MOUNTHAWK Montessori founder, Maureen Quirke was recognised for her contribution to the community, business and her family at the 10th Anniversary Connect Kerry Women In Business Awards at the weekend.
The mother-of-eight was the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award in front of a nearly 200 people at the glittering event in The Rose Hotel, Tralee.
Announcing the winner, the Editor of Connect Publications and the event organiser, Margaret Kissane, said, “Maureen Quirke is a remarkable woman whose vision, determination, and unwavering commitment to children and families have left an enduring mark on County Kerry and beyond. Beyond her professional achievements, Maureen has dedicated herself to serving her community as a passionate fundraiser and advocate for countless charitable causes.
“A devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Maureen continues to inspire her family through her strength, generosity, and resilience. She remains a daily presence in the business she built, greeting children, supporting families, and leading by example from her desk at Maureen’s Childcare. Her life’s work is measured not only in successful businesses, but in the confidence, she has nurtured, the opportunities she has created, and the countless young lives she has helped shape. Some people build businesses. Others build futures. Maureen Quirke has spent a lifetime doing both.”
The annual Connect Kerry Awards honoured the outstanding achievements of women in business across Kerry’s thriving commercial landscape while recognising excellence, ambition and innovation.
In her keynote 10th anniversary address, Margaret Kissane congratulated the women who were nominated in categories covering education, innovation, family business, corporate leadership, retail, arts and culture.
“This event shines a spotlight on the exceptional female talent driving the county forward across every sector and we recognise the effort, commitment and sacrifice that are invested into every business,” said Margaret.
Margaret thanked the judging panel of Cora Creed of Universal Music, Dan O’Donoghue, Author of “Self-Employed, the Forgotten Community” and Ciara O’Donnell of the Kerry Business Women’s Network for their time and expertise in selecting this year’s award winners.
Margaret announced that under her stewardship, her son Thomas Maguire will direct ever-growing online operations where the promotion and celebration of entrepreneurship and business development in the Kingdom will continue into the future.
Photo By: John Walsh Photography