'I'm delighted, honoured and truly grateful', Carlow Women in Business Award winners

The Powerhouse Women in Business Awards took place on Friday 10th November in the Woodford Dolmen Hotel, County Carlow. The event aimed to recognise and celebrate female entrepreneurs in the county. The awards were hosted by Carlow County Council's Local Enterprise Office with Sile Seoige presenting.

Opening the awards, Cllr. Andrea Dalton, Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council said “We must acknowledge the immense economic impact that women have. Women-owned businesses are a force to be reckoned with, contributing significantly to our economy. These businesses create jobs, generate income, and foster innovation, making them vital to our economic growth and prosperity. The success of women in business not only benefits individual entrepreneurs but ripples throughout society, strengthening our collective future”. Concluding Andrea said “We are not just honouring successful businesswomen; we are also recognising the importance of mentorship and support networks. Many of the women being honoured here have faced tremendous challenges along their journey. But they have also had mentors, sponsors, and fellow women who have supported them every step of the way. We must continue to foster these supportive networks, creating opportunities for women to thrive in their careers and personal lives”.

Seventy applications were submitted for the awards, with thirty-two finalists shortlisted and eight awards handed out on the night.

The winners are as follows:

Creativity Award: Emma Butler – White Meadows Interiors

Excellence in Personal Services (Retail): Jane Byrne – Studio Dancewear

Excellence in Personal Services for Business (Consumer): Caroline Davis – Caroline’s Breast Care

Best Newcomer/Start-up of the Year: Ciara Stanely – Ballybar Ireland

Digital Marketing Award: Lucy Gernon – 3Sixty Leaders Club

Employee of the Year Award: Alison Lyons – ARC Construction Solutions Ireland

Special Recognition Award: Maria Byrne - MarieSue Lingerie Limited

Female Entrepreneur of the Year: Ciara Stanely – Ballybar Ireland, Ardattin Embroidery and Coppenagh Farm House

Ciara Stanley, who was crowned Female Entrepreneur of the Year, has grown and developed not only one business but three businesses, Ballybar Ireland, Ardattin Embroidery and Coppenagh Farm House. Ciara stated, “I'm absolutely delighted, honoured and truly grateful to receive the Female Entrepreneur of the year 2023”.