Six outstanding Mayo businesswomen honoured at awards
NETWORK Ireland Mayo has celebrated the winners of its flagship Businesswoman of the Year Awards at a gala dinner in the Erris Coast Hotel, Geesala.
The 2026 winners represent a diverse and inspiring cross-section of Mayo’s business community, from established enterprise and emerging entrepreneurship to creative industries, professional services, wellbeing and community-centred work.
Awards were presented to:
Established Businesswoman - Lorraine Hall, The Cleaning Corporation (sponsored by An Even Better Place to Work).
Emerging New Businesswoman - Olaide Anjorin, Face Skincare (sponsored by LEO Mayo).
Solo Businesswoman - Sandra Ganley, Sandra Ganley Dance (sponsored by AIB).
Early Career Employee - Ellen Keegan, Gintax (sponsored by Hollister).
Creative Professional - Maureen McAndrew, Make Your Wardrobe Work (sponsored by Carne Golf Club).
Networker of the Year - Carmel Hughes, Sage Wellbeing.
Over 100 guests - finalists, business leaders, distinguished guests, sponsors, families and friends - gathered to recognise the outstanding achievements of women in business across Mayo. Special guests included Minister of State Alan Dillon, Senator Mark Duffy, Deputies Keira Keogh and Rose Conway-Walsh, together with the cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, Councillor Sean Carey, reflecting the growing profile of the event within both business and public life.
Network Ireland Mayo was also proud to support Mindspace Mayo as its chosen charity for 2026, highlighting a shared commitment to wellbeing, resilience and positive community impact across the county.
Speaking after the event, Network Ireland Mayo president Orla Bakeberg said: “Our 25 finalists reflected the ambition, resilience and impact of Mayo’s women in business and our winners are exceptional ambassadors for the county. The awards gala was a powerful celebration of achievement, connection and the importance of women backing themselves and each other.
“We are incredibly proud of all Mayo winners and we look forward to seeing them represent Mayo on the national stage in September.”
The winners themselves captured the emotion of the night. One described her award as “life changing for me and my business,” while another said she “felt so emotional to be recognised.”
Following their success at branch level, Lorraine Hall, Olaide Anjorin, Sandra Ganley, Ellen Keegan, Maureen McAndrew and Carmel Hughes will now go forward to represent Mayo at the Network Ireland national awards in Galway on September 18.
The Mindspace Mayo fundraising page is still live. Donations can be made at idonate.ie/fundraiser/orlabakeberg or by scanning the QR code below.
Network Mayo Ireland has extended thanks to its sponsors, who help to bring together such worthy and wonderful events in the community: AIB, national partner, LEO Mayo, An Even Better Place to Work, Carne Golf Club, Hollister, DeCare, Reilly’s Audio, You’re Some Flowers, MW Design & Print, MidWest Radio and The Erris Coast Hotel.
Network Ireland Mayo supports women in business across the region through professional development, collaboration and recognition. The organisation champions leadership, innovation and the advancement of women at every stage of their professional journey.
For more information, visit networkireland.ie.