West Cork Business and Tourism Awards 2025_compressed by southernstarIRL

Welcome to the ﬁfth instalment of the West Cork Business & Tourism Awards!

WE really enjoy running these awards at The Southern Star! Why? It’s because they shine a spotlight on successful local businesspeople and businesses across our region … people who bring drive, hard work, focus and vision, people who deliver quality products and services, people who strive for great customer service, effective sales operations, and creative marketing. At the end of the day successful businesses come from great people and we’re inspired every year reading their entries and meeting out finalists.

West Cork’s ‘social’ media for 130 years ...

ing to make their decisions based on the overall high quality of submissions.

Once again this year we received a high volume of quality entries and we think that’s an indicator that these awards are well respected across the business and tourism communities of West Cork and we thank every business who took the time to enter.

I’d like to congratulate the businesses that have been shortlisted as finalists across the different awards categories but also to say to the businesses that didn’t make it through to the finals to consider entering again next year as I know the judges found it very challeng-

In December we held our ‘Pitch Night’ (thank you to our pitch night sponsor OfficeMaster who hosted the event with us and thank you to Ludgate Hub for the use of their superb facilities in Skibbereen). As usual we were blown away by our finalists – local business people from all over West Cork and from all types of businesses - presenting their three minute ‘elevator pitch’ to a packed room which included both the judges and their fellow finalists - not for the faint hearted!

On display at the ‘Pitch Night’ was passion, creativity, ingenuity, humour, innovation and collegiality from businesses big and small, new and established.

I’d like to sincerely thank Carbery for their support of the West Cork Business & Tourism Awards as our main awards partner again this year. They are a great example of a West Cork business which contributes to the local economy and supports their local community as well as being a national and international

success story too. Thank you also to all of our awards category sponsors for your ongoing and valued support too, Access Credit Union, Collins Brooks & Associates solicitors, Cork Airport, Cork County Council, Fáilte Ireland, Lilly, MasterKabin, OfficeMaster, O’Sullivan Marine and ODM Financial Advisers.

Thank you to our judges, Aishling Goulden, Carbery; Paul Di Rollo, Glentree Furniture and Josephine O’Driscoll, Failte Ireland / Wild Atlantic Way

A big thank you also to the team at Southern Star Media who do an amazing job delivering these awards – there’s a huge amount of work involved and a lot goes on behind the scenes throughout the year

Finally, my biggest thanks must go to all the businesses that took the time to enter this year’s awards I wish you every success in the future.

- Seán Mahon Managing Director, Southern Star Media

Supporting businesses, communities and people throughout West Cork

CARBERY is proud to partner with e Southern Star in presenting these awards. As a company with our roots in West Cork, we take that commitment to supporting our local areas here and have spread it to our global colleagues, through encouraging them to live our purpose, enriching lives, together. We recognise the pivotal role that both business and tourism play in bolstering our economy and enriching our communities. We are proud to be a part of this initiative that highlights the many achievements and contributions of businesses and individuals throughout the region.

- Jason Hawkins, Chief Executive Oﬃcer, Carbery

Jonathan Healy, known for his presenting work with Newstalk, Sky News, RTE, and Cork’s RedFM will be MC for this year’s Southern Star West Cork Business and Tourism Awards. With over 25 years of experience in Irish broadcasting, Jonathan, managing partner of Healy Communications, brings a wealth of experience and a diverse portfolio which spans thousands of interviews with prominent ﬁgures across various sectors. Beyond broadcasting, he is also involved with charitable causes including as voluntary Chairman of the Irish Motor

Disease Association.

Please note: e decisions of the judges will be ﬁnal and no correspondence will be entered into.

Chairperson of judging panel Sean Mahon, Managing Director, Southern Star Media

Neurone

Josephine O’Driscoll Manager, Wild Atlantic Way Fáilte Ireland

Paul Di Rollo, Owner and Director Glentree Furniture Ltd

Aishling Goulden, HR Lead, Carbery

West Cork Business & Tourism Awards 2024 – Finalists

Best New Business

sponsored by Collins, Brooks & Associates

• Get Healthcare Online

• takeNplace

• e Hidden Haven at Derry Duﬀ

Best Small Business sponsored by OﬃceMaster

• Chléire Haven Glamping and Camping

• Rosscarbery Pharmacy

• Walsh Print and Graphics

• West Cork Travel

Best Use Of Creative Marketing sponsored by Masterkabin

• Casey’s Bar and Restaurant

• Homebot Ireland

• Schull Harbour Hotel & East Meets West

• West Cork Building Supplies

Best Family-Run Business sponsored by Cork County Council

• Carbery Plastics

• Rolf’s Country House, Baltimore

• e Castle, Castletownshend

Best Tourism Experience sponsored by Cork Airport

• Clonakilty Blackpudding Visitor Centre

• Goleen Harbour Eco Resort

• Wild Atlantic Glamping

Best Customer Service sponsored by ODM Financial Advisers

• Atlantic Sea Kayaking

• Lehanes & Associates

• Sugarloaf Café

Best Medium/Large Business sponsored by Lilly

• Carbery Plastics

• Coolmain Electrical t/a Cronin Electrical/Cronin Solar/Cronin Security

• Sentinel Fire & Security

Young Businessperson Of e Year sponsored by Access Credit Union

• Aaron O’Sullivan - Bantry Bay Boat Hire

• Annie O’Neill - Lios Lara Riding Stables

• Cian Minihane - CM Fitness & Personal Training

Best West Cork Festival sponsored by O’Sullivans Marine

• Bere Island Arts Festival

• Clonakilty Old Time Fair

• Feel the Force Dunmanway

• West Cork Literary Festival

Additional Awards:

• Best Presentation on Pitch Night

• West Cork Business Ambassador & Lifetime Achievement

• West Cork Wild Atlantic Way Tourism Business of the Year

• Overall West Cork Business of the Year

Bantry Bay, Co. Cork

Welcoming business in West Cork!

FÁILTE Ireland Wild Atlantic Way is proud to announce its continued sponsorship of the ‘Best West Cork Wild Atlantic Way Tourism Business’ award in the West Cork Business & Tourism Awards for 2024. This prestigious award, established in 2019, celebrates the outstanding achievements of tourism businesses that bring the Wild Atlantic Way regional experience brand to life.

The award recognises businesses that offer authentic experiences and continue to innovate their tourism offerings to attract more visitors to West Cork throughout the year, and operate in a sustainable manner.

The Wild Atlantic Way, the hugely successful tourism brand was developed by Fáilte Ireland in response to the global financial crash. It was launched to the tourism industry in 2014, and over the last decade has become a globally recognised tourism brand and has provided an economic engine for the west of Ireland.

Fáilte Ireland estimates that almost two million more tourists visited the Wild Atlantic Way in 2023 than in 2013. Over the past decade, the Wild Atlantic Way has transformed the tourism landscape, attracted millions of visitors and fostered economic growth in the region.

The West Cork and Kenmare Destination and Experience Development Plan (DEDP) provides the vision and direction for the development and promotion of West Cork and Kenmare.

The plan focuses on promoting the area’s unique features and growing its market share through the delivery of priority projects and hero experiences that seek to maximise the key strengths of the area.

These initiatives target both domestic and international visitors, encouraging longer stays, higher spending, and off-peak visits.

The success of the Wild Atlantic Way and the West Cork and Kenmare DEDP is testament to the strong partnership between local industry and communities.

West Cork is recognised as a leading national outdoor activity destination through the quality of its outdoor trails and on-water experiences. It has also become Ireland’s premier food-in-tourism destination where sustainably and locally sourced food is synonymous

with a world-class visitor experience. As well as its awe-inspiring landscapes, West Cork is home to many amazing and award-winning restaurants as well as vibrant farmers’ markets, organic eateries, cool cafés and cosy pubs.

Good authentic visitor experiences are crucial to a destination for several reasons as they preserve the cultural heritage of a destination. Authentic experiences promote sustainable tourism by supporting local communities and businesses and promotes a balanced distribution of visitors throughout the destination.

This Best West Cork Wild Atlantic Way Tourism Business’ award recognises the achievements of a tourism business that strives to embody the Wild Atlantic Way brand.

This year’s recipient of this award is The Lusitania Museum & Old Head Signal Tower near Kinsale. Over the past 10 years, those involved have worked diligently to develop a visitor experience that combines innovation and community collaboration. Their vision ensures that the story of the Lusitania and the history of the Old Head of Kinsale are effectively told. This achievement would not have been possible without the dedication of the Lusitania Museum/Old Head Signal Tower Heritage CLG, a voluntary group that strives to provide visitors with a truly authentic memorial experience.

