Women in business in Galway: grit, creativity — and community


International Women's Day 2026 - Niamh Madden – Sherry Fitzgerald
1 – What first sparked the idea for your business
I had been working in the business as an employee for a number of years when the opportunity arose to buy the business.
What first sparked the idea of purchasing the business for me was seeing - how many people, especially women, first-time buyers and families felt overwhelmed and unheard during the property process.
Working in the industry, I noticed that buying or selling a home wasn’t just a transaction; it was emotional, stressful and deeply personal. Yet, too often it was treated like a numbers game. I wanted to create an estate agency that combined strong negotiation skills with genuine empathy and clear communication.
2 – How would you describe what your business does best?
What our business does best is combine strategy with empathy.
We don’t just list properties – we position them. From pricing and presentation to negotiation and closing. We focus on maximising value while protecting our clients’ interest.
What sets us apart is the personal approach. Property is emotional and we guide our clients through the process with clarity, honesty and strong communication.
3 – What advice would you tell yourself if you were starting over.
If I were starting over, I’d tell myself that there will be moments of doubt, especially in a competitive industry. But your perspective, your approach and your values are your advantage. Own them. Most importantly, I’d remind myself that this is a long game. Reputation, trust and momentum take time – but when built properly they create a business that’s both profitable and deeply fulfilling.
4 – Where do you see your business heading next
Ultimately, the next chapter for our business is about expanding our reach and increasing our market share. The property market is changing and clients expect more transparency, better marketing and a smarter use of technology. However the most important thing for our business is that we are known not just for selling homes, but for being a trusted property advisor long term. I want our business to be the one that people think of first when they need honest advice and exceptional results.
5 – Do you have a personal motto that you live by
‘Fail to prepare, prepare to fail’
Whether it’s valuing a home, negotiating an offer or advising a client, being prepared allows you to show up calm, credible and in control.
For me, success is not just measured in completed sales, it’s measured in trust, repeat business and relationships that last long after the keys are handed over.
