The Crypt in Longford's St Mel’s Cathedral is unique venue for National Women’s Enterprise Day event

This year’s National Women’s Enterprise Day (NWED) will be celebrated in the Midlands on Thursday, October 17 for the first time in the historic setting of The Crypt at St Mel’s Cathedral, Longford. Early registration for this event is encouraged as tickets are limited.

Businesswomen from across Longford, Laois, Offaly, and Westmeath will be joined by keynote speaker, founder and former Chief Executive of CPL Resources PLC, Anne Heraty. Earlier this year, Anne was honoured with the IMAGE PwC Businesswoman of the Year Lifetime Achievement Award 2024.

Local Ambassador will be Louise Brennan of Fabiani and Mudshot in Longford. RTÉ Midlands Correspondent Sinead Hussey will be the event’s MC who will facilitate a questions and answer sessions with the panel of businesswomen.

Soprano and Longford-native Emer Barry will share her experiences of the music industry, a new business sector to be highlighted at this event.

Longford County Council Director of Services Barbara Heslin will open the event and take part in the panel discussion.

Also read: Two men are being treated for injuries after Longford pizzeria blaze

This event is part of the 14 nationwide events also taking place to celebrate NWED, now in its 18th year.

Amiee Connolly of beauty brand Sculpted by Amiee, businesswoman Norah Casey, Chupi Sweetman of jewellery brand Chupi and broadcaster Síle Seoige are all also participating in NWED events happening across the country.

Also read: ‘Take a Closer Look’: Open Day to highlight importance of Longford Libraries

NWED focuses on ‘Making it happen’ to give inspiration and encourage women to act on a business idea, or to grow, evolve and innovate their business. The events on offer on the day outline business supports available through their Local Enterprise Office. These supports include financial grants, consultancy, training, mentorship programmes and are designed to help entrepreneurs and start ups right through to businesses moving into global markets.

Speaking ahead of the event Barbara Heslin said, “National Women’s Enterprise Day is a great opportunity for business women from across the Midlands to come together and support one another through sharing their experiences and empowering and inspiring one another.

Also read: Top line-up of keynote speakers to address major Longford Community Health & Awareness Day

“County Longford looks forward to welcoming businesswomen from across Laois, Offaly, and Westmeath to the unique setting of the Crypt, beneath St Mel’s Cathedral, both a local and a national landmark. We look forward to this excellent event and I encourage early registration to avoid disappointment.”

National Women’s Enterprise Day Midlands event takes place from 10.15am to 2.30pm on Thursday, October 17 in The Crypt, St Mel’s Cathedral, Longford. Book your ticket for this event on Localenterprise.ie/Longford. Tickets are €25.

Also read: Longford dancer secures All-Ireland Irish Dancing Championship crown with super performance