Running a business is rarely a straight line. There are moments of progress and confidence, often followed by uncertainty, difficult decisions and lessons learned along the way. It was this reality that shaped The Grit & the Glory, the latest Fingal Business Network event, held on Friday, 24 April 2026 at the Carlton Hotel, Dublin Airport.
Business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs from across Fingal came together for a morning focused on the real experience of entrepreneurship — exploring both the challenges that test resilience and the achievements that make the journey worthwhile. From the outset, the atmosphere was open, supportive and grounded in honesty.
The event was opened by Deirdre Carroll, Senior Enterprise Development Executive, who welcomed attendees and set the tone for the morning. As the person responsible for leading the Fingal Business Network community and its programme of events, Deirdre highlighted the importance of creating spaces where business owners can share experiences, learn from one another and build meaningful connections.
At the heart of the event was a candid panel discussion featuring four Fingal‑based entrepreneurs, each bringing a distinct perspective from their own business journey:
- Colin Deering, Founder of Anyscor
- Dave Byrne, Founder of Vistona
- Donna Reilly, Founder of Donna Reilly People & Wellness
- Lisa‑Nicole Dunne, Founder of Mantra Strategy
Rather than polished success stories, the panel shared honest reflections on starting out, navigating uncertainty, managing people, scaling a business and adapting to change. Their openness resonated strongly with the audience, many of whom recognised similar challenges within their own businesses.
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Engagement from attendees was a defining feature of the morning. Questions and reflections were shared digitally throughout the discussion, allowing a wide range of topics to be explored and giving many voices the opportunity to shape the conversation. This approach created space for deeper, more considered responses and enabled the panel to address a broader mix of real‑world issues facing business owners today.
The discussion was expertly guided by MC Noel Davidson, whose facilitation ensured a natural flow and encouraged participation, contributing to a relaxed yet focused atmosphere throughout the event.
Deirdre Carroll returned to close the session, thanking the panelists and Noel Davidson for their generosity, insights and openness. She also acknowledged the continued engagement of the Fingal business community and the importance of the Fingal Business Network in supporting learning, resilience and connection among local enterprises.
The event concluded with a relaxed buffet lunch, where conversations continued and new connections were made. As a small gesture of appreciation, attendees received a can of soft drink from Now Coco, a Fingal‑based business experiencing strong growth under the leadership of Marti Nulty, winner of the 2026 Fingal Enterprise Awards and an upcoming finalist in the National Enterprise Awards.
Designed for small business owners and those considering taking their first steps into entrepreneurship, The Grit & the Glory offered practical perspective, reassurance and the opportunity to connect with others who understand both the challenges and rewards of building a business.
Events like this remain central to the Fingal Business Network’s role in strengthening the local enterprise community — fostering collaboration, shared learning and resilience for the road ahead.