Gold for North Cork Creameries

The IRD Duhallow Business Awards took place on Thursday, 23rd November at the James O’Keeffe Institute, Newmarket, Co. Cork. There were six category winners and one overall winner, with North Cork Creameries being awarded the Business of the Year.

The annual affair has become a staple in Duhallow’s social scene, drawing in a sizeable crowd of over two hundred. The attendees, a mix of esteemed business figures, community representatives, and notable figures made it clear that this was the event to be seen at.

Motivational Speaker, Comedian and MC Alan Shortt hosted the awards, which celebrate the abundance of remarkable business achievements in the area and offer valuable networking opportunities for local companies.

A group of independent judges was assigned the challenging task of choosing the finalists and winners. The panel noted the exceptional quality of this year’s submissions. Some decisions were tough and resulted in close scores.

IRD Duhallow Chair Michael Twohig said “Within the Duhallow region, we are fortunate to have a wide array of exceptional enterprises, spanning from locally run and managed to internationally renowned corporations. The prosperity of our communities relies heavily on these businesses, making it crucial to acknowledge and appreciate both the individuals and organisations behind them.

The IRD Duhallow Business Awards showcase the vibrant and varied nature of our local businesses. They provide a valuable platform for companies and community organisations to highlight their achievements, advancements, and contributions to our flourishing business district”.

Local businesses are not simply enterprises, but rather the heart

of all communities. They play a crucial role in the success of neighbourhoods by generating opportunities for growth, offering essential employment, and establishing vital connections that contribute to flourishing local economies.

Shane Naughton, Commercial Manager North Cork Creameries, commented “We all here in North Cork Creameries are very honoured to have received the Best Established Business Award and the Overall Business of the Year Award. For all our team of employees, our milk suppliers and our Board here in North Cork Creameries, who are based in North Cork, this was particularly special to receive local recognition from IRD Duhallow. We would like to recognise all other businesses that were nominated for awards and wish them the best with all their ventures in

2024”.

Padraic O’Connell, Chair of the Enterprise Working Group, commented “By honouring the top businesses and community enterprises in our community, we foster a positive change in the local area. This serves as inspiration for strong and successful local economies, while offering opportunities for all individuals and securing a future that we can be proud of. I extend my congratulations to the 19 finalists in each category and the 6 recipients of awards. The quality of this year’s finalists has been exceptional.”

IRD Duhallow CEO Maura Walsh with MC for the night, Alan Shortt

Raffle Winners

Presented by the business advisor of Bank of Ireland and MC Alan Shortt

Mary Wallace, Donoughmore,

Wandee Carroll, staff member at Yumm Café

Best Emerging Business

Customsdeclaration.ie

The team of Customs Declaration.ie with Enterprise Working Group Chairman Padraic O’Connell, Enterprise Working Group Vice Chair Geraldine O’Leary, IRD Duhallow CEO Maura Walsh, IRD Duhallow Chairperson Michael Twohig, Rosie Healy, Development officer Monica Gilmore, IRD Duhallow Vice Chairperson Anne Maria Bourke,

Best Women Led Business

Shaige Cleaning Services

Shan and Paige of Shaige Cleaning Services with Enterprise Working Group Chair Padraic O’Connell, Enterprise Working Group Vice Chair Geraldine O’Leary, IRD Duhallow CEO Maura Walsh, IRD Duhallow Chairperson Michael Twohig, IRD Duhallow Vice Chairperson Anne Maria Bourke, and IRD Duhallow Assistant Manager Eileen

Best In Creative Industry

Drumm Carpentry Wardrobes and Kitchens

The team of Drumm Carpentry with Enterprise Working Group Chairman Padraic O’Connell, IRD Duhallow Development Officer Louise Bourke, Enterprise Working Group vice chair Geraldine O’Leary, IRD Duhallow CEO Maura Walsh, IRD Duhallow Chairperson Michael Twohig, Development Officer Monica Gilmore, IRD Duhallow Assistant Manager Eileen Linehan, IRD Duhallow Vice Chairperson Anne Maria Bourke,

Best Food/Drink

Yumm Cafe

The Yumm Cafe Team with Enterprise Working Group Chair Padraic O’Connell, Enterprise Working Group Vice Chair Geraldine O’Leary, IRD Duhallow CEO Maura Walsh, IRD Duhallow Chairperson Michael Twohig, IRD Duhallow Assistant Manager Eileen Linehan and IRD Duhallow Vice Chairperson Anne Maria Bourke

Best Established Business

North Cork Creameries

The team of North Cork Creameries with Working Group Chairman Padraic O'Connell IRD Duhallow Chairperson Michael Twohig, IRD Duhallow CEO Maura Walsh Vice Chairperson Anne Maria Bourke, Enterprise Working group vice chair Geraldine O’Leary

Best Community Enterprise

Cairdreas Childcare

Team at Cairdeas Childcare with Enterprise Working Group Chair Padraic O’Connell, Enterprise Working Group Vice Chair Geraldine O'Leary, IRD Duhallow CEO Maura Walsh, IRD Duhallow Chairperson Michael Twohig, Manager Eileen Linehan