Their hard work and commitment have made the area a must-visit experience at the

e Old Head of Kinsale is just one of the stunning locations to be found on the West Cork leg of the Wild Atlantic Way.

start/end of the Wild Atlantic Way.

Fáilte Ireland provides a

Scan the QR code for more about

range of supports for businesses, including tailored development programmes, useful

market research insights, templates, and checklists.

For more information, visit

supports.failteireland.ie/ or contact your local Wild Atlantic Way team.

Best West Cork Wild Atlantic Way Tourism Business e Lusitania Museum & Old Head Signal Tower

BY EMMA CONNOLLY

THIS year marks a major milestone for the Lusitania Museum & Old Head Signal Tower, Kinsale.

It’s a decade since the major tourist attraction opened thanks to the insight and innovation of local voluntary community group, Courceys Rural Development, and 110 years since the sinking of RMS Lusitania, and there are now major expansion plans in the pipeline.

The site is significant as it represents the closest point of land to the final resting place of the RMS Lusitania, which was torpedoed by a German Uboat on May 7th 1915, with the loss of 1,201 lives.

With the aim of preserving and promoting the historical significance of the site, the amenity opened in 2015, with the tower (the country’s only restored Napoleonic signal tower) and heritage and visitors’ centre.

On the first floor of the tower, visitors will find a museum that tells the important and tragic story of RMS Lusitania. In a significant boost, the former owner of the wreck, Gregg Bemis, signed over the Lusitania wreck and its artefacts to the museum.

In 2018 the group unveiled the Lusitania Memorial Garden which tells the story of the Lusitania’s fatal journey from New York to its final moments. A 20-metre wave sculpture reveals the story of the Lusitania through powerful imagery, including the names of every person that was on board the ship on May 7th, 1915. It acts as a permanent reminder of the catastrophic consequences of war on civilian lives. There is also a café onsite and a museum gift shop.

‘It’s a great example of how a community can come together to preserve its heritage and share it with visitors from around the world,’ said manager Shannon Forde.

The Lusitania Museum & Old Head Signal Tower also operate the popular Old Head of Kinsale Lighthouse open days, which provide a unique opportunity to visit the Old Head Lighthouse, usually off limits to the public.

The team are constantly adapting and improving to meet the needs of visitors and a planning application for a dedicated Lusitania Museum building and visitor experience was submitted last year.

They are also working on a number of projects and events for 2025, including releasing a publication, hosting a Napoleonic re-enactment and Lusitania commemorative events. They launched a 2025 Lusitania Museum and Old Head Signal Tower calendar which features 42 artworks from 5th and 6th class students from seven local schools. All proceeds will go towards the continued maintenance and development of the museum.

Commending the group on the award Josephine O’Driscoll, manager Wild Atlantic Way, Fáilte Ireland said:

‘Over the past 10 years, the team has worked diligently to develop a visitor experience that combines innovation and community collaboration. Their vision ensures that the story of the Lusitania and the history of the Old Head of Kinsale are preserved and effectively shared to a growing audience.

‘This achievement would not have been possible without the dedication of the Lusitania Museum & Old Head Signal Tower Heritage CLG, a voluntary group that strives to provide visitors with a truly authentic memorial experience. Their hard work and commitment have made the area a must-visit experience at the start/end of the Wild Atlantic Way.’

Con Hayes, secretary of group said the win was very good news for coastal tourism in the area.

‘The Lusitania is a very important part of the maritime history of West Cork and fact that it comes on our 10th anniversary year makes it that bit extra special,’ he said.

e Old Head Signal Tower, which is just part of the attraction, is the country’s only tower from the Napoleonic era that is fully restored.

– Josephine O’Driscoll Wild Atlantic Way manager for West Cork at Fáilte Ireland

the West Cork and Kenmare

Trusted legal advice for over 80 years

Trusted legal advice for 80 years

& Associis a vibrant situated in an array of the people of beyond. We our ability to and innovaclients near nine solicitors we offer exareas of law private and comAssociates known as was estabCollins, nephMichael Collins, established Cork’s best respected law firms. known localjoined the firm and the firm’s from strength

COLLINS, Brooks & Associates LLP, Solicitors, is a vibrant medium sized firm situated in Clonakilty offering an array of legal services to the people of West Cork and beyond. We pride ourselves on our ability to provide practical and innovative advice to our clients near and far.

COLLINS, Brooks & Associates LLP, Solicitors, is a vibrant medium-sized firm situated in Clonakilty offering an array of legal services to the people of West Cork and beyond. We pride ourselves on our ability to provide practical and innovative advice to our clients near and far.

Ireland and internationally.

With a team of nine solicitors and 24 staff in total we offer expert services in all areas of law both to our private and commercial clients.

With a team of eight solicitors and 24 staff in total we offer expert services in all areas of law both to our private and commercial clients.

Collins, Brooks & Associates or more commonly known as “Collins Brooks” was established by Liam M. Collins, nephew of General Michael Collins, in 1943. It quickly established itself as one of West Cork’s best known and respected law firms.

Ireland and internationally. We also retain the practical and personal approach which has seen us help thousands of people throughout years of practice in dealing with some of the most difficult and important moments of their lives.

and timely service to clients in Ireland and internationally. We also retain the practical and personal approach which has seen us help thousands of people throughout years of practice in dealing with some of the most difficult and important moments of their lives.

We also retain the practical and personal approach which has seen us help thousands of people throughout years of practice in dealing with some of the most difficult and important moments of their lives.

Collins, Brooks & Associates or more commonly known as ‘Collins Brooks’ was established by Liam M Collins, nephew of General Michael Collins, in 1943. It quickly established itself as one of West Cork’s best known and respected law firms. Thomas J Brooks, known locally as Jim Brooks, joined the firm in the early 1970’s and the firm’s reputation grew from strength to strength.

With nine experienced solicitors from diverse backgrounds we have solicitors who have the expertise in whatever area of law arises. We have dedicated people in different departments to ensure each client receives the best representation whatever the issue.

Thomas J Brooks, known locally as Jim Brooks, joined the firm in the early 1970’s and the firm’s reputation grew from strength to strength.

The firm continued to evolve over time and is now spearheaded by three partners, namely, Roni Collins, Lorna Brooks and Conrad Murphy.

With eight experienced solicitors from diverse backgrounds we have solicitors who have the expertise in whatever area of law arises. We have dedicated people in different departments to ensure each client receives the best representation whatever the issue.

Our property department provides a comprehensive service in conveyancing and mortgaging of residential, commercial and agricultural properties. Our estate and probate department provide services in relation to estate planning, drafting of wills and the administration of estates which can be an onerous time for a family when a loved one passes away. We regularly advise clients on leases for commercial premises in addition to the intricate intricacies of licensing laws.

At Collins Brooks we have an ability to adapt and embrace change utilising the latest in technology to provide efficient and timely service to clients in

The firm continued to evolve over time and is now spearheaded by three partners, namely, Roni Collins, Lorna Brooks and Conrad Murphy. At Collins Brooks we have an ability to adapt and embrace change utilising the latest in technology to provide efficient

continued to evolve spearheadpartners, namely,

Our litigation department can frequently be found in the High Court, Circuit Court or District Court throughout the country fighting and defend -

ing the rights of their clients. Our litigation services include personal injury claims arising from car, workplace and public liability accidents, negligent construction cases, breach of contract, debt collection and criminal defence work. We have an employment law department which advises employer and employee clients and is regularly involved in unfair dismissal, constructive dismissal and other employment legislation disputes at the Workplace Relations Commission and Labour Court. At Collins Brooks our litigation team has extensive experience in working for both the Plaintiff and Defence side of claims therefore we have an insightful knowledge in how to deal with all claims in a tactical and efficient fashion.

Our litigation department can frequently be found in the High Court, Circuit Court or

District Court throughout the country fighting and defending the rights of their clients. Our litigation services include personal injury claims arising from car, workplace and public liability accidents, negligent construction cases, breach of contract, debt collection and criminal defence work. We have an employment law department which advises employer and employee clients and is regularly involved in unfair dismissal, constructive dismissal and other employment legislation disputes at the Workplace Relations Commission and Labour Court. At Collins Brooks our litigation team has extensive experience in working for both the Plaintiff and Defence side of claims therefore we have an insightful knowledge in how to deal with all claims in a tactical and efficient fashion.

meet our Solicitors in Clonakilty, Cork, Dublin or Limerick on any given day.

Trusted legal advice for 80 years

Our location in the beautiful town of Clonakilty allows us to enjoy the quality of life which West Cork has to offer and we are proud to have a strong association with our locality. Location is no longer a barrier to success or access in today’s technological world and we act for clients countrywide and indeed worldwide. You might meet our Solicitors in Clonakilty, Cork, Dublin or Limerick on any given day.

