Edel Kenny takes over key role at Network Ireland Mayo

The Mayo branch of Network Ireland, an organisation supporting the professional and personal development of women, has announced the election of Edel Kenny as its new president for 2022.

Edel, the owner of Ballina based EAV – Event Audio Visual, was delighted to accept the nomination.

She was presented with the chain of office by outgoing president, Caroline Kirrane of APP Kirrane Auctioneering.

Edel is an experienced community leader with more than 10 years hands on experience of dealing with public and private industry in both education and business.

She is a qualified post primary teacher and after many years of teaching Business and LCVP she put her learned knowledge into practise and set up her own business, EAV – Event Audio Visual in 2017.

EAV provides professional AV support for events and conferences including hybrid events that require live streaming.

She did this with the support of Local Enterprise Office Mayo, Network Ireland Mayo, and the broader network.

Edel believes in giving back and to that end in 2014 she co-founded a community radio station – Ballina Community Radio.

The station is not for-profit, and all the presenters are volunteers, harnessing the energy and spirit of the community.

She began as the station’s chairperson and was instrumental in securing grants and a Broadcasting Authority of Ireland radio license to begin broadcasting in 2015.

The radio station has gone from strength to strength, and she presents a weekly business show “In Focus” which broadcasts Saturdays at 1 p.m. locally on 101.9fm and online.

She is a strong believer in empowerment, personal development and continuous learning and brings all of this to her new role as president of Network Ireland, Mayo Branch.

She stated: “I am very honoured to be elected President of Network Ireland, Mayo Branch.

"My goal for the year ahead is to support all women, both employers and employees to make the most of every opportunity in a recovering economy.

"I thank the 2021 president Caroline Kirrane for her dedication, support, and her tireless hard work during the past year.

"I wish to acknowledge the support of the 2021 committee and thank them for giving of their time voluntarily.

"I encourage new members to connect with us and realise the benefits of extending their network of contacts”.

Retail expert, Melissa Moore of the Retail Advisor has been confirmed as vice-president of Network Ireland Mayo for the year.

The 2022 Network Ireland Mayo committee also consists of Caroline Kirrane (ex-officio), Elaine Kennedy (treasurer and membership Officer), Pamela Barrett, Lorraine Hall, Ger Hogan and Paula McNicholas.

Looking forward to her year as president, Edel will utilise her years of experience in event management and production to offer hybrid networking events as restrictions evolve.

Edel has chosen Down Syndrome Ireland Mayo Branch, as her charity partner.

Certain events throughout the year will have a fundraising element and all monies raised will be sent directly to the charity.

Formed in 1976 by parents who had children with Down Syndrome and the group has grown from strength to strength since then.

To date, they have a membership of 141 individuals who have Down Syndrome.

The charity was formed in 1976 by parents who had children with Down Syndrome and have a membership of 141 individuals who have Down Syndrome.

They have been very fortunate to be able to support people in Mayo with Down Syndrome and their families by offering subsidies towards private therapies, access to a CORU qualified speech and language therapist for all members no matter their ages, access to educational seminars along the lines of Lámh, Numicon and See & Learn, as well as access to a Parentlink programme in which two trained parents are a direct support to parents who have a baby with Down Syndrome, both pre and postnatally.

Down Syndrome Ireland Mayo Branch also provide a social support, including baby/toddler outings, summer outings, Christmas parties and bowling outings

The first event of the year takes place online on Wednesday, January 26, at 7.30 pm and tickets are available on Eventbrite.

The topic is “A Guide to Networking in 2022."

It wil be hosted by Jean Evans of NetworkMe is an award-winning expert on all things networking.

Network Mayo branch is open to all women and new members are welcome.

Application forms for membership can be downloaded from the website www.networkireland.ie.

For further information, email memberships@networkmayo.com.

You can follow Network Ireland Mayo on social media through Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.