Kildare woman wins Mum of the Year award

A NAAS woman has been named ‘Mum of the Year’ at the 2026 Woman’s Way and Beko Mum of the Year Awards.

Karolynn MacHale is a Naas businesswoman, owner of Aria Boutique, and has recently celebrated 20 years in business. She is mother to three boys, Adam (15) and twins Zach and Lewis (11).

In a time when a lot of people are moving online for retail purchases, Karolynn puts her success down to an emphasis on community spirit built over the years. The popular business owner maintains that despite all the success in the world of fashion, being a mum is her biggest achievement.

Originally from Rathcoole and now living in Naas, Karolynn was one of the ten nominees and managed to scoop the overall title at a special lunch at 25 Fitzwilliam Place celebrating Irish mothers and highlighting their contribution across all facets of society, in an afternoon filled with emotion, admiration, laughter and fun.

Back for a 23rd year, the Beko Woman’s Way Mum of the Year Awards celebrate Ireland’s amazing mothers and shine a light on women who quietly and consistently make life better, for their families, society and everyone around them, with Beko proudly supporting the awards for more than a decade.

The awards are open to mums throughout Ireland, and the accolade gives spouses, children, relatives, friends and community groups the opportunity to recognise and reward the fantastic work mums do for their families and friends.

All finalists received a top-of-the-range coffee machine, while Mum of the Year Karolynn received a €2,500 voucher to spend on Beko appliances, as well as the prestigious title.

Aria Boutique is a luxury womenswear boutique that specialises in clothing and accessories and has been in Naas since 2006. The store provides dresses for weddings, racing events, mother of the bride, Communions and Confirmations. The shop is located at 7 Poplar Square in Naas, across the road from Lawlor’s Hotel.