We are proud to sponsor the Best New Business Category and want to congratulate the finalists in every category at this year’s awards. The creation

We are proud to sponsor the Best New Business Category and want to congratulate the

We are proud to sponsor the Best New Business Category and want to congratulate the finalists in every category at this year’s awards. The creation

of new businesses in the West Cork area is essential to helping West Cork thrive and keeping the area at the cutting edge of entrepreneurism. We applaud

anyone who has the drive, enthusiasm and ingenuity to start a new business and the four finalists are glowing examples of such traits.

finalists in every category at this year’s awards. The creation of new businesses in the West Cork area is essential to helping West Cork thrive and keeping the area at the cutting edge of entrepreneurism. We applaud anyone who has the drive, enthusiasm and ingenuity to start a new business and the four finalists are glowing examples of such traits.

anyone who has the drive, enthusiasm and ingenuity to start a new business and the four finalists are glowing examples of such traits.

Collins Brooks & Associates solicitors

Brooks & Associates team – front: Bebhinn Murphy, Emma O’Brien, Denis O’Sullivan, Maria O’Brien. Back: Róisín Cahill, Jim Brooks, Roni Collins, Lorna Brooks, Conrad Murphy

Meet the Collins, Brooks & Associates team – front: Bebhinn Murphy, Emma O’Brien, Denis O’Sullivan, Maria O’Brien. Back: Jim Brooks, Roni Collins, Lorna Brooks, Conrad Murphy.

Best New Business – Sponsored by Collins Brooks & Associates

takeNplace

Picture perfect occasions and events

TakeNplace is an award-winning business that has made significant changes and introduced innovations in the wedding and events industry. The company, set up just two years ago, has moved wedding couples and guests from using Polaroid and disposable cameras to embracing the digital world of photo sharing through QR codes.

Here’s how it works: guests’ photos are uploaded via a QR code and live-streamed in real-time on a big screen, providing simple yet effective guest entertainment.

‘This has been a huge success with hundreds of couples all over Ireland and now internationally,’ said Lyre-based founder Valda Binding. ‘The concept has now expanded into the events industry, where businesses utilise the same technology to gather realtime content. The slideshow has been transformed into a digital billboard for event partners to sponsor the screen and showcase the best of the event through the eyes of the attendees.’

Valda described it ‘as a small business that thinks big.’

‘Being a digital business we can take it everywhere and anywhere and we are always proud of putting West Cork on the map wherever the business takes us,’ she said.

Community and partnerships are also important to takeNplace.

‘We have sponsored events for Network Ireland West Cork supporting them and giving back. We always want to give back to the community and support those who believed in us from the very start,’ she said.

Accommodation with

style, stunning views and a real connection to nature

THE Hidden Haven at Derry Duff is a top-end, luxurious accommodation offering between Bantry and Glengarriff.

‘We designed and built a stylish, light-filled lodge with stunning views, on a secluded corner of our remote, organic farm, where we grow blueberries, aronia berries and raise Dexter cattle,’ said Claire Collins of The Hidden Haven.

The interior is restfully decorated, using relationships built with Irish artisans and eco-friendly suppliers to create a lodge that complements the ethos of the regenerative, sustainable farm. Guests enjoy an open-plan living area with a woodburning stove, a seamless indoor-outdoor flow, with a barbecue and firepit. The spacious bedroom opens onto a deck, sitting over the wild-swimming lake, with an adjacent woodfired hot-tub. The bathroom features a huge rain shower and bath with a view. Vast windows throughout connect guests to nature and the wild landscape.

The lodge contains a ‘digital detox box’, feed for the bird table, yoga mats and electric bikes. Also on offer are farm tours where you can learn about sustainable food production, a tree planting experience and massages.

Since opening in September 2022, the business has achieved excellent occupancy rates; 50% in the first quarter, rising to 78% in 2023, and projected to exceed 90% in 2024. It has also earned a full suite of five-star reviews on Airbnb and Google.

‘The Hidden Haven represents the best of West Cork tourism; authentic, sustainable, and rooted in community,’ added Claire.

Innovative service providing accessible healthcare solutions

GET Healthcare Online Ltd is an innovative one-stop tele-health platform designed to streamline the process of obtaining sick certificates in Ireland. It caters to individuals who require medical certification for work, education, or other purposes but prefer the convenience of a digital interaction rather than visiting a clinic in person. By offering a straightforward, user-friendly platform, it allows users to request and receive a sick certificate after a brief consultation with a registered Irish GP. It also offers video and phone calls with GPs, available seven days a week.

‘The service is especially valuable in the context of Ireland’s current medical crisis, where there is significant strain on the healthcare system due to staffing shortages, increasing patient loads, and limited access to GPs,’ said director Dylan Holland. ‘By providing an alternative to in-person visits for non-critical medical certification, the business helps reduce the burden on traditional healthcare facilities. This allows GPs to focus on patients with more urgent needs and alleviates the pressure on clinics, thereby improving the overall efficiency of the healthcare system.’

The self-funded business, based in the Ludgate Hub in Skibbereen has plans to expand to potentially open an in-person clinic in Dublin in 2025.

‘By continually innovating and improving our offerings, we aim to maintain our leadership position in the industry and continue providing accessible healthcare solutions to our growing patient base,’ added Dylan.

Healthcare Online

e Hidden Haven at Derry Duﬀ

Valda Binding of takeNplace.

Claire Collins of e Hidden Haven at Derry Duﬀ. (Photos: Andy Gibson)

Dylan Holland of Get Healthcare Online Ltd.

Helping to create an appealing and productive workspace

Discover the OfficeMaster difference

Creating workspaces that inspire happiness

THE world in which we work has changed and businesses have had to adapt in line with the new norm. OfficeMaster, which celebrated 50 years in business in 2023, is not only growing and looking to the future, but is also helping clients all over the country to do the same.

The OfficeMaster ethos is, as its tagline states, all about ‘Work Happy’. Whether this is working from home, at the office or a combination of both – employees now expect a lot from their working environment. To encourage staff back to the office, employers are having to review their available workspaces. Certainly, one factor that remote working has highlighted is the importance of ergonomics.

Ergonomics is just one area in which OfficeMaster excels. In fact every member of the sales team has been trained as ergonomic assessors. Ergonomics focuses on creating environments that are safe, comfortable, efficient and suited to the needs and capabilities of individuals using them.

AT OfficeMaster, our philosophy revolves around our tagline: Work Happy. Whether working from home, in the office, or embracing a hybrid approach, today’s employees have high expectations for their work environment. To bring teams back to the office, employers are rethinking their spaces, and one key insight from the remote working era is the vital role of ergonomics. OfficeMaster leads the way in ergonomic expertise. Every member of our sales team is a trained Ergonomic Assessor, ensuring we deliver solutions that prioritise safety, comfort, and efficiency. Ergonomics is all about designing environments that cater to individual needs and capabilities—enhancing posture, promoting movement, and reducing the risk of discomfort or injury. By integrating these principles, we help businesses boost productivity, decrease fatigue, and improve overall employee wellbeing.

It takes into consideration factors such as posture, movement, physical exertion, and cognitive abilities to manage the risk of injury, strain, and discomfort. By applying ergonomic principles, workplaces can enhance productivity, reduce fatigue and musculoskeletal disorders, and promote overall health and wellbeing for employees.

A thoughtfully designed office goes beyond functionality—it also leaves a lasting impression on clients, prospects, and potential hires. As hybrid and remote work continue to shape workplace expectations, the aesthetics and amenities of an office are more critical than ever.

Office refurbishments offer a chance to refresh your space

A well-designed office can also contribute to creating the right impression for clients, prospects and potential employees. With the steady popularity of hybrid and remote work, office aesthetics

and facilities are more important than ever. An office refurbishment is a great opportunity to revitalise and refresh your surroundings without having to move to a new office. A refurb has a whole host of other benefits including improved space utilisation, whether you need a large office desk for collaborative projects or a standing desk for flexible working options, an office redesign allows you to create a space that works best for your unique office needs. A quality office project can also lead to a more harmonious and productive work environment.

without relocating, unlocking benefits like improved space utilisation and enhanced flexibility. Whether you need collaborative desks, standing workstations, or custom furniture solutions, a redesign ensures your office meets your unique needs. Beyond aesthetics, an investment in ergonomic and agile workspaces fosters a happier, more engaged workforce, helping to attract and retain top talent.

Employers who take the physical comfort of their staff into consideration by providing modern and agile workspaces with ergonomic office furniture are more likely to have and retain happy and productive employees.

