IRD Duhallow Business Awards

Michael Twohig, Chairman of IRD Duhallow, Maura Walsh CEO and Louise Bourke Development Officer pictured with the Team from Irish Rollforming in Bweeng, who scooped the accolade for the Best Overall Business at the IRD Duhallow Business Awards last Friday night.

“Some wait for it to happen, some wish for it to happen, and you made it happen.” IRD Chairperson Michael Twohig captured the spirit of these prestigious nominees with his speech at the IRD Duhallow Business Awards. He and the entirety of IRD Duhallow were delighted to welcome, showcase, and celebrate the success oif all of the incredible nominees.

But the celebrations didn’t end there - Marty Morrissey, MC for the night and self proclaimed culchie, was in awe not only of the fantastic nominees, but also the work done by IRD Duhallow across the wider Duhallow Region. He praised Duhallow Community Food Services and was impressed with the reach of the service and the ever increasing volume of deliveries.

Padraic O’Connell, chairperson of the Enterprise Working Group, spoke about the efforts of the team who put the awards together and called special attention to Marie Fleming; “she transformed the marquee from a supply hub to a careers exhibition for 300 students... to a fine banqueting hall”, all in just a few weeks. On behalf of the judges, Kevin Sugrue of McCarthy Insurance thanked everyone, and was “inspired by all of the business and enterprises”.

After dinner, the crowd was treated to a raffle for some incredible spot prizes sponsored by BOI of rugby club tickets, a signed Munster jersey, and, as a surprise from Marty, Late Late Show tickets! Though as he said, “unfortunately not one for everyone in the audience”.

It was after dessert that the show began in full force. As the categories were presented, videos put together by Leo Fitzgerald showed off personality, plans, and pride. The sense of community and camaraderie was second to none, and the celebration at each win brought a smile to everyone’s face. The winners, listed on page 16, were presented with oak clocks created by Brogeén Crafts and the overall winner received an incredible lamp by them.

The roars of celebration from the Irish Rollforming table as they won not only their category but the overall best business (AND the Late Late tickets!) rattled the place - congrats to them! Massive well done to all those involved and congratulations to the nominees and winners. On to the next one!

Bank of Ireland donated spot prizes that were raffled on the night - Congratulations to the lucky winners!

Marty Morrissey was the master of ceremonies on the night

Marty Morrissey made time for a massive number of fans throughout the night, and (above) enjoyed chats with IRD Duhallow Chairperson Michael Twohig.

Padraic O’ Connell, Chairman of the IRD Duhallow Enterprise Working Group, presenting the Best Overall Business Award to Liam O’ Sullivan of Irish Rollforming, Bweeng, at the IRD Duhallow Business Awards in Newmarket.

John Cott, Chairman of Kanturk Mart pictured with Liam O’ Sullivan of Irish Rollforming, Bweeng, who won the Best Established Business Award and Nominees Connie Tarrant of E. Tarrant & Sons, Banteer and Eoghan McCarthy of Ballyhass Adventure Group

Jennifer Lyons of AIB, Mallow, pictured with Matthew Collins, owner of the Sibly Food Company who won the Best Emerging Business Award and Nominees Michael Drumm of Lush Loaves, Newmarket and Maria and Dan McCabe of Duhallow Physiotherapy, Newmarket

Cáit Irwin, Manager of Bank of Ireland, Mallow, pictured with Sharon Clernon of Mindview Clinic, Kanturk who won the Best Women Led Business Award and Nominees Marie O’ Mahoney of Curious Minds Childcare and Mairead O’ Keeffe of New Leaf Health Shop.

John O’ Leary from SE Systems pictured with Petra Kriva, Asia Healy and Marcel Hank of Yumm Cafè, Kanturk who won the Award for Best Use of Digital Marketing with Nominees Sinead Collins of Blumain Organic Skincare, Ballydesmond and Paige and Shan Hill of Shaige Cleaning Services.

Mark Noonan from McCarthy Insurance Group pictured with Donie Barry, Denis Withers and Dermot McCarthy of Banteer Community Sportsfield which won the Best Community Enterprise Award and Nominees Mossie Angland representing the McAuliffe Culturlann and Bertie O’ Leary representing Tureencahill Community Group.

Donal Aherne of Kanturk Printers pictured with Mairead O’ Keeffe Rahilly, owner of Sophisticuts Hair Salon, Newmarket and staff members Noelle O’ Sullivan and Maggie Drumm, winners of the Best in the Creative Industry Award and Nominees Kornelia and Jurgita of J&K Flower Studio, Kanturk, and Diane Carton of Saille Baskets, Lyre.