
Network Ireland Laois Branch Glamping in Style
Networking Under The Stars
Network Ireland (Laois Branch) Holds Summer BBQ Night at Laois Glampsite
Tuesday 16th July was a beautiful night for a BBQ and some networking around the campfire for the Laois branch of Network Ireland – an Ireland-wide support group for women in business. This informal event, held at ‘Glamping Under the Stars’, was also open to friends & partners of members, and to anyone interested in joining the group.
First established in 1983, Network Ireland supports the professional and personal development of women, and provides access to expert speakers, mentoring, awards and events. The Laois Branch was formed in 2017, and has held a number of events to date, including workshops, speaker nights, and two glamorous Christmas Parties at Castle Durrow.

Network Ireland Laois Branch Glamping in Style
The inaugural Summer BBQ Event at Glamping Under The Stars was a more relaxed occasion. Alison McEvoy, AAMcEvoy Kidswear, President, Network Ireland Laois Branch explains, “Networking needn’t be hard work! There’s this idea that you have to push yourself forward and foist your business card onto strangers, but it’s not like that. Networking just means meeting people and having a chat. Then, if you find you can help one another, or work together in some way, well, that’s a bonus.”

Network Ireland Laois Branch Glamping in Style
Attendees included former IBYE winners Maryrose Simpson, founder of MyLadyBug, (also Vice President, Network Ireland Laois Branch), and fashion designer, Heidi Higgins. Also at the event were: Carla Taylor (Brennan’s Old House Gin), interiors expert, Alena Chikurnikova, (AlenaC Design) Deirdre ‘Dee’ O’Sullivan, (The Deeclutter Doctor), Jan Smolorz, (Vimar Digital Marketing), Ann Simpson, (Simpson Gala, Stradbally), Bernie Moloney, (Rural Innovation Hub Rathdowney), and Kyra Fingleton (Glamping Under the Stars).
Glampsite owner Kyra Fingleton comments, “I have recently joined Network Ireland, and it’s great to be part of this intelligent & supportive group of women. I have found the meetings very open and friendly, and always come away with new ideas for my business. Seeing what others have achieved is really inspiring. I was delighted to offer the glampsite as a venue for the summer party. It was really relaxed & fun toasting marshmallows around the campfire with these amazing people.”

Network Ireland Laois Branch Glamping in Style
Network Ireland Laois Branch holds regular meetings & events through the year, and new members are always very welcome. The group is open to all women in business, including budding entrepreneurs, SME owners, and professionals, as well as those working in non-profit, charities, arts and the public sector. Anyone interested in the group can visit the Network Ireland Laois Branch Facebook page for more details.

Network Ireland Laois Branch Glamping in Style
The group would also like to thank local food suppliers Ratheniska Farm, Feighery’s Butcher’s and Simpson’s Gala, Stradbally, whose fresh produce was very much enjoyed & appreciated on the night.