Looking for inspiration? Visit our showroom at Northpoint Business Park, Blackpool or explore our case studies and client testimonials online. We’ve proudly partnered with leading Cork companies like Laya, Maxi Zoo, Enable Ireland, ICBF, Keelvar, and Cork Chamber. We’d love to collaborate with you next!

If you would like to get some office fit-out inspiration, be sure to visit our showroom at Northpoint Business Park or check out our case studies with client testimonials online. We’ve worked with some of Cork’s biggest names, including Laya, Maxi Zoo, Enable Ireland, ICBF, Keelvar, Cork Chamber and more. We’d love to work with you next!

Ready to transform your office? Our comprehensive services include space planning, design, product and material selection, project management, and post-project support. Let’s create a workspace that works as hard as you do.

Let’s discuss your next project; we offer a full range of services including space planning and design, product and finishes selection, project management and post-project support.

Get in touch with one of our helpful and knowledgeable team members:

Peter O’Leary (086) 145 2774, email poleary@officemaster.ie or David Cooke (086) 2593 185, email dcooke@officemaster.ie Visit us online at www.officemaster.ie

Get in touch with our experienced team, Patrick Murray (086) 1364 284, email pmurray@officemaster.ie or Dave McCarthy (086) 145 2774, email dmccarthy@officemaster.ie Visit us online at www.officemaster.ie

Best Small Business – Sponsored by OﬃceMaster

West Cork Travel

Walsh Print and Graphics

Pride in print for 50+ years A world of travel expertise

WEST Cork Travel is based in Clonakilty and Bantry where teams pride themselves on a loyal customer base, and offering a personal travel-planning service to customers.

Marking 50 years in business, it offers face to face advice before, during and after holidays.

‘The Clonakilty and Bantry staff have worldwide knowledge and experience having travelled the world extensively and offer personal advice from our own experiences. Travel is more complicated than ever. With new cruise ships com-

ing online, never mind the new resorts and new airline fare categories, keeping with the options is a full-time job.

Having professional help with the planning and logistics can have a big impact on how much you spend on – and how much you enjoy – your holiday. The team get to know their customer and will keep an eye out for the best holiday offers,’ said general manager Suzanne McMahon. ‘West Cork Travel has substantial numbers of repeat customers and, noticeably, recently new customers who want reliable,

Rosscarbery Pharmacy

knowledgeable, service and knowing that if anything goes wrong they have access to staff who will ease the problem. We are recognised throughout the industry as an authority on all aspects of the travel business. Customers can now also book an appointment to speak with staff in person, over the phone or via video chat,’ she added. As part of a 50th anniversary promotion and in keeping with its ethos of giving back, €5 from each booking will be made to local charities Clonakilty Meals On Wheels and Bantry Cancer Connect.

Trusted in the community

ROSSCARBERY Pharmacy

is an independent community pharmacy owned by the Madden family. When Noelle and Bernard Madden purchased the business in 2005, it marked the realisation of Noelle’s dream and the pair have since worked tirelessly with their team to develop a quality service.

The couple set about building the business and modernising the pharmacy, undertaking a refurbishment in 2010. Today, among other things, it boasts a dispensing robot which has greatly added to stock management and workflow allowing the pharmacist to spend more time advising patients.

The team is made up of 12 staff, full and part-time and their mission is simple: ‘to be kind and to walk the path of life with our

customers in sickness and in health.’ Heading into their 20th year in business, a significant milestone, they’re looking forward to having ‘withstood the test of time.’

Being a trusted part of the community and giving back is also a very important element of the business.

WALSH Printers Ltd was founded by David and Nora Walsh in Clonakilty in 1974 – just over 50 years ago –with a view to providing quality printed products to businesses, organisations, and the private sector.

It quickly expanded, with a customer base throughout West Cork and into the city with, some clients still doing business with them today.

Their son Robert joined the company in 1989 after completing his college course in printing at Bolton St College of Technology.

Further expansion necessitated the move to their present facility at Clogheen Industrial Park, to facilitate new and varied services.

‘We adjusted our name to Walsh Print & Graphics to reflect those new services and products that we now provide such as signage, display, promotional products, and labelling being the main growth areas,’ said Robert.

General print volumes have declined due the

increasingly popularity of the internet, he said, but instead of fighting the online era they have embraced it and successfully diversified.

The business, which employs a team of 12, has embraced changes with investment and innovation but has still strived to

Chléire Haven Glamping & Camping

keep that personal touch with customers. In 2024 Walsh Print & Graphics received a silver award in the large format section of the Irish Print Awards. It also received a Mayoral recognition award for its contribution to business in Clonakilty over the last 50 years.

It’s Clear-ly a great place!

CHLÉIRE Haven Glamping & Camping, Cape Clear boasts two impressive titles: that of being Ireland’s first glamping site, and also being Europe’s best campsite.

Set up in 2009 on the West Cork island, it was recently voted Europe’s best campsite by the prestigious Condé Nast Traveller magazine which said it offered a ‘unique and unforgettable vacation experience promising a peaceful and adventurous opportunity to leave the mainland and your worries behind.’

‘My mother and partner started the business and myself and partner took over in 2017 and bought it 2021,’ said Lyndy Davies.

‘We love partaking in community events as a small business, including the Carbery Ranger’s GAA club ‘Lip Sync’ this year and our newly set up ‘ healthy club’ initiative where we work alongside our local GAA club to help better the health and wellbeing of our community,’ said Noelle.

The site offers furnished yurts and bell tents as well as tent pitches. It’s familyfriendly and dog-friendly and offers peace and relaxation for all with incredible views and stunning beaches just a stone’s throw away.

The business is run by the hard working team of two who work every day from March to October, catering for anything up to 75 guests a day, in peak season.

We feel we are an integral part of tourism on the island and work hard with the other businesses to keep the island alive in the summer,’ said Lyndy.

The majority of guests return year after year which is an endorsement that speaks for itself.

Robert Walsh of Walsh Print and Graphics.

Eimear Murphy, Noelle Madden and Alannah Prendergast of Rosscarbery Pharmacy.

Nicola Donelan and Rose Hicks of West Cork Travel.

Lyndy Davies of Chléire Haven campsite.

Best Use Of Creative Marketing – Sponsored by Masterkabin

West Cork Building Supplies

‘Building’ success online!

WEST Cork Building Supplies

is a family-owned hardware store that has been at the heart of Clonakilty and West Cork for over 30 years.

Professional tradesmen and DIY enthusiasts alike know that West Cork Building Supplies means value and real expertise. The business was recently named Munster Paint Store of the Year at the Homevalue Hardware awards, a great achievement for the team.

However, the team at WCBS understood that having a dynamic online presence through social media was something they needed to achieve, creating a personality for the store and in November 2022 they embarked on a journey to achieve this goal.

‘Since then, by using a mix of media, we have livened up our feeds, have seen a huge increase in engagement and reach and have had loads of fun doing it! We have been able to achieve great topline stats from our organic posts including a Facebook reach of over 1 million (an increase of 749.3k%); and an Instagram reach of 73.6k (an increase of 136.1k%),’ said social media

manager Aisling Drummond. ‘Year-on-year our Instagram account reach has grown

64.9% already (Jan -Sept 2024-v 2023). A highlight post for us that had a mini-viral moment was a post which was viewed over 276k times with a collective watch time of over

nine straight days!’ added Aisling.

The WCBS team are the creative and authentic manufacturers of the content, using plenty of humour, personality and fun along the way, with the results speaking for themselves.

A clever collaboration

A UNIQUE collaboration between Schull Harbour Hotel and a nearby business, East Meets West, is proving to be the perfect fit.

Run by Amanda Connell, East Meets West is a successful enterprise in Schull that brings Indian crafts to Ireland. However she acknowledged certain challenges in attracting customers to travel to the West Cork village to view her unique stock.

Joining forces with general manager of Schull Harbour Hotel, Eugene McNamara, the entrepreneurial pair devised an Indian pop-up experience to benefit both enterprises, that has gone down an absolute treat.

The hotel’s head chef is from India – ensuring an authentic dining experience for diners – including

residents and non-residents – while the room was decorated in décor such as lights, linens etc from East meets West. This clever approach provided an new selling platform for the business in a very organic manner, and in addition, each guest who dined re-

HomeBot Ireland

ceived a voucher for 10% off any purchase at East Meets West.

The pop-ups ran weekly from June to October, with both businesses using their combined platforms to successfully promote the events, making them hugely successful.

Oﬀ to a promising start

WEST Cork-based start-up HomeBot Ireland is little more than a few months old but is already surpassing many of its ambitious goals thanks to creatively engaging with its target market.

