International Women's Day - Women in Business Event

Join North Kildare Chamber in celebrating International Women's Day at Kildare Village

Guest speakers, Maureen Bergin – Community and Business Relations Director at Kildare Village, and Mary Ann O'Brien – Founder of Lily O'Brien’s chocolates

Mary Ann O'Brien is one of the most widely recognised and successful female entrepreneurs to emerge in Ireland in the past twenty-five years. 

Having started Lily O'Brien’s chocolates in her small Kildare kitchen in 1992, she has grown the business into one of the country's most recognised global brands. 

The company's commitment to exports has also led to numerous accolades including Irish Food Exporter of the Year in 2013, as well as numerous Great Taste Awards for the many wonderful chocolates in Lily O'Brien’s repertoire. More recently the company has reached > €31 million turnover in 2016 and has exceeded €10.1 million retail sales value in the UK market for the same period and while ownership of the company has moved to Carlyle Cardinal, Mary Ann remains very much at the heart of New Product Development and Sales Strategy for the business.

Mary Ann is also co-founder of the Jack " Jill Children's Foundation, along with her husband Jonathan Irwin, which was set up in 1997 following the tragic death of their son Jack.  

She has also served as a Senator in the Seanad for a number of years at the request of An Taoiseach Enda Kenny, in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the business and charity sectors.

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