The Club Women’s Network has announced the finalists for the third annual Female Founder Awards, taking place on November 7th at the Maryborough Hotel, Cork.
The Female Founder Awards champion women from across Ireland who are building purpose-led businesses. This year, twenty-four women are nominated across five categories: Newcomer of the Year, Solopreneur of the Year, Business of the Year, Positive Impact Award, and Contribution to The Club.
Unlike traditional business awards, the Female Founder Awards look beyond numbers and spreadsheets – recognising the “why” behind each founder’s work, and the positive impact they create for themselves, their communities, their clients, and their industries.
“The Female Founder Awards are more than a ceremony – they are a celebration of Irish female entrepreneurship, community, and collaboration. We’re so proud to host it for the third time and celebrate these women and the businesses they’ve built. We received a record number of entries this year, and every finalist has a story of resilience, creativity, and contribution,” said Sian Horn, founder of The Club Women’s Network and host of The BeBelle Podcast.
“The female founder space in Ireland is really special, and these awards recognise the passion, innovation, and determination behind the businesses these women have created.”
Tickets to the awards are €150 and available here. Guests can expect an evening of entertainment, celebration, and connection with female founders from across Ireland, including a drinks reception, 3 course meal, keynote speaker, DJ and of course, the awards presentation.
The Club Women’s Network is a nationwide community of ambitious women professionals and entrepreneurs founded by Sian Horn. Built on a simple philosophy – collaboration over competition – it exists to help women grow their businesses and careers in a supportive, connected environment.
Whether you’re just starting out or are an experienced business owner, The Club offers valuable resources, genuine connections, and practical opportunities to increase visibility and confidence. Members connect through monthly live online networking sessions, interactive workshops, and in-person regional meetups held across Ireland. Learn more at theclubwomensnetwork.com.
This year’s finalists are:
Newcomer of the Year
Grainne Stack Mulvihill – GSM Wholeness
Maria Petco – Mr Mills Barber & Academy
Jenny Douglas – A Good Moment Company
Magdalena Zimowska – The Hideout Café & Art Gallery
Sharlene Daly – Hot Pilates
Aoife O’Brien – AOB Coaching
Solopreneur of the Year
Laura Jane Redmond – Wave & Cave Clothing
Fiona O’Donohue – Away with Nature
Lorraine Flood – The Hummingbird Collective
Lynn Shead – Nature’s Alchemy
Lisa de Jong – The Menstrual Coach Academy
Joanne Begley – For After I’ve Gone
Business of the Year
*Sharon Barrington – IFF Plastics Ltd
Katherina White – Katherina White Solicitors
Lowry O’Mahony – MaxPhysio & Pilates
Sharlene Daly – Hot Pilates
Kel Galavan – Mrs Smart Money
Samantha Halpin – Halpin Wealth Management Ltd
Positive Impact Award
Lisa de Jong – The Menstrual Coach Academy
Claire O’Brien – Honest & Goodness Nutrition
Joanne Begley – For After I’ve Gone
Cathy O’Byrne – The Swallow’s Trail
Amelia McNamara – Graceful Accounting
Kel Galavan – Mrs Smart Money
Contribution to The Club Award
Sandra Hayes Buckley – Bright Balance Accounting
Amelia McNamara – Graceful Accounting
*Fiona Brennan – Inspire Action Success
Ezara Ahern Easter – Twelve South Creative
Jenny Douglas – A Good Moment Company