A PLETHORA of awards, an abundance of style and a sumptuous feast of fine food was on the menu last night at The Rose Hotel.

The occasion was the return of the Connect Kerry Women In Business Awards — held for the first time in three years due to COVID — and it was a resounding sell-out success.

Broadcaster and PR Consultant, John Drummey, proved a capable host once again as 310 guests enjoyed a fantastic evening where over 100 women, who had been nominated, were whittled down to a select number of winners taking home the awards.

Continued below…

The winners were chosen by a panel of judges including Helen O’Sullivan – Murphy of O’Sullivan’s Bakery; Danny Leane of Annburys Tralee; Siobhan Donnelly, Marketing Manager Cara Credit Union; Mary B Teahan of Irish Drain Services and Coleen Shannon of AIB Bank Listowel.

The highlight was the recipient of the Connect Kerry Lifetime Achievement Award which was presented to Margaret Gilbert of Changingtracks4life Coaching.

The other winners on the night were;

• Connect Kerry Business Woman in Health and Wellness in Association with Seabody Oceanic Products — Jasmin Stallard, New Wave Wild Project

• The Connect Kerry Business Customer Service Award – Aine Stack Muddy Paws Grooming Listowel.

• Connect Kerry Business Woman in Business Services in association with Irish Drain Services — Louise McGillicuddy The Brand Geeks Kerry.

• The Connect Kerry Business Entrepreneur award — Nicola Lynch Zenergy Juices Killarney.

• Connect Kerry Business Woman in Law, Finance, Insurance and HR- in association CDS Law and Tax LLP. — Nicola O Sullivan KDYS.

• The Connect Kerry Business Development award — Emer Leahy, The Rock Deli, Rock Street Tralee.

• Connect Kerry Business Woman in Childcare Services in association with Mounthawk Montessori Group — Donna Griffin, Creative Kids Tiernaboul Killarney.

• The Connect Kerry Family Business of the year award — Madeleine Walsh Mountain Adventure Walks Kerry.

• Connect Kerry Business Woman in Training and Education in association with Red Chair Recruitment – Niamh Dywer, My Career Plan.

• The Connect Kerry One to Watch – Reelika Ollo– Reel Designs Castleisland.

• Connect Kerry Business Woman in Entertainment in association with Muckross Wild Irish Gin — Caitriona O’Sullivan

• The Connect Kerry Team Leader — Joelene Wallace Oakview Childcare Services.

• Connect Kerry Business Woman in Fashion Retail- in Association with Hannons Fashion and Lifestyle — Carina O’Shea Carinas Boutique Killorglin.

• The Connect Kerry Specialist In Her Chosen Business Award – Anuschka Wolfe Unique Goldsmith.

• Connect Kerry Business Woman in Technology in association with K&A Cleaning and Maintenance Services — Marie Carroll O’Sullivan.

• The Connect Kerry Reader’s Choice Award – Johnnys Cottage.

• Connect Business Woman in Retail or Consumer Services in Association with AIB BANK — Grainne Ryle, Ryles Pharmacy Tralee.

• The Connect Kerry Social Media Award – Catherine Casey, The Marketing Club.

• Connect Business Woman in Creative Design in association with TNC Drinks — Cathy Troth Milliner.

• The Connect Kerry Years Of Service To Her Chosen Industry Award – Mary Murphy Kerry College.

• Connect Business Woman in Food Production in Association in association with O Sullivans Bakery — Mary Thea Brosnan Kerry Kefir.

• The Connect Kerry National Business Woman of the year Award – Edel Lawlor Expressive Play Therapy.

• Connect Kerry New Business Award in Association with The Busy Botanist — Linda Hussey Bonay Baby and Kids Boutique.

• The Connect Kerry Further Training Support to Women in Business – Nora Daly NLN.

• Connect Kerry Business Woman in Marketing and Events in association with John Drummey Communications — Fallon Moore Irish Food Awards.

• The Connect Kerry Media Support to Women in Business — Emma Gill, Affinity Communications.

• Connect Kerry Outstanding Manager Award in association with Kellihers Toyota — Siobhan MacSweeney Recovery Haven Tralee.

• The Innovation Award – Fran Fogarty, Lillymais Designs.

• Connect Kerry Young Business Woman in association with Cara Credit Union — Phillipa Ball Pippas Pets Killarney.

• The Connect Kerry Rising Star Award – Katrina Galvin Sparrow Academy of Dance and Stage

• Connect Kerry Business Woman in Floristry -Horticulture in association with South Kerry Skillnet — Jen O’Leary Collins Flowers by Jen.

• The Connect Kerry Mission Possible Award – Martina Farrell, Move with Martina.

• Connect Kerry Business Woman in Veterinary, Grooming and Animal Care in association with Connect Business Club — Dr Carina Mederle All Creatures Veterinary Centre Kenmare.

• The Connect Kerry Home Based Business — Hollie Lynch Sugar Hype.

• Connect Kerry Business Woman in Construction, Art, Design and Auctioneering in association with Expose Design — Daire McCann, DNG WH Giles Tralee.

• The Connect Kerry Overall Best Business — Listowel Garden Centre.

• Connect Kerry Community Champion award in association with Radio Kerry — Mary Fitzgerald Comfort for Chemo.

• The Connect Kerry Most inspirational Business Woman — Orla Coughlan Riasc Partnership.

• The Connect Kerry Editor’s Choice Award – Mairead McMahon, Achieve Fitness.

We were at the drinks reception before the awards ceremony began to bring you some of the style from the night. Scroll down for photos (prints available to purchase on request 087-9384810)…

For more photos from the night click here!

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