In December, Network Ireland Mayo held its AGM in Breaffy House Resort, which was followed by a drinks reception and dinner in the Mulberry restaurant.
Outgoing President Anne Conlon chaired the AGM and delivered a report on the year’s events, outlining a busy and successful year for the network. Before stepping down as President Conlon stated: "It’s been an incredible year and an honour to be your President. It’s been a very busy and exciting year and extremely rewarding to see the growth of our members within the year.
"Before I hand over the chain of office I would like to thank the 2018 committee for all their work and support throughout 2018. This is a voluntary committee where everyone gives up of their time freely and I enjoyed spending every minute working with you all. I would also like to thank our sponsors locally, the LEO Office and our National Sponsors AIB for backing the network over the years."
Brenda Clarke, Acting Vice President, commended Ms Conlon on an extraordinary year which saw membership triple, the number of events double and a remarkable conference in Mount Falcon in May under her stewardship, saying: "While Anne’s business is 'All About Sales', Anne is really ‘all about people’ and this is evident with the growth of the membership and attendances at the events. Working with Anne has been a pleasure and her passion for the network has been inspiring”. Ms Clarke went on to nominate Ms Conlon for President again in 2019 - which members unanimously voted in favour of - and Ms Conlon accepted the role for a second year.
Due to the growth of the network Ms Conlon proposed extending the committee, which was voted in as: Brenda Clarke (Vice President ), Irene Cafferkey (Treasurer ), Edel Kenny (Secretary ), Tara O’Brien (Marketing Coordinator ), Louise McDonnell and Vicki McGowan (Social Media Officers ), Roz Tunney-Ware (Membership Coordinator ), Pamela Barrett (Membership Officer ) and Ambassadors – Ciara Heneghan, Louise Buckley, Lorraine Hall, Deirdre Fahey, Caroline Kirrane and Olivia Jennings.
In 2018 Network Ireland Mayo introduced the event “Meet the Members” - member only events that give members an opportunity to meet and get to know each other. These events have increased members’ knowledge of each other’s businesses and started of many friendships. Anne Conlon added: "Women get to know each other first, then trust each other and go on to do business."
Network Ireland Mayo’s highlight was the first conference and Business Awards held in Mount Falcon Estate which proved to be a very special evening. The speakers were Channel, Lady McCoy, Angelina Nugent, Antoinette Cunningham and Catherine Noone.
The Network Ireland conference was held in Galway this year where four of their members were finalists: Mary Corrigan, (Noo Chocolates ), Breda Butler (Cuinneog ), Toni Bourke (Irish Water ) and Louise McDonnell (LouiseMcDonnell.com ) in the businesswoman awards and Louise McDonnell won the Highly Recommended award for her business in the Best Use of Digital category.
For more information please check the website www.networkireland.ie/mayo or follow them on Facebook and LinkedIn.
