As part of Local Enterprise Week 2026, more than 100 businesswomen from across Fingal gathered on Friday, 6th March for a special Fingal Enterprising Women Network (FEWN) event at the Crowne Plaza Dublin Airport — a bright and uplifting way to close the week as the county prepared for the International Women’s Day weekend.
Guests arrived in light, spring‑inspired outfits, perfectly matching the welcome change in weather as the sun finally arrived with spring, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere from the moment the doors opened.
The event was officially opened by Mayor of Fingal, Cllr. Tom O’Leary, who shared his appreciation for the women driving Fingal’s enterprise community. He noted the strong engagement in FEWN events, the balanced uptake of mentoring supports, and highlighted that four out of the five finalists in this year’s Fingal Enterprise Awards were female‑led businesses — clear evidence, he said, that female entrepreneurship in Fingal is thriving. The Mayor also spoke about wellbeing as an essential part of sustainable success and encouraged attendees to take something from the morning that would support both their business and personal wellbeing.
A Conversation About Success Without the Hidden Cost
Our keynote guest, Clare McKenna — broadcaster, author and integrative health coach — led a thoughtful and relatable fireside chat exploring what genuine high performance looks like when wellbeing is not sacrificed along the way.
Clare spoke candidly about the pressures many women in business face: balancing responsibilities, navigating expectations and the quiet onset of burnout. She reminded attendees that success should never come at the expense of their wellbeing, and encouraged a gentler, more sustainable approach to ambition — one grounded in clarity, compassion and realistic choices.
She also reflected on how wellbeing itself can become overwhelming when treated as another task, offering instead a simpler, more intuitive way to support both focus and performance.
The conversation was guided beautifully by Sharon Rossignuolo, FEWN Manager, who created a relaxed and inclusive space where women felt comfortable sharing their experiences and perspectives.
A Morning of Community and Connection
Following the fireside chat, guests moved into a relaxed networking lunch. With the sun streaming in and Friday mood in the air, conversations flowed easily as women connected over shared experiences, challenges and goals.
The atmosphere was light, open and genuinely supportive — a hallmark of FEWN events — bringing together new founders, experienced entrepreneurs and senior leaders in a setting that encouraged real connection.
Leadership Reflections & What’s Next for FEWN
To close the event, Rose McGahan, Senior Enterprise Development Executive at LEO Fingal and lead for FEWN, extended warm thanks to Clare and Sharon, and wished everyone a heartfelt Happy International Women’s Day.
Rose also announced that the next FEWN event will take place on 29 May 2026, encouraging attendees to keep an eye on our online bookings page to secure their place early. She assured the room that the FEWN team is already planning another high‑quality gathering that continues the standard set by previous events.
A Thoughtful Surprise for Attendees
A lovely highlight from the morning was the giveaway of 10 copies of Clare’s book, Would You Be Well? These were gifted to selected attendees who engaged with the event online following the session — a small gesture to extend the conversation beyond the room. We hope they enjoy the read and find the same encouragement and clarity Clare brought to the morning.
A Bright and Inspiring Start to 2026 for FEWN
This year’s International Women’s Day networking lunch was a warm and energising celebration of women in business across Fingal, emphasising the value of community, reflection and shared experience.
We look forward to welcoming everyone again on 29 May for our next FEWN gathering.
Because when women thrive together, the whole community thrives.