Award winners announced for Powerhouse Female Entrepreneurial Achievements in Carlow

The Powerhouse Awards 2024 hosted by Carlow County Council’s Local Enterprise Office, proudly celebrated the exceptional achievements of female entrepreneurs in County Carlow. Over 120 female entrepreneurs and their supporters gathered at the Woodford Dolmen Hotel, Carlow, for the 2024 Powerhouse Awards, with Joanne Sweeney as the master of ceremonies These awards highlight and celebrate women's professional achievements, welcoming entries from female-led businesses in County Carlow.

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This year, 37 exceptional finalists were shortlisted, representing the strength, creativity, and resilience of female entrepreneurship across the county. In a new and exciting addition to the awards, all finalists will be invited to participate in a special Masterclass Away Day in January 2025. This exclusive masterclass, facilitated by Orlaith Carmody of Carmody Coaching and Consulting, will provide finalists with expert insights into business strategy, leadership, and personal development, offering a unique opportunity to further enhance their professional and personal growth.

Opening the awards, Cllr. Fergal Browne, Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council, opened the event: "Female-owned businesses are a powerful force, driving economic growth, innovation, and community development. Recognising their success not only celebrates individual achievement but strengthens the broader ecosystem of mentorship and support networks that empower more women to thrive." He continued saying, “This evening is not just about celebrating individual successes but also about reaffirming our commitment to building a society where women are recognised as equals in every domain; be it the boardroom, the studio, or the shop floor”.

Out of an impressive pool of applications, 10 winners were recognised for their exceptional contributions across diverse categories:

Powerhouse – Start-up of the Year 2024
Laura Mullin – The Old Post Office Café
Powerhouse – Creative Businesswoman of the Year 2024
Emma Butler – White Meadows Interiors
Powerhouse – Best Customer Service 2024
Grainne Aylmer – Aylmer Solicitors
Powerhouse – Best in Professional Services 2024
Sinead Mulvihill – S&R Property Experts
Powerhouse – Outstanding Management & Leadership 2024
Linda Cummins – Pelo Hairdressing, Carlow
Powerhouse – EmpowerHER Green Business 2024
Alison Lyons – H2..OH!
Powerhouse – Digital Transformation of the Year 2024
Caitriona Cullen – Cullen Nurseries
Powerhouse – Young Businesswoman of the Year 2024
Shauna Doyle – Doyle’s Tarmacadam Ltd.
Powerhouse – Lifetime Achievement Award
Dympna Bramley – Bramley Jewellers
Powerhouse – Businesswoman of the Year 2024
Lucy Gernon – 360 LeadHERship Training and Development
Melissa Doyle, Coordinator of the Powerhouse Women in Business Network, highlighted the impact of the awards, saying: "The Powerhouse Women in Business Awards shine a spotlight on incredible women shaping industries and communities. Each of the finalists and winners showcases the resilience, innovation, and leadership of female entrepreneurs in County Carlow."

Lucy Gernon, crowned Businesswoman of the Year 2024, was recognised for her exceptional work with 360 LeadHERship Training and Development. Expressing her gratitude, Lucy said:
"It’s an incredible honour to receive this award. It’s a testament to the strength of female led businesses and the power of determination and support networks."

The event was attended by prominent figures, including Cllr. Fergal Browne, Cathaoirleach; Cllr. Fintan Phelan, Mayor of Carlow, Deputy Jennifer Murnane O’Connor TD, Cllr. Andrea Dalton, Cllr. Ken Murnane and Cllr. John Pender.

The Powerhouse Women in Business Network will continue its mission into 2024, with an exciting programme launch scheduled for early in the new year.

For more information about the Powerhouse Women in Business programme, visit www.localenterprise.ie/carlow or contact Melissa Doyle at enterprise@carlowcoco.ie or 059-9129783.