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Great Southern to host 20th Women’s Enterprise Day
Great Southern to host 20th Women’s Enterprise Day
Female entrepreneurs and budding businesswomen from across Kerry and Cork are being encouraged to register for this year’s National Women’s Enterprise Day, which marks its 20th anniversary with a flagship Southwest regional gathering at Killarney's Great Southern Hotel.
Organised by the Local Enterprise Offices (LEO) in Kerry and Cork, the full-day event takes place on Thursday, 15 October, as part of a nationwide series of 16 events celebrating female entrepreneurship, sustainability, innovation, and networking.
The Killarney event features a keynote address by Oonagh O’Hagan, pharmacist and award-winning entrepreneur. Radio Kerry presenter and RTE Today Show panellist Elaine Kinsella will act as master of ceremonies for the day.
A major highlight will be an interactive "Leading Lights" panel discussion featuring Christina Foley, founder of Kenmare-based wellness brand Inish Living; Claire Morgan, owner of McWilliam Bags in Crosshaven; Shannen O’Reilly, founder of food allergy management app TrustDish; and Virginia O’Gara, co-founder of My Goodness and the Cork Urban Soil Project.
Proceedings will open with a warm-up session led by wellbeing professional Paola Kennedy. A new "Homegrown Hero" segment will feature a fireside chat between Elaine Kinsella and Louise Quill, founder of the Tír na nÓg Children’s Foundation.
Fiona Leahy of Kerry Local Enterprise Office highlighted the milestone anniversary for the region's businesswomen, stating: “For two decades, National Women’s Enterprise Day has been about more than one day of events. It has been about creating space for women in business to connect, learn, share their experiences and access the practical supports that can help them move forward with confidence.
“Across the Local Enterprise Office network, we see every day the ambition, creativity and resilience of women entrepreneurs in every county. Our role is to help turn that ambition into sustainable businesses through mentoring, training, funding, expert advice and connections. As we celebrate 20 years of NWED, we want to recognise the businesses that have been supported along the way and encourage even more women to take the next step, whether they are starting out, scaling up or looking to reach new markets.”
Peter Burke, T.D., Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, noted the significance of the national initiative, saying: “National Women’s Enterprise Day is a hugely important date in the enterprise calendar. It is an opportunity to recognise the real progress that has been made in supporting women in business across Ireland. It is also a celebration of the ambition, innovation and resilience of female entrepreneurs who are building successful businesses in sectors from agtech and manufacturing to fashion and food.
“These are business leaders with the drive and confidence to grow beyond Ireland and compete on the global stage. As we look ahead, we must continue to ensure that women entrepreneurs have access to the supports, networks and opportunities they need to start, scale and succeed.”
Further information and ticket bookings for the Great Southern Hotel event are available online at www.LocalEnterprise.ie/NWED.
Get Involved in Culture Night 2026
The Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr Mikey Sheehy, is encouraging people across the town to get out, get involved and experience Culture Night 2026 on Friday, September 18.
The local programme includes exhibitions, workshops, theatre, concerts, film, dance, and street spectacle across Killarney, running from afternoon into late evening.
Culture Night / Oíche Chultúir is brought to you by the Arts Council / An Chomhairle Ealaíon, in partnership with local authorities and cultural organisations across Ireland. In Kerry, the Arts Office of Kerry County Council coordinates the programme and provides funding towards participating events.
Cllr Sheehy said: “Culture Night is a great night for the Kingdom because it shows just how much creativity we have in every corner of Kerry. Our artists, musicians, performers, makers and communities bring it to life, and for one evening we get a chance to celebrate all of that together.”
Kate Kennelly, Arts Officer with Kerry County Council, said: “Culture Night is one of those evenings when Kerry feels full of possibility. What gives the Kerry programme its energy is that it comes from the ground up. Local people have the ideas and make the events happen in their own communities. The Arts Office is delighted to support that work through funding, coordination and promotion, and to help bring all of that activity together for one night across the county.”
All events are free, though some require advance booking.
Culture Night 2026: Killarney Event Highlights
Clay Culture Tiles with Me and The Moon
Venue: Muckross Garden Restaurant, Muckross Traditional Farms
Time: 16:00 – 19:00
Details: Kids create their own tile for the ‘Culture Wall’ celebrating diverse identities.
Dancemania with Katrina Galvin
Venue: Killarney Heights Hotel
Time: 16:30 – 20:00
Details: A fun general dance class for children, followed by a student performance showcase.
30 Years of Kerry Travellers Health & Community Development Project
Venue: Anam Arts and Cultural Centre
Time: 18:30 – 21:00
Details: A special celebratory exhibition marking 30 years of community development and health initiatives.
Betty Rohan Art Exhibition
Venue: Dromhall Hotel
Time: 19:00 – 22:00
Details: A showcase dedicated to breathtaking landscapes by Kerry-born artist Betty Rohan. Accessible and neurodivergent/ASD friendly.
Film Screening – TRAD (Kerry International Film Festival)
Venue: Cinema Killarney
Time: 20:00 – 22:00
Details: A free KIFF Film Club presentation celebrating traditional culture on screen
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