A Bantry entrepreneur has won a national award and was named National Established Businesswoman of the Year 2025.

Carly O’Donovan was representing the Network Ireland West Cork branch, and her win marks a major milestone for the region as the first national award for the branch since 2019.

Carly is the managing director of Bluebird Care Kerry & West Cork and was recognised for her spirit of excellence and leadership.

With a background in healthcare and business management, Carly leads a growing team at Bluebird Care which delivers high-quality homecare services across two counties.

She has been instrumental in expanding access to care, while ensuring professional standards and compassionate services are at the core of the organisation. Her leadership has resulted in significant growth, job creation and a strong reputation within the healthcare sector.

‘Winning Network Ireland’s Established Businesswoman of the Year award feels truly special,’ said Carly after the awards ceremony in Kerry. ‘After nearly ten years building Bluebird Care Kerry and West Cork, this recognition celebrates the dedication, challenges and passion that have gone into caring for each of our clients and the wider community.

‘I’m so grateful to Network Ireland and Network Ireland West Cork for this honour, and for creating a space where women support women, reminding us all how powerful we are when we lift each other up.’

Network Ireland is a non-profit, voluntary organisation with over 1,000 members and 17 branches nationwide. The West Cork branch was founded in 2018 to support budding entrepreneurs, SMEs, multinationals, non-profits, the arts and the public sector.

Anna Healy, Network Ireland West Cork president, said: ‘We are absolutely thrilled for Carly, her success is richly deserved and her leadership in the healthcare sector is truly inspiring.

‘This marks the first national win for our branch since 2019 and it’s a fantastic moment of recognition not only for Carly but for all our finalists, members and the vibrant energy of the West Cork business community. We are incredibly proud of her hard work, determination and the remarkable growth of her business.’

This year’s Network Ireland National Conference and Awards elebrated 104 finalists from across the country, competing across eight award categories. The event brought together hundreds of women in business,  and supporters from all sectors in a powerful celebration of female entrepreneurship and leadership in Ireland.

If you are a business leader and are looking to collaborate with like-minded people, why not consider joining Network Ireland West Cork? Visit www.networkireland.ie and select the West Cork branch in the membership section.