Midlands businesswomen celebrate National Women’s Enterprise Day
128 entrepreneurs unite to share insights & celebrate success
Press Release: Wednesday, 28 October 2026
Businesswomen from across Longford, Laois, Offaly, and Westmeath gathered at The Village Barn, Tyrrellspass in Westmeath recently to celebrate National Women’s Enterprise Day (NWED). 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 at every stage of the business journey.
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.
Other speakers included:
- Denise Buckley, 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.
- Helen Conneely, Founder and Sculptor of 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.
- Sarah Jane Foster entrepreneur and media personality. Sarah Jane is the Founder of SJF Productions, The RAW Network and Debee. Sarah Janes entrepreneurial experience is complemented by business studies at Harvard Business School and a broadcasting career that includes RTÉ 2FM.
Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council, Cllr Gerry Hagan said, “The annual National Women’s Enterprise Day demonstrates the strength and ambition of so many women across the midlands who are leading and driving enterprise. We are committed to creating an environment where every entrepreneur has the support to thrive and make a lasting impact.”
Chief Executive of Longford County Council, Samantha Healy said, “Longford County Council and Local Enterprise Office, Longford is proud to support and champion our ambitious female entrepreneurs. National Women’s Enterprise Day is an opportunity to shine a light on the achievements, passion and drive of so many women in business throughout County Longford.”
Michael Nevin, Head of Enterprise at Local Enterprise Office, Longford said, “The success of National Women’s Enterprise Day 2026 demonstrates the importance of visibility, growth, and insight in driving forward Longford’s female entrepreneurs.”
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.
For two decades, National Women’s Enterprise Day has provided a platform for female entrepreneurs to connect, learn and be inspired. Celebrating the women who have turned ideas into enterprise, overcome challenges, create employment, support their communities and encourage others to follow their ambitions.
