From left to right: Pamela Latimer, Longford Women’s Link, Loretta Grogan, Castlecor House, Hafsa Hidayat, 7cjewels, Fiona Matthews, Applegreen, Helen Conneely, Celtic Roots Studio, Courtney Callaghan, Midlands 103, Sarah Jane Foster, SJF Productions, Shelia Mullen, Lough Ree Distillery, Nicola Kenneally, Local Enterprise Office, Longford, Mary Donohoe, Local Enterprise Office Longford, and Orlaigh Proctor, Cnoc Na Ri Art Wellness and Spiritual Centre, at the National Women’s Enterprise Day Midlands event. Photo: Tanya Bronte, Bronte Photography

Mullingar speakers among line-up at enterprise event

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Businesswomen from across Westmeath, Longford, Laois and Offaly gathered at The Village Barn, Tyrrellspass recently to celebrate National Women’s Enterprise Day (NWED). Among the speakers were two entrepreneurs from Mullingar, Denise Buckley and Sarah Jane Foster.

Denise is co-founder and managing director of Sugar Plum Sweetery and Wholesome Kitchen. Sugar Plum Sweetery has grown rapidly, creating premium handmade chocolate, gifts and confectionery now stocked in major Irish retailers. Sugar Plum Sweetery was named overall winner at the 2026 National Enterprise Awards, recognising the success of this Midlands business.

Sarah Jane Foster, entrepreneur and media personality, is the founder of SJF Productions, The RAW Network and Debee. Sarah Jane’s entrepreneurial experience is complemented by business studies at Harvard Business School and a broadcasting career that includes RTÉ 2FM.

Also on the speakers list was Helen Conneely, founder of and sculptor at Celtic Roots Studio. Working primarily with ancient oak from the midlands, Helen’s work is held in collections around the world and has been presented to presidents, diplomats and international dignitaries. Helen has built a distinctive creative business founded on craftmanship, sustainability and storytelling.

Now in its 20th year, NWED has grown into Ireland’s largest female enterprise event, bringing women together to share experiences, build valuable connections and support one another. The midlands event brought together 128 businesswomen for a morning of talks, networking, and shared learning. Organised collaboratively by the Local Enterprise Offices of Longford, Laois, Offaly and Westmeath, the event featured an impressive line-up of speakers from across the region.

Fiona Matthews, group chief commercial officer with Applegreen and previously managing director of Applegreen Ireland opened the event. Fiona was named CEO of the Year at the 2024 IMAGE PwC Businesswoman of the Year Awards and was recognised among the European Female Leaders in Convenience in 2025.

NWED promotes and encourages female entrepreneurship across Ireland. It showcases the opportunities, resources, and supports available to female business owners, including funding, training, and mentorship provided by the Local Enterprise Offices in partnership with Enterprise Ireland.

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