Network Ireland Kerry November Event

Connecting the County – Leading – Supporting – Collaborating in Partnership with Kerry Local Enterprise Office

Network Ireland Kerry’s November event was held on the 8^th of November to a packed audience at the RDI Hub, Killorglin, Co. Kerry. The event was held in partnership with Kerry Local Enterprise Office and profiled Kerry based businesses that have benefited and grown from the range of supports provided by the LEO. All the businesses profiled on the evening have female founders.

President of Network Ireland Kerry, Linda O’Mahony Logan welcomed the guests on the evening to what promised to be an engaging and lively discussion amongst the panel and those in attendance. The evening was emceed by Radio Kerry’s Mary Gallagher, host of In Business, who firstly introduced the keynote speaker, Sinead Lonergan, Enterprise. With over 25 years’ experience working directly with companies to plan and implement their scaling and export growth strategies. Sinead has worked as a Technology Transfer Advisor, a Scaling company Development advisor, and an export promotion advisor (in the US) and country manager (in France) for Enterprise Ireland. She has first-hand experience of advising companies, in a range of diverse sectors, on their market entry plans and successfully securing buyer introductions and export sales contracts for companies in international markets. Sinead is currently managing the Women In Business initiatives with Enterprise Ireland following a couple of years as an independent consultant advising companies on their exporting strategies.

Mary Gallagher then welcomed Sinead Lonergan to join the panel with other Kerry Women in Business. The panellists on the evening were Jo Arbon – Founder, Holistic Hound UK, and Ireland. Holistic Hound manufactures 100% natural, herbal support products for pets. The range consists of completely natural, organic products based on a mix of herbs, essential oils, and floral waters. These products have been designed to help dog owners deal with issues that most dogs will face during their lifetime. They are the only all-Ireland manufacturer of these types of products. Alltheir products are manufactured in Co. Kerry and wherever practical their ingredients are sourced from local suppliers.

Anna and Orla Snook O’Carroll – Co-Founders, Valentia Island Vermouth.

Anna and Orla are the wife and wife team behind Ireland’s first vermouth. They handcraft this award-winning vermouth here in Co. Kerry using twenty botanicals, handmade caramel, and a Verdejo grape from the Rueda Valley, near Madrid. Valentia Island Vermouth is available in Michelin starred restaurants, high end cocktails bars and restaurants, good independent of licenses throughout the country. Having completed the SuperValu Food Academy, Valentia Island Vermouth is also available in SuperValu’s in the Munster region. Anna and Orla have high hopes for the future with plans underway to export to the US and Canadian markets.

Dina Vyapuri – Founder & CEO, Techfindr and Purpl Unicorn. As the founder and CEO of both Techfindr and Purpl Unicorn, Dina has carved a remarkable path in the Tech industry. With a specialisation in cyber security, she has established herself as a prominent tech recruiter, bridging the gap between top talent and leading tech enterprises. Dina’s passion goes beyond recruitment; she is a staunch advocate for gender diversity in the tech sphere. Her efforts in empowering women in technology have been commendable, initiating programs and initiatives aimed at providing support, mentorship, and opportunities for women pursuing careers in tech. Notably, Dina’s commitment extends further, as she actively engages in aiding displaced migrants, leveraging technology and her expertise to create pathways for these individuals to integrate into the tech workforce.

Pamela Neumann – Co-Owner, Tango Street Food. A dynamic entrepreneur and co-owner of the renowned Tango Street Food restaurant in Killarney along with her husband Facundo Rodulfo Iglesias. Pamela’s journey into the world of hospitality and business began in her family’s hotel in Argentina. She not only grew up immersed in the industry but also managed the family-owned establishment, honing her skills and passion for the field. However, her story took a fascinating turn when she, along with her husband and children, decided to leave Argentina for Europe.

During their European adventure, Pamela spent several years in Spain, working in the hospitality and travel industry, with a focus on the UK and Irish markets. It was during this time that she fell in love with the picturesque landscapes and vibrant culture of Kerry. This deep connection ultimately led her to move to Ireland with her family. Pamela is actively involved in the formation of a chamber of commerce for Latin American countries in Ireland, promoting commerce and cultural awareness.

Network Ireland Kerry’s next event is their Christmas Party night, being held in the Rose Hotel, Tralee on the 30^th of November. A great night of celebration is guaranteed with drinks on arrival, a sumptuous 4-course meal, lots of fun and prizes and a great fundraising initiative for their chosen charity partner, Recovery Haven.

This event is open to both members and non-members (members are €30, fee for non-members is €50). You must pre-register to attend this event at networkireland.ie/events and all are welcome.