The Munster Sustainability In Action Networking Roadshow Sets Off Next Week!
Here at Sustainable Business Network (SBN), we know how impactful coming together has been for businesses in progressing on their sustainability journey. We are delighted to be hitting the road with our sister company Sustainable Tourism Network (STN) and meeting with the many businesses who have committed to consistent improvement in their sustainability and climate action.
Where Is The Munster Roadshow Heading?
This time round, we will be hitting up the Treaty City of Limerick as well as the Kingdom of Kerry and we have some very inspiring speakers joining us!
We will be heading to Limerick Strand Hotel on Tuesday, 21 October and Killarney Golf & Fishing Club on Wednesday, 22 October. Both will be breakfast events kicking off at 10am. Is there any better way to start the day than to connect with proactive, positive impact businesses and organisations and see how together we can do even better by our environment, local communities and teams?
What Can I Expect At The Munster Networking Roadshow?
You can expect to create some profound connections with like-minded professionals all trying to improve in how they give back and look after our environment and communities. You’ll find out ways in which how to become a more efficient and cost effective business or organisation. You will hear about what is happening in the regions of Limerick and Kerry as well as hear from some inspiring local legends through the panel discussion. There will also be an update from the SBN, STN and progress on the EU-funded project, Island Sustainable Tourism Action Through Resilient SMEs (I-STARS).
Who Is Speaking At The Limerick Sustainability In Action Event?
We are really looking forward to learning about the inspirational businesses from all around Limerick City and County. From networking with all the Limerick businesses and initiatives in the room, to hearing from our fantastic panel of speakers. Our panel discussion will explore topics from regenerative practices to renewable innovations. You don’t want to miss this Limerick!
Jana Mannion
Tourism & Marketing Manager at Ballyhoura Development
Jana Mannion is Tourism & Marketing Officer with Ballyhoura Development CLG, where she champions regenerative tourism and community-led sustainability. She works with businesses, communities, and cross-border partners to drive collaboration and create positive impact for people, place, and nature.
Ballyhoura Development has been making momentous waves in growing as a regenerative tourism destination. As Jana mentions, “once we delved further into what was regenerative thinking, we realised we were already doing it.” They have been collaborating with like-minded tourism networks, such as Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark, sharing learnings and growing together. We are sure to find out more about this on Tuesday!
Roisin McCormack
Chief Operating Officer (COO) & Co-Founder of GKinetic Energy
Roisin is COO and Co-Founder at Limerick-based GKinetic Energy where she leads business development, commercialisation and operations. GKinetic are pioneering ‘distributed river energy’ in Ireland with their innovative hydrokinetic turbines that can instantly generate clean, predictable energy from any free-flowing water source. Roisin holds degrees in Commerce and International Sales and has led a number of applications focused on advancing the GKinetic technology, securing millions in grant funding as well as equity investment from a positive impact VC. Roisin is a passionate leader that believes in unlocking the clean energy potential of free-flowing waterways all over the world. On a personal level, she is an avid sailor and sea swimmer and tries to incorporate sustainable choices and positive swaps in her day-to-day life. She is a huge supporter of local businesses, second-hand reuse and repair and community movements.
Kate Wieczorkiewicz
Sustainability Manager at Limerick Strand Hotel
With over a decade of experience in the hospitality industry, Kate brings a deep-rooted passion for sustainability and the natural environment to her role as Sustainability Manager at Limerick Strand Hotel. She leads the hotel’s sustainability initiatives, ensuring that environmentally responsible principles and best practices are embedded across all departments. Her work places strong emphasis on resource efficiency and actively promotes the hotel’s green agenda both internally and externally.
Kate has a solid background in food and beverage, having successfully managed a specialty café and a fine foods and wine store. This experience has enabled her to build strong relationships with customers, suppliers, and stakeholders. She holds a Diploma in Environment, Sustainability and Climate from University College Cork, which helped her transform a personal interest into a meaningful career path.
Who Is Speaking At The Kerry Sustainability In Action Event?
Kerry’s vibrant sustainability scene – from Killarney’s Coffee Cup Project inspiring other destinations, to the many B Corp certified businesses – is a testament to what’s possible when community and innovation come together. We began our networking events in Killarney and received the well-known Kerry welcome. We learned so much at this event from the Dingle Peninsula – the Greenest Place in Ireland – to managing large scale sporting events on the Beara Peninsula, we can’t wait to return and hear what they have been up to in Kerry since.
Dr. Helena McMahon
Director IKC3 MTU & Founder Seabody
Dr. Helena McMahon, is pioneering a new era of beauty and wellness and firmly believes “the future of wellness is blue”. Seabody as a B Corp brand fuses advanced biotechnology with ocean bioactives to create regenerative skincare and supplements designed to nourish cells and extend vitality.
At Munster Technological University’s Circular Bioeconomy Research Group, Helena also leads on bio-based innovation, skills, and talent, positioning Ireland at the forefront of the global circular bioeconomy. Bridging science, sustainability, and luxury, Helena is bringing the ocean’s future-facing potential into the heart of modern wellness.
John Murphy
Co-Founder of Portmagee Whiskey
John “Barrack” Murphy is a retired Army Officer and Chartered Engineer with over 20 years service with the Irish Defence Force at home and abroad, including deployments to the Middle East and Africa. John is an adventurer by nature and has traveled all over the world with work, for pleasure and to take part in various adventure and endurance races. He is also a keen rower and looks forward to taking part in the traditional Seine Boat season every year.
As the CEO of Portmagee Whiskey he is determined to develop the long term plans of Portmagee Whiskey and set the conditions for the next six generations of “Barrack” Murphy’s to be able to call Portmagee their home.
Zita McCarthy
Senior Sustainability Manager at Kerry Dairy Ireland
Zita is the Senior Sustainability Manager for Kerry Dairy Ireland, looking after the external and internal sustainability reporting of the company and the strategic planning for sustainability and climate action.
At Kerry Dairy Ireland, sustainability is at the core of their operations. They hold the Gold Membership status with Origin Green and are the first dairy processor to achieve Stage five verification on the Sustainable Dairy Partnership (SDP) platform, showcasing their leadership and commitment to driving innovation and excellence in the industry. From the pastures of their milk suppliers to the ingredients and products they offer, they are dedicated to pioneering sustainable dairy practices that benefit people, society, and the planet.
Colin Finlay
Director Of Golf at Killarney Golf & Fishing Club
There are many sustainability initiatives ‘driving the green’ in golf today. From GEO Foundation for Sustainable Golf to strategies set out by Golf Ireland.
With over 25 years of experience in the golf industry, Colin has been fortunate to work across a wide range of roles, from PGA Professional and golf course design to club operations and management. Since 2018, Colin has worked with Synergy Golf, one of Ireland’s leading club management companies. Here he has been able to combine his passion for the game with a commitment to delivering exceptional member and guest experiences. Colin shares how at Killarney Golf and Fishing Club, they are deeply focused on their sustainability journey, and of his pride in being involved in overseeing a significant transformation of facilities with sustainability at its core. Colin’s role as Director of Golf at Killarney Golf and Fishing Club is to ensure the club continues to run smoothly and develop in a responsible way.
We are delighted that Colin will be leading a sustainability tour of the grounds and the club and we’re looking forward to hearing more about what is happening in sustainability within the world of golf.
Where Can I Sign Up To Attend The Munster Sustainability In Action Roadshow?
Come join us next week in Limerick on the 21 October and in Killarney on the 22 October and lets power positive impact together. You can sign up via our website here. You can also take a look at our previous Sustainability in Action Networking Events here. Looking forward to seeing you next week!