A home robotics company, it has its own brand of robot vacuums, mops and robot lawnmowers.

Owner, Dunmanwaybased Clara Mulligan has worked hard to build market presence as a strong Irish brand since its recent launch.

Targets and key performance indicators which had been set for the business in 2024 were exceeded through execution of successful marketing, rollout of exemplary customer service and delivery of a competitively-priced quality range of products, Clara explained.

As a business in the early stages, building trust was identified as an extremely important goal for them, and Clara has successfully ensured product testing with tech subject experts in

national press and on the national airways.

This she achieved though, ‘thinking outside the box’ to make connections with people, not just relying on a traditional press release.

Clara is currently exploring other products to join the range such as robotic window cleaners for next year.

‘I have also started the development of a new

Casey’s Bar & Restaurant

product with LEO and EI. Robotic solar panel cleaners for the domestic market are currently not available, I hope to be the first to bring this to market and export worldwide.

‘The potential of this business speaks for itself, achieving such fantastic results in four months and as CEO, I am extremely excited for what the future holds for this company and brand,’ she concluded.

Fresh, exciting experiences

KEEPING on top of trends is always to the fore at Casey’s Bar and Restaurant in Clonakilty.

Be it through the platform of TikTok where one of their many videos has attracted over one million views or through other innovations, James Casey and the team are always thinking of ways to be creative in their message sharing.

Concepts like the ‘Angel Shot’ and free Christmas dinners for those in need have gained positive media attention for the team.

The ‘Angel Shot’ offers a discreet way for customers, especially women, to signal discomfort or danger during a date, while the free Christmas dinners provide support for those who might be alone during the festive period.

‘Our dedication to innovation extends to special events and collaborations, such as our grand opening with the

Tumbling Paddies and Monster Energy, where we offered free haircuts and tattoos.

Our candlelight nights over Christmas, featuring live music by candlelight, creatively responded to rising electricity costs while enhancing the holiday spirit,’ explained marketing manager Ciara O’Shea.

‘Creative marketing at Casey’s isn’t just about groundbreaking ideas though – it’s

about enriching the experiences of all who visit,’ she added.

‘This is further exemplified by our dog-friendly environment, where furry friends enjoy special treats like the Puppachino.

‘Creative marketing at Casey’s ensures we continually evolve, keeping us at the forefront of the industry and delighting our customers with fresh, exciting experiences,’ concluded James.

Schull Harbour Hotel and East Meets West

James Casey, Ciara McManamon and Ciara O’Shea of Casey’s Bar and Restaurant. (Photos: Andy Gibson)

Clara Mulligan of Homebot Ireland with comedian Bernard Casey who assisted with the HomeBot Ireland pitch night presentation.

Amanda Connell of East Meets West with head chef Ashok Kumar Das and Eugene McNamara, general manager, Schull Harbour Hotel.

Aisling Drummond of West Cork Building Supplies.

our awards sponsors

SUPPORTING BUSINESS AND TOURISM

A vision of growth and collaboration in County Cork

Cork County Council is committed to developing business and tourism in the region and has a clear vision to create an environment where both sectors thrive. In recent years, the Council has strengthened its commitment, supporting entrepreneurs, enhancing tourist facilities, and boosting the county’s profile as a premier destination. Speaking about these efforts, Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Joe Carroll, remarked, ‘Cork County is not just a place to live – it’s a place to grow, create, and thrive. Our initiatives aim to ensure that business and tourism can flourish side by side.’

Celebrating ten years of service in December 2024, Cork County’s Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) have been pivotal in empowering local businesses. Since their inception, they have provided over €13 million in financial support, creating opportunities for 2,100 jobs in small and medium enterprises. In 2023 alone, 182 businesses received €1.4million in grant assistance, with additional support for 100 Trading Online Vouchers to help businesses establish a digital presence.

These achievements highlight the LEOs commitment to fostering innovation and resilience among local entrepreneurs. Key initiatives, such as Start Your Own Business Programmes, have seen over 200 participants embark on their entrepreneurial journeys in 2024, with over 1,000 availing of mentoring services. The Council’s focus on tailored training and funding opportunities helps to ensure that Cork remains a hub of enterprise and innovation.

Mayor Carroll added, ‘We are immensely proud of our LEO’s decade of impact. They embody our ethos of partnership and progress,

providing critical support to businesses that form the backbone of our communities.’

Tourism is a major economic driver for Cork County, supporting thousands of jobs and showcasing the region’s rich cultural and natural heritage. The Council has collaborated with stakeholders such as Tourism Ireland, Fáilte Ireland, and local tourism bodies to position Cork as a must-visit destination.

One standout project is the ‘Explore Cork’ app, a digital platform that brings the county’s attractions to life. With over 41,750 active users in 2024, the app has become a vital tool for visitors, offering detailed walking and cycling trails, greenways, and blueways. Enhanced by strategic digital campaigns and partnerships with influencers, the app’s success reflects Cork’s commitment to embracing innovation in tourism promotion.

Additionally, the Council has supported several high-profile events, including the Holiday World Show and Cork Summer Show, which attract domestic and international tourists alike. The upcoming 2025 tourism programme is expected to draw even more attention to West Cork’s unparalleled offerings.

Cork County Council recognises the economic and cultural value of festivals, contributing over €85,000 to support 48 festivals in 2024, with €47,000 directed toward West Cork. These festivals not only celebrate local culture but also generate significant economic returns, bolstering businesses and creating employment opportunities. Highlighting the Council’s innovative approach, the Green Festivals Pilot Programme was launched to promote sustainable practices. Events like Clonakilty International

Guitar Festival have embraced waste reduction strategies, reinforcing Cork’s reputation as a leader in environmental stewardship.

Mayor Carroll shared his vision for the future, ‘Festivals are more than celebrations; they are opportunities for communities to shine, for businesses to prosper, and for Cork to showcase its unique charm to the world.’

HOTEL SPONSOR

Significant investments have been made in tourism infrastructure, such as the Fáilte Ireland-funded Bantry Destination Town project. With a budget of €670,000, the initiative included improved signage, heritage trail updates, and wayfinding enhancements. These efforts aim to enrich the visitor experience and extend their stay, delivering economic benefits to local businesses. Similarly, projects like the conservation of the Old Steam Mill Building in Skibbereen and the acquisition of historical artefacts for the Michael Collins House Museum reflect Cork’s dedication to preserving its heritage. These attractions, alongside the thriving Skibbereen Heritage Centre and the popular Dursey Island Cable Care, solidify Cork’s position as a cultural and historical hub.

As Cork County enters 2025, its ambitions remain firmly rooted in sustainability and

innovation. Plans to expand greenway and blueway routes, coupled with digital marketing campaigns will further enhance the regions appeal.

In the realm of business, the Council will continue to support digitalisation and export growth through initiatives like the TAME grants, which empower local businesses to explore new markets. The expansion of coworking hubs and remote working facilities aligns with emerging trends, ensuring Cork remains at the forefront of economic development.

Cork County Council’s dual focus of business and tourism helps to creates an environment where each sector amplifies the other. By supporting entrepreneurs, investing in cultural and natural attractions, and fostering sustainable practices, the Council is helping to build a resilient and prosperous future for the region.

Mayor Carroll concluded, ‘Cork County Council’s role is to connect communities, empower businesses, and invite the world to experience all that Cork has to offer. Together, we are shaping a vibrant future.’

For more information about Cork County Council’s initiatives, visit www.corkcoco.ie

Clockwise from top left: e Beacon, Baltimore; Inchydoney strand; Toe Head Signal Tower; Galley Head Lighthouse.

Best Family-Run Business – Sponsored by Cork County Council

Rolf’s Country House, Baltimore

A real ‘home from home’

FAMILY and friends are at the heart of Rolf’s Country House in Baltimore and have been since it was set up more than four decades ago.

Gertrud and Rolf Haffner established the tone for the business when they first came to West Cork from the Black Forest in Germany and loved it so much here they decided to make it home – and in fact that’s what Rolf’s feels like to its guests – a home from home.

The business started out as an eight-bed hostel in 1979, and gradually developed over the years, evolving and improving all the time to become a 60-bed hostel.

With a loyal clientele that returned year after year, the business evolved even further to cater for their needs, going from hostel accommodation to family rooms. The buildings, dating back several hundred years, have been carefully

e Castle, Castletownshend

restored and renovated and Rolf’s now offers tasteful rooms, guest cottages and an acclaimed restaurant.

Rolf sadly passed away some years ago, and the business is now run by the couple’s son Johannes and daughter Friederike along with Stephen, Johannes’ husband and Friederike’s daughters. Gertrud is still very involved and bakes all the breads and cookies and attends to the five acres of lush gardens which provides the restaurant with much of its produce. John Hallihane, Johannes’ childhood school friend is the maintenance man and his wife Delphine runs the morning service with Friederike.

