Congratulations to all those shortlisted and the award winners for this year’s O2 Women Mean Business Awards. What a line up!

Cathriona Hallahan, Managing Director, Microsoft European Operations Centre – Winner of the

02 WMBUSINESSWOMAN OF THE YEAR AWARD 2009

“Firstly being nominated for this award was a real privilege, it is always so important to get recognition from collegues that the work you do is valued. Then being shortlisted to the final four was very rewarding – I felt proud that my story was something that the judges felt was compelling and warranted recognition. On the day of the event when I got to see the other finalists I was under no illusions that I would win the award and when my name was called I was genuinely honoured and proud for myself, my family and for my work collegues. The award has created a great buzz around the company and amongst family and friends.”

SHORTLISTED:

Joan O’Shaughnessy – CEO – ARAMARK Ireland

Patricia Rooney – Director – Murphy Environmental Ltd.

Angela Kerins – Chief Executive – Rehab Group

Lynne Whelan, Whitelite Gael Renewables – Winner of the

ACCENTURE WMBIG IDEA AWARD 2009

“The big idea that we developed was the ‘biomass energy centre’ and winning the award has been a great addition in highlighting and promoting this concept and product.”

SHORTLISTED:

Aoife O’Driscoll – Concepts Plus Ltd.

Mary Fitzgerald – BODYTAB

Veronica Canning – VeronicaCanning.com

Rita Shah, Shabra Group – Winner of the

HP ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR AWARD

“Surprised, shocked, delighted and honoured.”

SHORTLISTED:

Michelle Coffey – Premier Captioning Realtime Ltd.

Pamela Fitzmaurice – Blazing Salads

Rachel Doyle – Arboretum Lifestyle & Garden Centre

Maureen Forrest, The HOPE Foundation – Winner of the

WMB SOCIAL ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR AWARD 2009

“It is an honour I am proud to have accepted but most importantly, it is recognition for the work of The Hope Foundation. It is also recognition for the plight of the street children and an opportunity to let more people know how badly the children need our help.”

SHORTLISTED:

Frances Black – The Rise Foundation

Sharon Vard – Anam Cara