and she loves creating compelling content for clients.
Angela is a stylist and colour consultant, helping women build sustainable, co-ordinated outfits to help them look and feel great every day, with zero stress. Angela also opened a pop-up boutique 10 years
ago, ideal for those who love something unique, sustainable and different. In joining the events team, Angela will bring her event management experience from her former roles in Public Relations.
Luisa is a tour operator who organises private bespoke tours around the island of Ireland. Her guests travel the length and breadth of the country together with a driver-guide, who showcases and explains
Ireland's highlights, as well as local hidden gems.
Anne creates wonderful pieces of Irish Good Luck from Genuine Horse Shoes pieces that bring joy , and good luck wherever they go. Anne is always available to help any Network Ireland Member, and is always
available for a chat or coffee.
Business advisor in the local enterprise office advising small start up micro business in the local area on a range of business topics such as start up requirements, signposting and grand support. Certified
accountant with over 10 years experience in practice
Diana is the founder and creator of Diana Banana Songs, a YouTube channel featuring songs for toddlers and young children. A member of Network Ireland Kilkenny since 2022, she has served as Website Officer
since mid-2023.
The 2025 Network Ireland Businesswoman of the Year Kilkenny branch Awards night was held on 20th of June, 2025 in the beautiful Hotel Kilkenny. We had a record number of 38 finalists this year.
From our 2025 Kilkenny branch president Cáit Mackey Maher:
“Ladies, what a night. I am so proud of every single one of you- you all showed up last night, smiling, supporting, and championing yourselves and each other. Like wow!!! The genuine love, joy and comradeship in the room was just deadly! The connections made, the conversations had- the photos taken- pure joy. Congratulations to all our nominees. And to our winners. Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy. We cannot wait to champion you all on your way to nationals!!! We have something really magic in Kilkenny, we have unimaginable opportunities among us. I’m hoping the momentum of last night brings you closer to
-totally stepping into your own light
-collaborating more with each other- lifting another woman up where you can
-educating our allies on how to do the same
-and just absolutely, completing celebrating and elevating yourself, everyday!!!"
Many thanks to:
President: Cáit Mackey Maher
VP: Lucie Dowling
Sponsors: AIB (Solo Businesswoman), LEO (Networker of the Year), Valley of Roses (Established Businesswoman), Yellow Deer Designs (Emerging Businesswoman), Cartoon Saloon (Creative Professional), Preferred
Future (Employee Shining Star)
MC: Karen Ronan (Network Ireland VP)
Keynote Speaker: Cllr Yemi Adenuga
DJ: Bryan Hennessy
Panelists: Ella Dunphy (DNG Ella Dunphy), Anita Thomas (Emirates Ireland), Catherine Dalton (Crown Hair Salon)
The 2024 Network Ireland Businesswoman of the Year Kilkenny branch Awards night was held on 14th of June, 2024 at Langton Hotel’s “The Set Theatre.”
From our 2024 Kilkenny president Anne Healy:
“Girls you are amazing, finalists, winners, members, I do hope you had an amazing night and made friends and contacts, got a few nuggets of advice from our amazing panel discussion, and enjoyed the party of course. Thank you so much for coming and supporting.”
Many thanks to:
President: Anne Healy
VP: Cáit Mackey Maher
Sponsors: AIB, LEO, Valley of Roses
MC: Eimear Ní Bhraonáin
Panelists: Ella Dunphy (DNG Ella Dunphy), Anita Thomas (Emirates Ireland), Catherine Dalton (Crown Hair Salon)
Music coordinator: Ashling Delaney
Judges: Aileen McGrath (LEO), Natasha Hayes (AIB) and Anita Thomas (Emirates Ireland)
Photographer: Patrick Browne
Additional thanks to the committee, Linda Codoul (2024 National President), Autumn Tobin, Sally Leadbetter (PR), Langtons staff, and KCLR for covering the event
Congratulations to the winners:
Creative Professional: Sarah McGree (The Wild Grazer)
Employee Shining Star: Valerie O'Sullivan (Rothe House and Garden)
Solo Businesswoman: Dominika Stoppa (The Mindful Printmaker, Photos by Dominika)
Established Businesswoman: Linda Murray (Beoga Nutrition)
In 2023, Network Ireland Kilkenny hosted their branch Businesswoman of the Year Awards night in collaboration with the newly established Carlow branch. The evening was held on 19 June, 2023 at Langtons
Hotel “The Set Theatre.”
From our 2023 Kilkenny president Autumn Tobin:
“Thank you to everyone who came out to support last night and congratulations to our finalists. You're all such amazing women for putting yourselves out there... Your support of women creates a ripple effect that helps us to support others and so on. The energy in the room last night was so positive and everyone contributed to that, even those who couldn't be with us. Knowing there are people rooting for us out there always makes us stronger and more able to go after what we want in our lives and careers.”
Many thanks to:
President (Kilkenny): Autumn Tobin
President (Carlow): Megan Manning
VP (Kilkenny): Anne Healy
Sponsors:
AIB (liaisons Anne Drohan & Ann O’Shea)
LEO (liaisons Catherine Hennessy & Lisa O’Rourke)
EY
Nore Park Ltd
Talbot Hotel Carlow
MC: Eimear Ní Bhraonáin
Judges: Deirdre Keher (AIB), Toluwani Akaehomen (Vantage Dimensions Consulting), Emma Doyle (Hair Phase), Mairead Hanlon (Connolly’s Red Mills)
Congratulations to the winners:
Solo Businesswoman - Anne Healy (Biddy’s Good Luck Horse Shoes)
Creative Professional - Dominika Stoppa (Dominika Stoppa)
Emerging Businesswoman - Agata Rybak (The King’s Mill)
Networker of the Year - Anne Healy (Biddy’s Good Luck Horse Shoes)
Our 2022 Network Ireland Kilkenny Branch Awards night was 16 June, 2022, on the Butler House terrace.
From our 2022 Kilkenny branch president Valerie O’Sullivan:
“Network Ireland is all about encouraging each other to be the best we can be. Our awards provide a great opportunity to recognise our member’s achievements, ambition and professionalism. Each of our inspiring finalists is a winner in my eyes and I would like to congratulate them on getting to this stage…It was wonderful to see the buzz and excitement here this evening and it is such an honour for me to be part of it.”
Many thanks to:
President Valerie O’Sullivan
VP: Autumn Tobin
Sponsors: AIB, LEO Kilkenny
Guest speaker: Colette Byrne (Kilkenny County Council CEO)