Network Ireland Meath going from strength to strength after Covid hiatus

Network Ireland Meath held its latest event in the Balreask Bar, Restaurant and Accommodation in Navan, providing a 'business showcase with a social vibe'.

Conversations on the night covered everything from the importance of a supportive network and need for champions to your business, the issues being faced due to the current economic and cost-of-living crisis and the benefits of having a ‘tribe’ such as Network Ireland Meath, where everyone is rooting for your success and is ready to lend a hand to lift you up when you need it. There was a resounding agreement that having somewhere to ‘talk shop’ is vital to everyone’s business and Network Ireland, both locally and nationally provides this support.

The night was MC’d by Network Ireland Meath’s President for 2023, Sinead C Kavanagh owner and founder of The Holistic Parent and The Headspace Place.

According to Sinead, NI Meath is a space "where women can collaborate and thrive; creating opportunities and sharing the wealth of knowledge that exists within the branch, all of which are very much integral to the success of any female business owner’s endeavours."

"As part of the Network Ireland national organisation, the Meath Branch is now four years old, however has yet to grow due to Covid and the pandemic.

"This is our year for emerging from the set-up phase and bringing a spotlight to the organisation and how it can support Meath, female business owners, entrepreneurs and professionals. The ethos of the organisation is to support our members through shared knowledge, mentoring, leadership and collaboration.

Network Ireland Meath hosts two events monthly, an Open-house Coffee Morning on the second Thursday of the month and an evening event, generally held on the last Tuesday of the month. Membership costs €195 for twelve months, with AIB customers receiving a special discount in their first year.

"The weekly cost of €3.75 brings with it a multitude of benefits, which include free access to many of the above events, plus free mentoring sessions from the national Mentor panel and the opportunity to go forward for the regional and national ‘Business Woman of the Year’ Awards," says Sinead who adds that the chosen charity partner for Network Ireland Meath this year, is Meath Women’s Refuge and Support Services. Proceeds from the monthly coffee morning raffle will be donated directly to the charity as will various other funds through fundraising and charity events such as the scheduled charity lunch in August.

To find out more about Network Ireland Meath branch, go to https://www.networkireland.ie or email meath@networkireland.ie

Providing demonstrations and conversations on the night were Avril Winters of BEnergy Clinic, Trim who started the evening with a thought-provoking demonstration that highlighted how in our busy lives, we can often focus on things that create clutter and distraction, and how by injecting positive action into everyday life.

Drumconrath-native, now Galway-based, Dervilla Madden of Fianna Beauty and Linda Crosbie of Bubbles & Beauty in Rathkenny, who are distributors for the Younique beauty product range showed the products in action thanks to the participation of Emma Jane Clarke of Martinstown Lodge, Athboy.

Sarah O’Rourke of Saraden Designs from Ashbourne brought a selection of her beautiful millinery to showcase and demonstrated how to wear different styles, with insight into industry tips and secret tricks for making sure they stay in place no matter what hair-type or style. Sarah’s model on the evening was her mum and ‘business hidden hero’, Margaret O’Rourke.

Also showcasing on the night was Carol Curtis of Hana Lee Studios, Rathkenny-based and recognisable as the brand who supplied the wonderful ‘quillows’ on the Late, Late Toy Show.

Established in 1983, Network Ireland celebrates 40 years nationally this year. There are approximately 1,000 members, in seventeen dynamic branches across Ireland and new branches coming on board frequently.