Network Ireland Kerry and the Kerry Innovation Centre hosted ‘Coffee, Conversation & Connection’ at The Rose Hotel, Tralee on Tuesday (August 18th) where the 1994 International Rose of Tralee, Muirne Hurley, shared her personal journey of resilience, reinvention and ‘The Courage to Begin Again’. Pictured were AIB staff Aileen McCarthy, Siobhan Barrett (AIB) and Martha O’Loughlin, with Aisling Foley (President of Network Ireland Kerry). Photo: Michelle Breen Crean PhotographyNetwork Ireland Kerry recently welcomed members and guests to Coffee, Conversation & Courage Event, a morning of connection, inspiration and conversation featuring Muirne Hurley, the 1994 International Rose of Tralee.
Muirne shared her inspiring story of resilience, reinvention and finding the courage to embrace a new chapter, giving attendees an opportunity to reflect on their own journeys while enjoying breakfast and connecting with fellow members.
Speaking after the event, Aisling Foley, President of Network Ireland Kerry, said:“Our Coffee, Conversation & Courage event really captured what Network Ireland Kerry is all about. Muirne’s story was incredibly inspiring and emotional, but just as important was the opportunity for women to come together, share experiences and support one another. Our theme for 2026 is Connections, Courage and Community, and this morning brought all three to life.”
Continued below…
The event was held in collaboration with Kerry Innovation Centre, with Bríd McElligott, Chairperson of Kerry Innovation Centre, also welcoming the opportunity to work with Network Ireland Kerry.
“We were delighted to collaborate with Network Ireland Kerry for this wonderful event. Creating opportunities for women in business to connect, share ideas and support each other is so important, and Muirne’s story provided plenty of inspiration and food for thought.”
Owner of The Rose Hotel, Eibhlin Henggeler, was given a very special presentation for her work with the International Rose of Tralee Festival at the Network Ireland Kerry and the Kerry Innovation Centre hosted ‘Coffee, Conversation & Connection’ at The Rose Hotel, Tralee on Tuesday (August 18th) where the 1994 International Rose of Tralee, Muirne Hurley, shared her personal journey of resilience, reinvention and ‘The Courage to Begin Again’. Also pictured are: Aisling Foley (President of Network Ireland Kerry) and Bríd McElligott. Photo: Michelle Breen Crean PhotographyA special moment during the morning was a presentation to Eibhlin Henggeler, recognising the contribution she and her family have made to Tralee and the wider community over many years.
A piece by renowned Kerry artist Brian de Staic, symbolising CARA – friendship, was presented to Eibhlin on behalf of Kerry Innovation Centre and Network Ireland Kerry.
Bríd McElligott recognised the Henggeler family’s contribution to Tralee through their involvement in The Rose Hotel, employment, tourism, community support and sponsorship of local organisations and causes.
The presentation reflected the Irish saying “Ní neart go cur le chéile” – There is no strength without unity, and acknowledged Eibhlin’s commitment to the community and her role as a positive example of women in business and leadership.
Network Ireland Kerry would like to thank Muirne Hurley, Kerry Innovation Centre, Bríd McElligott, Eibhlin Henggeler, The Rose Hotel and everyone who attended and supported the event. Scroll down for photos…
Muirne Hurley, Eibhlin Henggeler (The Rose Hotel), Aisling Foley (President of Network Ireland Kerry) and Bríd McElligott (seated) pictured with former Roses at the Network Ireland Kerry and the Kerry Innovation Centre ‘Coffee, Conversation & Connection’ at The Rose Hotel, Tralee on Tuesday (August 18th) where the 1994 International Rose of Tralee, Muirne Hurley, shared her personal journey of resilience, reinvention and ‘The Courage to Begin Again’. Photo: Michelle Breen Crean Photography
Network Ireland Kerry and the Kerry Innovation Centre hosted ‘Coffee, Conversation & Connection’ at The Rose Hotel, Tralee on Tuesday (August 18th) where the 1994 International Rose of Tralee, Muirne Hurley, shared her personal journey of resilience, reinvention and ‘The Courage to Begin Again’. Pictured were: Denise Murphy (1991 Rose of Tralee), Denis Griffin and Rebecca Kemp. Photo: Michelle Breen Crean Photography
Network Ireland Kerry and the Kerry Innovation Centre hosted ‘Coffee, Conversation & Connection’ at The Rose Hotel, Tralee on Tuesday (August 18th) where the 1994 International Rose of Tralee, Muirne Hurley, shared her personal journey of resilience, reinvention and ‘The Courage to Begin Again’. Pictured were: Sheila Looney, Kirsty O’Shea and Grace Looney. Photo: Michelle Breen Crean Photography
Network Ireland Kerry and the Kerry Innovation Centre hosted ‘Coffee, Conversation & Connection’ at The Rose Hotel, Tralee on Tuesday (August 18th) where the 1994 International Rose of Tralee, Muirne Hurley, shared her personal journey of resilience, reinvention and ‘The Courage to Begin Again’. Pictured were: Muirne Hurley (centre) with her parents Peig and Cormac Hurley and Eibhlin Henggeler (The Rose Hotel). Photo: Michelle Breen Crean Photography
Network Ireland Kerry and the Kerry Innovation Centre hosted ‘Coffee, Conversation & Connection’ at The Rose Hotel, Tralee on Tuesday (August 18th) where the 1994 International Rose of Tralee, Muirne Hurley, shared her personal journey of resilience, reinvention and ‘The Courage to Begin Again’. Pictured were: Mary Diggin, Andrea O’Donoghue and Kay Griffin. Photo: Michelle Breen Crean Photography
Network Ireland Kerry and the Kerry Innovation Centre hosted ‘Coffee, Conversation & Connection’ at The Rose Hotel, Tralee on Tuesday (August 18th) where the 1994 International Rose of Tralee, Muirne Hurley, shared her personal journey of resilience, reinvention and ‘The Courage to Begin Again’. Pictured were: Aisling Kelliher and Letitia Fealy. Photo: Michelle Breen Crean Photography
Network Ireland Kerry and the Kerry Innovation Centre hosted ‘Coffee, Conversation & Connection’ at The Rose Hotel, Tralee on Tuesday (August 18th) where the 1994 International Rose of Tralee, Muirne Hurley, shared her personal journey of resilience, reinvention and ‘The Courage to Begin Again’. Pictured were: Niamh Dwyer and Bríd McElligott. Photo: Michelle Breen Crean Photography
Network Ireland Kerry and the Kerry Innovation Centre hosted ‘Coffee, Conversation & Connection’ at The Rose Hotel, Tralee on Tuesday (August 18th) where the 1994 International Rose of Tralee, Muirne Hurley, shared her personal journey of resilience, reinvention and ‘The Courage to Begin Again’. Pictured were: Sinead Lonergan, Emily Reen and Aisling Kelliher. Photo: Michelle Breen Crean Photography
Network Ireland Kerry and the Kerry Innovation Centre hosted ‘Coffee, Conversation & Connection’ at The Rose Hotel, Tralee on Tuesday (August 18th) where the 1994 International Rose of Tralee, Muirne Hurley, shared her personal journey of resilience, reinvention and ‘The Courage to Begin Again’. Pictured were: Muirne Hurley, Clarissa Michaux Whelan, Aisling Foley (President of Network Ireland Kerry) and Ciara Comerford. Photo: Michelle Breen Crean Photography
