Individuals and Organisations Honoured as Trailblazers at Menopause Workplace Excellence Awards
Leaders from across Ireland—both individuals and organisations—were celebrated for advancing menopause-inclusive workplaces at the third annual Menopause Workplace Excellence Awards, held on 8th October in the historic Dining Hall at Trinity College Dublin. Among the honourees, broadcaster Joe Duffy and advocate Sallyanne Brady of The Irish Menopause both received Special Recognition Awards for their groundbreaking contribution to menopause awareness.
Hosted by Menopause Hub Academy in partnership with Great Place to Work Ireland, the evening was MC’d by Radio & TV Broadcaster Lucy Kennedy and featured special guests Sinéad Moriarty, bestselling author, and Gina London, Emmy Award winner and former CNN Correspondent and news anchor. A surprise visit from Health Minister Jennifer Carrol MacNeil added to the occasion, and her empowering, inspiring remarks championed greater awareness, support, and workplace action for women’s health.
Speaking on the night, Lucy Kennedy said:
“Tonight is about breaking the silence, celebrating progress, and honouring the people and workplaces who are changing the conversation around menopause in Ireland.”
Joe Duffy Receives Special Recognition
Back in 2021, Joe Duffy’s groundbreaking five-day Liveline special didn’t just start a conversation—it made history, creating a dedicated phone line for women to share their experiences and breaking engagement records across the country.
Regarding his award, Joe Duffy said:
“When we opened the phone lines that week, we had no idea of the flood of stories, heartbreak, relief, and solidarity that would follow. It showed the power of giving women a platform—and the importance of listening. I’m deeply honoured to be recognised tonight, and even prouder to see how far the conversation has come.”
Loretta Dignam, Founder & CEO of The Menopause Hub Academy, who also shared her own menopause journey with Joe, paid tribute to his influence:
“Joe helped to smash the taboo around menopause in Ireland. His courage and compassion changed everything—he made it okay to talk, and that’s how real change begins.”
Honouring Advocacy and Change
Also recognised on the night was Sallyanne Brady of the Irish Menopause, honoured for her tireless advocacy and for sending that first brave email to Joe Duffy in 2021—an act that sparked a national conversation and paved the way for change.
Loretta Dignam added:
“This year’s awards mark another major step forward in Ireland’s menopause movement. We’re seeing some of the largest organisations in the country now leading by example—creating real policies, offering meaningful supports, and showing that menopause belongs at the heart of workplace wellbeing.”
2025 Award Winners
Best Small Business:
Consilient Health
Best Medium Business:
Core
Best Large Business:
Irish Rail
Best Enterprise Organisation:
Royal London
Best Champions Network:
Aldi
Best Public Sector / Government:
HSE – North Dublin & East Hospitals Network
Best in Education & Academia:
Trinity College Dublin
Best in Non-Profit & Charity:
Our Lady’s Hospice & Care Services
Menopause Champion Awards:
Maeve McCleane – Lidl
Jenny Beresford – Dungarvan and West Waterford Chamber
Male Allyship Award:
Chris Kilpatrick – Castle Leslie Estate
It was a fantastic evening of connection and celebration, and we’re deeply grateful to everyone who joined us—our nominees, finalists, winners, partners, judges, and supporters. Thank you to the teams who worked behind the scenes, our presenters and guests for their insights and energy, and Trinity College Dublin for the historic setting.