‘Rolf’s prides itself on the personal service and every guest knows our names. You are very likely to meet three generations of the family here on any given day,’ said Stephen.

History and hospitality

THREE generations have operated The Castle, a guest house in Castletownshend since the 1940s, and every generation has been committed to preserving the historic building – built in 1650 – and the long-held tradition of unique hospitality it is renowned for.

Sharon Poulter and Justin Cochrane-Townshend have been at the helm of the business for the past decade.

Carbery Plastics

A strong family ethos across the company

CLONAKILTY-based Carbery Plastics regards itself as a true family business. It was founded on February 7th in 1977 by Michael McCarthy when he was just 23. He was later joined by his brother Donal, while a third brother provided a haulage service to the business through the 1990s and 2000s.

As well as that, the business employs a number of sets of brothers and multi generations of the same families. Recently the company celebrated its ninth employee reaching 30 years of service. The company still employs its very first employee who now serves as production manager.

It was established by Justin’s grandmother RoseMarie who ran it as a B&B from 1948 until 1996 and his parents took over in 1996. When they decided to retire, Justin and Sharon took over in 2015 raising standards even more.

The Castle has been a place making memories for those visiting Castletownshend on holidays for many generations, said Sharon. She highlighted how it’s ultimately a ‘labour of love’ as they strive to maintain such an historic building, and keep its character is intact.

‘Coaxing the building back to life’, is how Justin described it, while also keeping those echoes of history.

The business has made a positive contribution to West Cork tourism over the years, and the family’s

ability to change with the times, weather and economic events in an agile way has always been commendable.

Reflecting their standards and hard work, The Castle won the ‘B&B of the Year’ in 2018 in the Georgina Campbell Awards. These awards have been running for 20 years with locations judged through anonymous assessments.

Georgina described The Castle as ‘a true Irish B&B – where genuine hospitality combines with good, simple food and a desire for guests to be really comfortable and have the best possible experience of the area.’

Since 2014 , the business has developed into a second generation managed operation with the sons of both Michael (Cal) and Donal (John) involved in the business. Both Michael and Donal continue to serve as company directors and are involved in the business on a daily basis.

Employing a team of 60, Carbery is unique in that it can design, manufacture tooling and mould the finished product all in one location, a service that is not available from any other moulder in the Irish market.

The business continually invests in new products and technologies.

Recent years have seen con-

tinued product development, diversification and new market development.

Led by an experienced manufacturing, general management and commercial

team, Carbery remains a business committed to continued growth and has developed markets in UK, Netherlands, France, Belgium, Norway, Spain and Hungary.

Johannes Haffner, Friederike Haffner and Stephen Curran Haffner of Rolf’s Country House, Baltimore.

Sharon Poulter and Justin Townshend of e Castle, Castletownshend.

Cal McCarthy of Carbery Plastics. (Photos: Andy Gibson)

LONDON

connections 150

PARIS charles de gaulle

Goleen Harbour Eco Resort

Lots on oﬀer at Ireland’s ﬁrst eco resort

GOLEEN Harbour is Ireland’s first eco resort, located on the sheltered harbour at Goleen.

Opened nine years ago by Matt Mills, it offers a variety of accommodations at different price points, ranging from campsite pitches starting at €20 in the shoulder season for cyclists or walkers to €290 a night in one of its new cliff-top Geodomes during high season.

Matt’s goal is to make Goleen Harbour accessible to everyone, with a mix of campsite, furnished and unfurnished bell tents, ecocabins, and geodesic domes.

‘Thanks to a €200,000 grant from BIM, we have

nearly completed our development, which now includes our barrel-top event space. We hosted our first wedding in June, had a very successful open day, and hosted our first pop-up restaurant with Iyers of Cork in July, which was very well received. At the end of August, we hosted a small twoday festival, attracting over 300 people who enjoyed and appreciated our site. Through our Gather & Learn programme, we offer people the chance to upskill by learning sustainable building methods, foraging, pickling and preserving, traditional Irish crafts, welding,

and more,’ said Matt.

Three weddings are already booked for next year, with plans for festivals, eight popup restaurant events, along with hosting its own retreats and experiences.

Sustainability is at the core of all operations and among the many achievements on this front are planting over 10,000 native broadleaf trees planted, including an eight-acre native woodland.

‘We also installed a micro anaerobic digester from Clonakilty company MyGug to turn our food waste into biogas, which is used for cooking,’ said Matt.

e proof is in the pudding

CLONAKILTY Blackpudding Visitor Centre is a purpose-built tourist attraction in the town, and is part of the Clonakilty Food Co manufacturing facility.

Opened four years ago, it gives visitors the chance to immerse themselves in the history and tradition of Clonakilty Blackpudding and the town itself.

‘The self-guided experience involves getting an insight into the history of black pudding and the town of Clonakilty, how the secret recipe was passed down to the Twomey family and how the business has expanded over the years. The tour is delivered via hand-held audio guides, excellent multi-sensory interactive displays and superbly created visuals. There is also a viewing gallery which allows people a unique chance to see how Clonakilty Blackpudding is made today.

‘Of course, no tour here would be complete without tasting some delicious products, which every visitor gets to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee in our very own café,’ explained the manager Rory Copplestone.

The experience is continually evolving and improving. Within the first year of operation the team

identified an opportunity to provide guided group tours that cater to the interests of different groups, for example Transition Year students.

‘We also created an added layer to our tour for children – a scavenger hunt in which they can spot characters around the displays and present their

findings to win a prize. We also have a children’s play area and each child visiting gets a set of colouring pencils and pages to play with in the café and take home,’ he added.

With a Five-Star rating on Trip Advisor and a 4.8 Star rating on Google, the proof of the centre’s popularity is ‘in the pudding’!

A Bere Island adventure!

WILD Atlantic Glamping is located at the east end of Bere Island, a mile from Rerrin Village. The site has 10 luxury canvas bell tents, each named after a hidden gem on the island.

Caitriona Hanley opened the business four years ago and said her ‘vision was to create a space to allow others to enjoy the simple but incredibly special experiences of being on an island that I enjoyed growing up on.’

Every element of Wild Atlantic Glamping has been designed to create a positive guest experience, from the useful pre-arrival email to personally greeting each guest and helping plan activities to make they get the most out of their island adventure.

Every element is designed with campers’ comfort in mind from the cosy beds in the tents to the generous communal areas where Caitriona has hosted a wide range of events including yoga/wellness retreats, weddings, running camps, corporate events, concerts, workshops, family reunions, pop-up restaurants and the site is also used a venue for Bere Island Arts Festival (of which she is founding member).

Since opening in 2021, Wild Atlantic Glamping has welcomed almost 4,000 visitors to the island. Approximately 50% of bookings are repeat customers with many making

it an annual trip.

‘The moments that give me the biggest sense of satisfaction are when I see a booking coming in from a guest who has stayed before or when someone tells me that they booked because their friend had been and loved,’ said Caitriona.

Booking are looking positive for 2025 with two thirds of weekends already fully booked.

Wild Atlantic Glamping

Matt Mills, Melanie Furniss and David Keegan of Goleen Harbour Ltd..

Caitriona Hanley of Wild Atlantic Glamping.

Clonakilty Blackpudding Visitor Centre

Rory Copplestone, manager of Clonakilty Blackpudding Visitor Centre.

Contact

Provide peace of mind

Provide Plan B options

Financial health and values

Personal values identiﬁcation

Investment management

Net worth optimisation

Retirement planning

Money management

Education planning

Cash ﬂow planning

Life goals planning

Risk management

Future planning

Estate planning

Best Customer Service – Sponsored by

Sugarloaf Café

Where customers are treated like family

THE best of food is always assured when you visit the Sugarloaf Café in Glengarriff, but also on the menu is a warm welcome.

It’s a space where everyone is embraced, nourished and heard.

‘At The Sugarloaf Café, you’re guaranteed to leave not only with a satisfied appetite but also with a full heart and plenty of laughter to carry with you,’ promises owner Aine Hourihane.

‘When I took over this business from my beloved sister-in-law, Eleanor, who sadly passed away in January 2022 after a brave battle with cancer, I was inspired to keep her

Lehanes & Associates

dream alive. With encouragement from my brother and supportive friends, I embarked on this journey to reopen the cafe. It hasn’t been easy. Yet, with the unwavering support of my amazing team, the Glengarriff community and my determination, we’ve created a place I am proud of, one that honours Eleanor’s legacy,’ she said.

