West marketing entrepreneur Ruth McCourt celebrates national success
Smart Digital Marketing & PR Agency founder Ruth McCourt is celebrating national success after winning Best Digital Marketing Agency at the prestigious Hi Style Awards 2026, held in Cork.
The award marks a significant achievement for the west of Ireland based marketing and public relations consultant, who is preparing to celebrate eight years in business in January 2027.
The Hi Style Awards brought together leading figures from across Ireland's business, communications, fashion, beauty and media industries for an evening celebrating excellence, creativity and professional achievement.
It was a particularly memorable occasion for Ruth, who received three nominations at this year's awards, recognising both her professional marketing achievements and her work in the fashion industry.
Her nominations included Ireland's Most Stylish Communications Company for Smart Digital Marketing & PR Agency, along with Stylist of the Year and Ireland's Most Stylish Fashionista for her fashion and lifestyle platform, Fashion Truth by Ruth.
The highlight of the evening came when Ruth was announced as the winner of Best Digital Marketing Agency, recognising her work in the competitive digital marketing industry.
Celebrating Almost Eight Years in Business
Ruth established Smart Digital Marketing & PR Agency in January 2019, developing the business into an independent marketing and public relations consultancy working with clients throughout Ireland.
The agency specialises in digital marketing strategy, social media management, public relations, influencer marketing, content creation, event management and digital advertising.
A graduate of Business Studies in Marketing from GMIT, now Atlantic Technological University, Ruth has worked with businesses and organisations across a variety of sectors, helping them strengthen their brands, reach new audiences and grow their online presence.
Speaking about her award win, Ruth said: "Winning Best Digital Marketing Agency is an incredibly proud moment for me, particularly as I'm approaching eight years in business this January.
"When I started Smart Digital Marketing & PR Agency in 2019, I wanted to build a business that would help other businesses succeed through creative and effective marketing.
"To receive national recognition for my work is a wonderful feeling. Running your own business takes an enormous amount of hard work, dedication and determination, so winning this award is something I'm extremely proud of."
A Passion for Marketing and Fashion
Alongside her professional marketing career, Ruth has developed a strong presence in the fashion industry through her platform, Fashion Truth by Ruth, where she regularly shares styling inspiration, fashion content and collaborations with Irish retailers.
Her work across both marketing and fashion was reflected in her three nominations at this year's awards, highlighting the diverse nature of her professional achievements.
Ruth has also recently been involved in a major retail launch in County Mayo, managing the influencer marketing, public relations, social media promotion and official opening event for Éadú Clothing's new store at Silverbridge Shopping Centre in Claremorris.
The launch, held on November 4th, featured a fashion show and attracted strong interest from local shoppers and fashion enthusiasts.
Ruth believes her experience in both traditional public relations and digital marketing has been an important factor in the continued growth of her agency.
"Marketing has evolved so much since I started my business, particularly with the growth of social media, influencer marketing and video content.
"I really enjoy combining creative ideas with strategic marketing to help businesses stand out. Every client and every campaign is different, and that's what makes the work so rewarding."
Looking Ahead to 2027
As she prepares to mark eight years in business, Ruth says the award is a wonderful way to celebrate the progress she has made since establishing her agency.
"I'm very grateful to all the clients who have supported and trusted me with their businesses over the years.
"Winning this award is a fantastic way to finish 2026, and I'm really looking forward to continuing to develop Smart Digital Marketing & PR Agency and working with more businesses across Ireland in the years ahead."