Clare businesswoman named 'rising star' at awards

A CLARE businesswoman is celebrating this week after landing the title of rising star at a top awards ceremony.

Shannon's Danielle Markham, an assistant tax manager for top Dublin finance firm EisnerAmper, was named employee rising star at Network Ireland's businesswoman of the year awards.

She was representing the Limerick branch of Network Ireland, which exists to support women in business and the arts.

Also recognised at the ceremony was Patrickswell influencer and designer Sinead Designer, who was representing Network Ireland Limerick too.

Pictured below, she was given a highly commended prize in her category of emerging businesswoman for her fashion line Vacious, which was launched in 2021.

More than 350 guests were present at Lawlor's Hotel in Naas, Co Kildare for the glitzy ceremony which was hosted by social entrepreneur Aubrey McCarthy.

The awards ceremony followed Network Ireland’s annual conference which was hosted by film producer, entrepreneur, human rights campaigner and former Dragon’s Den judge Norah Casey.

She was honoured with the Trisha Murphy Memorial Award on the night.

National President of Network Ireland Emma Early Murphy said: "I would like to congratulate the eight winners who are an inspiration to so many women around the country. The competition this year was really strong and it was a difficult decision for the judges to make. I’d like to express my sincere gratitude to all our members who took the time to apply for the Businesswoman of the Year Awards this year. We were blown away by the response and it’s a great reflection on where the organisation is, 40 years after being established. Our theme this year is about celebrating success and I have met some really great business women this year who are doing tremendous things and it has been a great opportunity to celebrate with them at our flagship event. I’d also like to thank all our sponsors who helped to make the conference and awards ceremony such a memorable occasion.”

Network Ireland Limerick had five more candidates put forward for national awards.

New members of Network Ireland Limerick are always welcome.

Its next event is a networking masterclass on October 10 at the Absolute Hotel in Limerick city centre.

Women in business from across the region are invited to attend.

It will be delivered by networking expert Jean Evans, who will share her tips, ideas, strategies and tactics to help others increase their confidence, their self belief, their business prowess through learning the value, the benefits and the wins from networking.

Proceedings will conclude with a speed networking session for all members to get to know each other and find common ground and business opportunities.

Karen Ronan, president of Network Ireland Limerick, said: "Networking is an essential part of doing business, but for some it can be daunting, for others, ineffective. Through this session, attendees will learn how to network more confidently and effectively while getting lots of practical experience on the night. It should be a win win for everyone."