Aine treats every person who walks through the doors like family and the café won Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award winner for 2024 which means it’s listed among the top 10% of restaurants worldwide by the global travel website, after rave

reviews from those who have visited.

‘Our commitment to giving back to the community runs deep; my passion for helping others began 25 years ago while volunteering with Father Rock in Cork city, where we provided care and support to children and adults in need.

‘In Glengarriff, I strive to carry on this spirit by offering meals to those experiencing homelessness in exchange for helping out at the café. This initiative has fostered a sense of belonging and purpose among these amazing people, allowing them to connect with the community,’ she said.

Deep community ties and strong customer loyalty

WHEN Donal Lehane, a chartered certified accountant from Kilmichael, opened Lehanes & Associates Ltd on July 1st, 1979, some people thought he was mad.

Having worked away from West Cork for 13 years, Donal saw a need for an accountancy practice and insurance brokerage in Dunmanway.

Now 45 years on, Lehanes & Associates is headed up by Donal’s son Daniel. He joined the family business in 1998, straight out of college, having completed an advanced certificate in accountancy.

Daniel, gained his auctioneering license in 1999, which was a logical addition to the services that Lehanes already offered. Daniel’s sister Joanne, joined the business in 2021. Now over four decades on, the business has gone from strength to strength, and a personalised experience is at the core of all operations conducted by the highly skilled team of eight.

At Lehane’s, said Daniel, there’ll always be a human being at the end of the phone and someone to hold a customer’s hand every step of the way.

‘There have been many changes over those years

but the core values of Lehanes & Associates remain the same and that is to provide excellent customer service and value to our customers.

‘Generations of families have trusted us for their property and insurance needs, a true testament to the exceptional service we offer. Our long-standing

staff members, deep community ties, coupled with the loyalty of our customers, show that Lehanes & Associates doesn’t just meet expectations, we exceed them. We’re committed to making every client feel valued whether they’re around the corner or across the country,’ said Daniel.

Atlantic Sea Kayaking

Happy staﬀ are vital to great customer care

WHEN a visitor leaves Atlantic Sea Kayaking, Jim and Maria Kennedy want them to feel that their kayaking tour was one of the best experiences that they have ever had.

‘From the moment a client makes contact with us, we believe it is of the outmost importance that they are treated in a professional and humane manner, and that they are made to feel special.

‘Being a small family business, this is very possible and along with our amazing staff we put a lot of resources and time into achieving this,’ said Maria.

Reviews and feedback over the past 32 years reflect their consistent efforts.

‘In the past Fáilte Ireland has used us and our customer care in tutorial videos and workshops as an example of what the perfect customer care should be. All of our team are highly-qualified and we try and build a community of happy, caring and passionate office staff and guides,’ said Jim.

‘Each year we have many staff outings and bonding sessions where everyone is invited to bring along their partners. Post Covid year we brought all of our staff to Mexico and organised a multicultural staff training week with our Mexican colleagues,’ he added.

Continuous training is also available to staff, who also have access to useful resources such as a staff app.

‘Ireland is known for its “céad míle fáilte” and great customer care is an important

part of this. When we see the effort and passion that our staff – who between them speak five languages – put into our business when it comes to customer care, we feel so lucky.’ Jim concluded.

Daniel Lehane of Lehanes & Associates Ltd.

Jim Kennedy of Atlantic Sea Kayaking. (Photos: Andy Gibson)

Áine Yearnshaw & Áine Hourihane of Sugarloaf Café in Glengarriﬀ.

Best Medium/Large Business – Sponsored by Lilly

Coolmain Electrical Ltd (t/a Cronin Electrical/Cronin Solar/Cronin Security)

A broad range of expertise oﬀered across a wide geographical area

COOLMAIN Electrical Ltd t/a Cronin Electrical, Cronin Solar and Cronin Security has been in business since January 2007 and continues to go from strength to strength. The business delivers across a broad geographical area, and broad area of expertise.

‘We carry out maintenance work throughout Cork city and West Cork, from the small callouts to houses, up to hotels and factories. We also cover a lot of agricultural jobs. We work in housing estates and apartment blocks and work on roughly 300 units a year,’

Sentinel Fire & Security

said director of the business Denis Cronin.

Customer service is at the core of the business and it provides a 24-hour callout, 365-days-a-year service. Not surprisingly, Cronins Electrical has built up an impressive client base. Cronin Solar has a team of seven who carry out three systems a week throughout West Cork.

‘We are now progressing into the larger commercial jobs and agricultural work which is starting to be a large part of the business,’ said Denis who added that they also provide car

chargers to customers.

Cronin Security has a team of four carrying out gate automation, CCTV systems, intruder alarms, access control and fire alarm systems.

‘When we go to a job we provide a full 100% fitout making it more convenient for the client.’ said Denis who said that 80% of their business is generated through word of mouth.

This year the business has moved to a new office and storage area reflecting its continued growth and over the next two years there are plans to employ a further 10-20 people.

Ensuring security and safety for over 20 years

SENTINEL Fire & Security

is based in Bandon and is a premier provider of highquality electronic security system solutions. It specialises in a comprehensive range of services, including intruder alarms, CCTV, fire alarm systems, access control, and gate automation, for residential, commercial, and industrial properties.

Founded over two decades ago by Seán O’Donovan, the business began as a one-man operation (‘myself and a van’ as Seán describes it) committed to delivering highquality security solutions

with exceptional customer care. Today, Sentinel has grown into a leading name in the industry, employing 25 skilled professionals who protect homes, businesses, and national institutions across Cork and beyond. The management and sales teams have also expanded, providing clients, from small domestic customers to large commercial companies, with the highest level of service.

Sentinel also has contracts with many large national companies, including the defence forces.

Despite its growth, Senti-

nel remains a proud family business. Seán’s mother, Kay, handles finances, his sister Liz oversees accounts, and his brother-in-law Pádraig manages installations. Seán’s father, John, continues to offer support, reflecting the company’s family-driven values.

Sentinel is a proud supporter of the community, sponsoring many local events, including the fireworks at the Bandon summer festival, Bailiu Na Banndann, various West Cork golf tournaments, and sporting events.

Carbery Plastics

Operating in key national and European markets

CARBERY Plastics is a rotational moulder, originally specialising in the manufacture plastic products for agricultural applications.

Founded in a small industrial unit in Clonakilty in 1977, manufactured products were initially supplied primarily to customers within Munster, southern Leinster and Connacht.

However, by the mid-1980s, a growing product range accompanied by growing sales, required Carbery to relocate to larger premises in the Clogheen area of Clonakilty,

where today it employs over 65 people.

Carbery is unique in that it can design, manufacture tooling and mould the finished product all in one location, a service that is not available from any other moulder in the Irish market.

The business continually invests in new products and technologies. Recent years have seen continued product development, diversification and new market development in the UK, Netherlands, France, Belgium, Norway, Spain and Hungary.

The past 10 years have seen Carbery position itself as a ‘liquid storage specialist’ producing products for traditional fuels, but also water, fertilisers and chemicals.

Family is at the core of the business. It was set up by Michael McCarthy who was later joined by his brother Donal. Since 2014 Michael’s son Cal and Donal’s son John have come on board.

Both generations have worked hand-in-hand to develop the business across Ireland and Europe with 40% of sales now exported into Europe.

Brendan Deegan of Coolmain Electrical t/a Cronin Electrical. (Photo: Andy Gibson)

Liz Bryan and Seán O’Donovan of Sentinel Fire & Security. (Photo: Andy Gibson)

Rainwater storage tanks at Clonakilty Rugby Club supplied by Carbery Plastics. Left: Cal McCarthy of Carbery Plastics.

Credit

Credit Union House, Main Street, Skibbereen.

Keep it local, support local.

The quality and variety of entrepreneurship in West Cork can be seen in our local towns, with many successful startups and numerous established businesses spread around our region. We are especially renowned for our artisan food ranges, using local produce which are much sought after at home and abroad. Top this up with the wide variety of tourism and agriculture led initiatives in the area and you can really see how successful our business community is.

It is great for our local businesses to have such a showcase

ACCESS Credit Union are delighted and proud to once again sponsor this year’s West Cork Young Businessperson of the Year award. This award category recognises and supports the creativity and dynamism of young business people under the age of 35 in our West Cork community. The quality and variety of entrepreneurship in West Cork can be seen in our local towns, with many successful startups and numerous established businesses spread around our region. We are especially renowned for our artisan food ranges, using local produce which are much sought after at home and abroad. Top this up with the wide variety of tourism and agriculture led initiatives in the area and you can really see how successful our business community is. It is great for our local businesses to have

It is great for our local businesses to have such a showcase

event as the West Cork Business & Tourism Awards to promote their products and services. ‘ We are delighted to be involved with this awards event again, and excited to sponsor the West Cork Young Businessperson of the Year Award’ said Tony Hughes, CEO of Access Credit Union. ‘We are big believers in the strength of our community, in supporting local and shopping local. It is important to support and recognise the contributions of entrepreneurs to our West Cork economy. The quality of our local entrepreneurs is clearly evident when you look around the room at this event every year.’

