Mayo entrepreneur nominated for two awards
With over 25 years’ experience in the hair industry, deaf entrepreneur Sorcha O’Boyle has recently established her own bespoke luxury hairstyling business, and is delighted to be nominated for Hair Stylist of the Year and Newcomer of the Year for the Weddings Online Awards 2026.
Based in Islandeady (between Castlebar and Westport), Sorcha has been bringing her creativity, inclusivity and local flair to weddings and events all over Connacht and the west of Ireland.
After training as a hairstylist, Sorcha worked in Dublin and Galway for a few years. Then she travelled to New Zealand and Australia, where she spent eight years working in various salons, primarily in Darwin. Sorcha loved Darwin so much that she became an Australian citizen. However, after meeting her husband there, it was decided that it would be better for their children to come home and enjoy being close to family and friends.
Sorcha’s decision to launch her own hairstyling business is a result of wanting to focus on bridal hairstyles and to be her own boss.
She explained: “I love meeting brides and their families. I am passionate about experimenting with different techniques and styles, such as timeless, elegant, glamourous, romantic and boho luxe. I can communicate verbally but my strength lies in visual communication, which I feel enhances my ability to understand how a bride wants to feel and look on her special day.”
Sorcha was born and raised in the Gaeltacht, in Ceathrú Thaidhg, beside the cliffs of An Binn Bhuí in Erris. “Gaeilgeoir líofa atá mo chlann – my family are fluent Irish speakers. Our native language is very close to my heart, so I will be using cúpla focal in my business,” she added.
“I have been deaf since birth so I am conscious of being accessible to as many people as I can. I will do my best to make my services inclusive for everyone, regardless of their ability or disability. If anyone has any special requirements, please let me know and I will do my best.”
Growing up in an Irish-speaking coastal community has taught Sorcha the value of tradition, storytelling and connection. “With my bridal hair business, I want to celebrate all of those traditions while exploring new styles and techniques, and create a welcoming space for everyone – I want every bride to feel seen, heard and celebrated,” she said.
Already receiving bookings for 2026, Sorcha’s business is quickly building a reputation for exceptional service, authenticity and breathtaking bridal looks. In establishing her business, Sorcha has been supported by Mayo North East through the Erris Workability and SICAP (Back to Work Enterprise Allowance Scheme) programmes, in conjunction with the Department of Social Protection (DSP).
The Erris Workability: Inclusive Pathways to Employment Programme is co-financed by the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) under Employment, Inclusion, Skills and Training Programme (EIST) 2021-2027 and the DSP, and is administered by Pobal.
Sorcha’s email address is oboylebridal@gmail.com and she can be found on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok. You can also vote for Sorcha on www.weddingsonline.ie/awards/vote. Voting closes on Friday, November 21.