Historic Longford setting provides backdrop for National Women's Enterprise Day event

Businesswomen from across Longford, Laois, Offaly, and Westmeath came together in the Crypt in St Mel’s Cathedral to celebrate National Women’s Enterprise Day (NWED).

An annual Local Enterprise Office (LEO) initiative that is now in its 18th year, this year was bigger than before with over 2,200 attendees at 14 LEO-led events across the country.

Over 150 Midlands-based businesswomen attended the event held on Thursday, October 17.

The event was organised by Local Enterprise Offices Longford, Laois, Offaly, and Westmeath.

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All speakers on the day hail from Longford, including keynote speaker Anne Heraty.

Anne is the founder and former Chief Executive of CPL Resources PLC.

Earlier this year, Anne was honoured with the IMAGE PwC Businesswoman of the Year Lifetime Achievement Award 2024.

Anne was joined by local ambassador Louise Brennan, the driving force behind the hugely successful Fabiani and Mudshot in Longford.

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RTÉ Midlands Correspondent Sinead Hussey acted as event MC and facilitated a questions and answer session with the panel of businesswomen.

Attendees were entertained with performances by international soprano Emer Barry, who also shared her experiences of the music industry as a business.

Longford County Council Director of Services Barbara Heslin opened the event and also took part in the panel discussion. An informative tour of the Cathedral was also delivered by Longford-native Kitty Hughes.

With the theme of ‘Making it happen’, this year’s NWED aimed to encourage businesswomen to grow their business ideas, to take the next steps and to innovate.

The day also highlights supports, including funding, mentorship, and training available to female entrepreneurs.

PICTURES| National Women’s Enterprise Day celebrated at Longford's St Mel's Cathedral

Other NWED events which took place across the country were led by Amiee Connolly of beauty brand Sculpted by Amiee, businesswoman Norah Casey, Chupi Sweetman of jewellery brand Chupi and broadcaster Síle Seoige.

They were joined by many female-led businesses and start-ups telling their story of how they began and made it happen with their ideas.

Speaking at the event, Barbara Heslin said, “This day is a great chance for businesswomen to share the stories of their successes to inspire others and to get a chance to come together. Local businesswomen are doing amazing work, and Longford is proud to host this event in such a unique setting – the first time it has been used for such an event.

“I hope attendees can also come away having learned more about the financial, mentorship and training supports available to them through their Local Enterprise Office, and we look forward to helping them in their business journeys.