Huge women's networking group hold national event in the heart of Limerick

MEMBERS of Ireland’s largest female business networking organisation hosted an International Women’s Day event in Limerick.

The Strand Hotel was the venue on Saturday, as members of Network Ireland heard from speakers from the industries of fashion, global sport and enterprise.

Headlining the event was social innovator Sonya Lennon, who discussed what it takes to build resilient brands in competitive markets.

The event was supported by AIB, Limerick City and County Council and Enterprise Ireland.

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Down Syndrome Limerick, who Network Ireland Limerick president Karen Ronan has chosen as charity partner for her year in office, was represented by Annie Conway.

Set up in 1983, Network Limerick supports more than 1,400 female entrepreneurs, small business owners and senior professionals across sectors ranging from multinational business to non-profits, the arts and the public sector.

Ms Ronan, who is also the new chief executive of Galway Chamber, said Saturday’s event was about creating access to opportunity, confidence and leadership.

“Hosting this event in Limerick, my home city and the place that shaped my own leadership journey, makes it deeply meaningful. Limerick is a city defined by resilience and ambition. Bringing together women who are scaling brands and leading on global stages reflects exactly where we are as a region.”

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Mayor John Moran added: “International Women’s Day urges us to turn celebration into action, ensuring that equality, respect and opportunity are not aspirations, but realities for all. Network Ireland continues to champion women who lead, innovate and uplift others.”

Geraldine Casey, managing director of retail banking at AIB added: “International Women’s Day is a powerful reminder that progress happens when ambition is supported by access to finance, to networks and to opportunity.”

Sarah Walker, senior executive, Enterprise Ireland added: “Through our investments and initiatives, including the Going for Growth, NextWave, WeBuild, WeGrow and WeScale Shared Island programmes, we aim to give women the skills, networks and funding routes they need to scale. When women succeed in business, the benefits are felt across communities and the wider economy.”

Up next for Network Ireland Limerick is its launch of the annual business woman of the year.

This takes place in the Greenhills Hotel on Wednesday, March 18.