Focus on Artificial intelligence at event tocelebrate International Women's Day in Cavan
Image 1 of 2
Cavan Women in Business Network International Women’s Day event took place on Friday in the Digital Hub. Among the attendees were special guests, guestspeakers and discussion panel members who are pictured to the front. From left: Breda McHugh, CompliPlus and Sandra Thompson IO Agri; Carmel Smith, Hybrid Energy Group; County Librarian, Emma Glancy; Cllr Patricia Walsh (FF); Cllr Carmel Brady (FG); Gillian Madden, Senior Enterprise Development, LEO Cavan; Margaret McKeon-Boyle, MD, Extensive PR and Network Co-ordinator; Barbara Louise Brennan, Mental Health Matters Ireland ‘Female Entrepreneur of the Year’ Cavan County Enterprise Awards 2026; Niamh Smyth, Minister of State with responsibility for Artificial Intelligence; Senator Pauline Tully (SF); Conor Craven, Head of Enterprise, Local Enterprise Office Cavan; Claire Cunningham, Aura Internet Services; Susan Leonard, Business Advisor, LEO Cavan.8PHOTO: SHEILA ROONEY SHEILA MARIE ROONEYImage 2 of 2
A panel discussion ‘Making It Happen – Developing and Growing a Business’, heard insights from CWBN members Carmel Smith (Hybrid Energy Group), Breda McHugh (CompliPlus) and Sandra Thompson (IO Agri), alongside Susan Leonard, Business Advisor with Local Enterprise Office Cavan. SHEILA MARIE ROONEYLEO Cavan’s Women in Business Network hosted a flagship International Women’s Day event in the Digital Hub last Friday, March 6, 2026, bringing together over 80 women in business from across County Cavan to explore how smart supports and artificial intelligence can drive sustainable business growth.
The breakfast event, themed 'Making It Happen: Growing Your Business with Smart Support & AI', was officially launched by Niamh Smyth TD, Minister of State with responsibility for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation.
Speaking at the event, Minister Smyth said: “International Women’s Day is an ideal opportunity to recognise the achievements of Women in business and highlight the unique challenges they face and how they are overcoming these challenges.
"I’m delighted that Cavan Women in Business Network has chosen to focus in on AI for their IWD event. For small businesses, embracing digital transformation is critical to staying competitive and productive. Promoting the benefits of Digital Transformation is a key priority of mine as we seek to achieve the goal of 90% digital intensity amongst all SMEs.”
Hosted by Conor Craven, Head of Enterprise with LEO Cavan, the event featured a practical workshop titled 'A Practical Guide to AI in Business', delivered by Aura Internet Services co-founder Claire Cunningham. Designed specifically for business owners, the session demonstrated how AI can be applied in a realistic and accessible way across everyday business operations.
Conor Craven said: “Events like this show how powerful it is when practical learning, peer experience and local supports come together. The Local Enterprise Office is committed to helping businesses in Cavan adopt new technologies with confidence and clarity.”
A panel discussion, Making It Happen – Developing & Growing a Business, heard insights from CWBN members Carmel Smith (Hybrid Energy Group), Breda McHugh (CompliPlus) and Sandra Thompson (IO Agri), alongside Susan Leonard, Business Advisor with Local Enterprise Office Cavan. Panellists shared practical experiences of growing their businesses and highlighted the value of local enterprise supports at every stage of development.
The event was chaired by Margaret McKeon-Boyle, Managing Director of Extensive PR and Network Coordinator, and took place at the Cavan Digital Hub, marking the conclusion of Local Enterprise Week 2026.