Caroline Kirrane is new president of Network Ireland Mayo
Caroline Kirrane is the new president of Network Ireland Mayo
In her incoming address, she stated: “I am honoured to represent a diverse group of ladies, from budding entrepreneurs, SME owners, professionals and leaders in indigenous and multinational organisations to non-profits, charities, arts and the public sector based throughout County Mayo.
“I especially thank Brenda Clarke, ex officio of Network Ireland Mayo, and Breaffy House Hotel, for entrusting me with this position.
“Our chosen charity this year is Mayo Roscommon Hospice. Martina Jennings is a loyal member of Network Mayo.
"This charity is close to all of our hearts. We will run fund raiser events throughout the year subject to government guidelines and support Mayo Roscommon Hospice in whatever ways possible.
“Network Mayo is a branch of Network Ireland which is a progressive, dynamic organisation supporting the professional and personal development of women.
“Established in 1983 with in excess of 1,200 members and fifteen branches across Ireland.
"Network Ireland celebrate a number of flagship events annually including International Women’s Day, National Annual Conference and Business Awards.
“All members are invited to attend events across all the branches throughout Ireland therefore connecting and networking with like-minded people throughout the Country while attending events and courses to benefit them and their businesses.
“2020 has been a difficult year. However, we have weathered the storm, our members have embraced the changes; some business closed, others are still closed, some diversified and changed direction in order to survive the Covid 19 pandemic and other members businesses thrived.
“Through the support of Network Mayo our members have embraced the change used their free time to up-skill and to upgrade websites, move businesses online and to develop a social media presence with the help of our sponsors the Local Enterprise Office and financial support and advice from our national sponsors, AIB.
“We were delighted to hold Network Mayo Local awards in Breaffy House Hotel with the assistance of Mid West Radio. It was a fantastic event with exceptional coverage for all our members that entered.
“Five of our finalists went through to the Network Ireland National Awards. We were super excited to have a National Winner Mary McHugh of Irish Online Counselling and Psychotherapy Services.
"Mary provided a daily live; Loving Kindness Meditation sessions throughout the lockdown free of charge over all the social media platforms. She is an inspiration to our network and to all.
"Due to Covid 19 from March 2020 all our events went online.
“During 2021 we hope to offer both virtual and in person events throughout 2021 subject to government guidelines. There was access to over 40 virtual events across all the branches.
“There is also a fantastic mentoring programme that is offered free of charge to all our members. Something for everyone from HR to sales, social media and marketing, wellness and life coaching, to mention just a few.
“I take this opportunity to thank each and every member for their support and commitment to Network Mayo and to each other.
"There is power in numbers; there is strength in supporting each other, engaging with each other and purchasing services and products from each other.
“Thank you to all the committee members that worked so hard throughout 2020 to overcome all the obstacles and a sincere thank you to the committee members that have committed to remain on the committee for a further year.
“A special word of thanks to Anne Conlon, ‘All About Sales,’ for her years of dedication and work Network Mayo as she stepped down from the committee this year after several years of service. Anne served as president for two consecutive years.
“I look forward to working with our 2021 committee.”
The members of the committee are:
President, Caroline Kirrane, Auctioneer, Valuer and Property Management. Managing Partner at APP Kirrane Auctioneering, Ballyhaunis and Galway.
Brenda Clarke, Ex Officio, of Breaffy House Hotel, Castlebar.
Edel Kenny, EAV – Event Audio Visual, is vice-president.
Edel has been the secretary for the Network for several years and is well acquainted with the job. She will make a fantastic president in 2022.
Carol Banks, Feng Shui Consultant, a new member to the committee who has taken on the role of secretary.
Marina King, Carna First Aid Mayo, and a well known and recognised photographer, continues as treasurer.
Louise Buckley, Claddagh House B&B, is membership co-ordinator.
Louise will be happy to speak to new members interested in joining our Network. You can email her on memberships@networkmayo.com
Melissa Moore, The Retail Advisor, is our Marketing Co-ordinator.
She puts hours of work into designing our advertising campaigns and all our social media posts.
Elaine Kennedy, Hawthorn Handmade Skincare, is Website Officer.
The committee is in the process of acquiring a state-of-the-art national website upgrade which will be rolled out in 2021.
Ger Hogan, author, Faith Hogan, is twitter officer.
The committee has four ambassadors that link the committee to help members and keep them updated on events and developments within the Network and give feedback to the committee from the members which is invaluable to our Network.
They are Pamela Barrett, Local Enterprise Office, Lorraine Hall, The Cleaning Cooperation, Laura McDonald, Eden Wellness Therapy, and Paula McNicholas, Lean Team Strategies.
A special thanks to Barbara O’Flaherty, Lets Get Digital, for her help in 2020 and her commitment to help out in the coming year, and Dr. Rachael Clarke, Leading Brave and The Pink Door, Westport, for offering her support and expertise to the committee for 2021.