LEO Westmeath clients with staff Catriona Duffy (business advisor, LEO Westmeath), Irene Lynch (economic development officer, LEO Westmeath), Christine Charlton (head of enterprise, LEO Westmeath), and an cathaoirleach, Westmeath County Council, Cllr Aoife Davitt.

Business owners share ideas at tri-county event to mark International Women’s Day

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Women in business from Westmeath, Leitrim and Longford gathered in the Castle Varagh Hotel, Castlepollard on March 6 to celebrate International Women’s Day 2026, hosted by the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs).

The event was opened by MC Allyson English of The Mody Collective, who welcomed attendees and introduced Cllr Aoife Davitt, an cathaoirleach, Westmeath County Council. Cllr Davitt spoke about the importance of small businesses, participating in local events and building strong networks within the business community while encouraging businesses to engage with their LEOs.

Guest Speaker Catherine Kiveney of TheHen.ie, TeamBuildingIreland.ie and Loughnavalleycottages.ie gave an inspirational address on themes including the realities of business growth and the importance of building strong foundations behind creative ideas.

County speakers Elaine Bradley Ryan (Ideation Marketing, Westmeath), Carol McGowan (Heartfelt Gifts, Leitrim) and Áine Farrell (Áine’s Fashion and Lingerie, Longford) highlighted the value of having supportive teams and the ability to adapt to ever-changing business challenges.

A networking session allowed attendees to connect, exchange business information and discuss the supports they currently need to grow or sustain their enterprises.

That was followed by a panel discussion with the speakers, covering topics such as self-employment, available supports and practical advice on the do’s and don’ts of running a business.

Christine Charlton, head of Enterprise LEO Westmeath, delivered the closing address, thanking all in attendance and encouraging continued collaboration and support long after the event.

One attendee said: “It was a fantastic day from start to finish. Allyson was exceptional as MC, the speakers were inspiring and hearing their stories helped quieten my own imposter syndrome. The venue and meal were excellent and the event was so well organised. I’m already looking forward to the next one.”

The event concluded with door prizes sponsored by each LEO, celebrating some of the region’s outstanding small businesses. Lunch was served by the excellent team at the Castle Varagh Hotel, who provided warm hospitality throughout the event.

LEO Westmeath, LEO Leitrim and LEO Longford extend their sincere thanks to all who attended and contributed to making the Tri-County International Women’s Day event such a success.

The next Women In Business event is on Thursday May 21 in Leitrim (details to follow).

For further information on the Women in Business Network and future Women-In-Business events, contact Catriona Duffy at the Local Enterprise Office, Westmeath: info@leo.westmeathcoco.ie: 044 9338945.

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