Cashel, March 7, 2025 – A powerful message echoed through the halls of Cashel Palace Hotel today as the County Tipperary Chamber marked International Women’s Day 2025 with an event that was more than just a celebration—it was a call to action.
With a full house of business leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers, the event, sponsored by Bulmers, Carey Glass, and PTSB, brought to the forefront the urgent need for greater investment in female-led businesses and stronger national support for SMEs.
“We Need More Than Just Talk – We Need Action”
Delivering a hard-hitting keynote speech, Michelle Aylward, CEO of County Tipperary Chamber, called out the ongoing barriers facing women in business and the lack of access to funding and opportunity.
“This April, County Tipperary Chamber marks 100 years of supporting businesses. But while we celebrate a century of progress, we cannot ignore the fact that women-led businesses still receive only a fraction of investment. This isn’t just about fairness—it’s about the economic future of Tipperary and Ireland. We need real investment in women entrepreneurs, not just words.”
She also issued a direct challenge to policymakers, demanding urgent action to tackle the rising costs for SMEs and ensure fair access to funding.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy. Yet, they continue to face rising costs, difficulties securing funding, and barriers to winning public contracts. This isn’t just about survival—it’s about growth. When small businesses succeed, Tipperary thrives. That’s why we are calling for immediate action to reduce business costs, expand funding access, and drive digital innovation and workforce development.”
Panelists Share Hard-Hitting Insights
A powerful panel discussion followed, featuring industry leaders:👩 Geraldine Jones (Skin Formulas) – Pioneering the beauty industry with innovation and resilience.🍏 Ger Killian (The Lunch Bag) – Transforming school lunch programs and scaling a thriving business.🌍 Cara Darmody (Inspiration by Cara Darmody) – Proving that determination knows no age as a young advocate for inclusion and business growth.
Each speaker shared raw, unfiltered insights into the real challenges facing women in business today—from securing capital and breaking into male-dominated industries to balancing leadership and personal commitments.
A Moment of Reflection and a Challenge for the Future
The event concluded with Sarah Fogarty thanking Cashel Palace Hotel, the sponsors, panelists, and the County Tipperary Chamber team—but not before issuing a final challenge to everyone in the room:
“Celebrating women is important, but real change happens when we take action. Let’s not wait for another International Women’s Day to talk about these challenges again. Let’s commit—today—to making real change happen.”
What’s Next?
As the County Tipperary Chamber marks its 100th anniversary, the message is clear:
✅ More funding for women-led businesses✅ A fairer playing field for SMEs✅ A commitment to lasting change, not just conversation
For those who believe in building a stronger, fairer future for business in Tipperary, the time to act is now.
For more information on upcoming events and initiatives, visit www.countytipperarychamber.com.
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