It is important to support and recognise the contributions of entrepreneurs to our West Cork economy. The quality of our local entrepreneurs is clearly evident when you look around the room at this event every year.’

Access Credit Union has three branches in Skibbereen Bandon and Schull that service the West Cork area. We employ local people to support local members and businesses. Their range of business loans

Access Credit Union has three branches in Skibbereen Bandon and Schull that service the West area. We employ local people to support local members and businesses. Their range loans

such a showcase event as the West Cork Business & Tourism Awards to promote their products and services. ‘We are delighted to be involved with this awards event again, and excited to sponsor the West Cork Young Businessperson of the Year Award’ said Tony Hughes, CEO of Access Credit Union. ‘We are big believers in the strength of our community, in supporting local and shopping local. It is important to support and recognise the contributions of entrepreneurs to our West Cork economy. The quality of our local entrepreneurs is clearly evident when you look around the room at this event every year. I struck up a conversation with Jack Regan, last year’s award winner at the 2024 event and we now have outsourced business to him. The awards are a forum to recognise skills as well as create

Access Credit Union has three branches in Skibbereen Bandon and Schull that service the West Cork area. We employ local people to support local members and businesses. Their range of business loans

‘all decisions are made locally so we can factor in our local knowledge to the benefit of the applicant.’

‘We are delighted to be involved with this awards event again, and excited to sponsor the West Cork Young Businessperson of the Year Award’

‘all decisions are made locally so we can factor in our local knowledge to the benefit of the applicant.’

business relationships.’

are tailored to meet the needs of their members to help them develop, grow and success in their ventures. Access Credit Union offers very competitive lending interest rates along with flexible repayment options to match the needs of the business cashflow. They are also providers of loans under the various SBCI Credit Guarantee Schemes supported by The Dept of Enterprise, Trade & Employment to give access to low-cost finance for businesses impacted by increased supply and energy costs.

For more information on their business and farm loans, please visit www.accesscu.ie or call them on (028) 21883 today. And for all the young en-

their own success but also support the local economy and contribute to its growth and sustainability.

For more information on their business and farm loans, please visit www.accesscu.ie or call them on (028) 21883 today. And for all the young en-

trepreneurs, who entered the West Cork Young Businessperson of the Year award, the very best of luck from all at Access Credit Union.

For more information on their business and farm loans, please visit www.accesscu.ie or call them on (028) 21883 today. And for all the young entrepreneurs, who entered the West Cork Young Businessperson of the Year award, the very best of luck from all at Access Credit Union.

trepreneurs, who entered the West Cork Young Businessperson of the Year award, the very best of luck from all at Access Credit Union.

Cultivate Farm Finance is also available at Access Credit Union. These loans are tailored

Access Credit Union has three branches in Skibbereen, Bandon and Schull that service the West Cork area. We employ local people to support local members and businesses. Their range of business loans are tailored to meet the needs of their members to help them develop, grow and success in their ventures. Access Credit Union offers very competitive lending interest rates along with flexible repayment options to match the needs of the business cashflow. They are also providers of loans under the various SBCI Credit Guarantee Schemes supported by The Dept of Enterprise,

Cultivate Farm Finance is also available at Access Credit Union. These loans are tailored

to the farming community in order to help with stocking, new equipment and more recently with additional land purchases. One of the key benefits of borrowing from Access Credit Union is, according to Karen Farr, Lending Manager, is that ‘all decisions are made locally so we can factor in our local knowledge to the benefit of the applicant.’

By choosing to take a business loan from Access Credit Union, businesses in West Cork can not only invest in their own success but also support the local economy and contribute to its growth and sustainability.

Trade & Employment to give access to low-cost finance for businesses. Cultivate Farm Finance is also available at Access Credit Union. These loans are tailored to the farming community in order to help with stocking, new equipment and with additional land purchases. One of the key benefits of borrowing from Access Credit Union is, according to Karen Farr, Lending Manager, is that ‘all decisions are made locally so we can factor in our local knowledge to the benefit of the applicant.’ By choosing to take a business loan from Access Credit Union, businesses in West Cork can not only invest in

Tony Hughes, CEO of Access Credit Union with last year’s WCBTA Young Businessperson of the Year, Jack O’Regan of Trend 7 Media.

Young Businessperson Of e Year – Sponsored

Aaron O’Sullivan, Bantry Bay Boat Hire

Aaron sees growth as good for his business and local economy

BANTRY Bay Boat Hire offers a diverse range of water-based activities, from kayak rental, powerboats and sea safaris to guided tours and specialised camps.

Launched by Aaron O’Sullivan seven years ago when he was just 25, also on offer are summer camps, designed for children and schools, which combine kayaking with hands-on learning experiences like raft-building,

seaweed identification, and beach safety training.

The business boasts a fleet of 30 kayaks, four powerboats, and two passenger RIBs, and a staff of three.

It has recently expanded to include sea safaris and seafood tours and celebrity passengers over the years have included American model Emily Ratajkowski , and Irish TV presenters Baz Ashmawy and Vogue Williams.

Aaron says: ‘Managing a rapidly growing business presents its challenges. A typical day might involve coordinating rentals, scheduling tours, and negotiating with clients.

‘Despite the hectic pace, I find great satisfaction in running it. When I started this business, I simply wanted to share my love of the sea with others.

‘Over the years, we’ve expanded our offerings which

Cian Minihane, CM Fitness & Personal Training

Cian’s business model is in peak condition

CM FITNESS is a private training facility in Bandon that specialises in transforming the lives of men and women over the age of 25.

Run by Cian Minihane, his focus is to work with people ‘who up until now have prioritised everything else above themselves.’

‘We transform their physical health, mental wellbeing and get them back to giving themselves the self care they have truly needed through our support and accountability systems,’ said Cian, who launched the business when he was 22 years old.

He continuously sets himself business targets which he not only meets but surpasses. Over the past year his client base has grown from 80 to 121 and his staff has doubled from three to six.

He also launched a second business, which he established to train and qualify people as personal trainers. This venture has the added benefit of aiding the local economy and retaining personal trainers in the region. Next June, the business will mark its seventh anniversary, and Cian will celebrate his 30th birthday. Looking to the future, he has further

sites, with

has not only been beneficial for our business but has also had a positive impact on the local economy, particularly increasing tourism traffic to Whiddy Island.

‘Beyond our business, I’ve been actively involved in promoting West Cork as a tourism destination, working with other local businesses to create a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere for visitors.’ concluded Aaron.

Accessibility is at the core of Annie’s approach

ANNIE O’Neill holds the reins at Lios Lara riding stables on the Beara Peninsula where facilities cater for every equine enthusiast from the pleasure rider right up to the competitive.

Providing either long or short term livery, Lios Lara offers riding lessons to both adults and children, in groups or individually, as well as a trekking service.

Annie also runs pony camps, one-day workshops, fun competitions and shows, mini-treks, children’s birthday parties, breaking and schooling service.

At the core of everything she does is a desire to make horseriding accessible for everyone; and an important part of her work involves equine therapeutic sessions, which cater for children and adults with additional needs and/ or minor anxiety and mental health challenges. She puts a strong focus on the social impact and the wellbeing of her clients.

‘It is one of the most rewarding aspects of the work we do. At Lios Lara we foster a caring and inclusive ethos where all who pass through our yard are respected and treated equally at all times,’ said Annie (29).

After getting a degree in business and equine, Annie took over full-time from her mother and for the past 10 years has progressed the business from a trekking centre to

Annie O’ Neill, Lios Lara Riding Stables

a very well established riding stables with a team of four. Annie is currently in the

process of completing a two year Level 7

Aaron O’Sullivan of Bantry Bay Boat Hire.

Cian Minihane of CM Fitness.

Annie O’Neill, Lios Lara Riding Stables. (Photos: Andy Gibson) ambitions for the years to come including expanding CM Fitness to multiple

plans to open in Skibbereen, Clonakilty and Kinsale.

Best West Cork Festival – Sponsored by O’Sullivans

Feel the Force Festival

Truly out of this world!

THE inaugural Feel the Force festival, which took place in Dunmanway in June 2024, was a two-day festival of fun for families and sci-fi enthusiasts, and featured many Star Wars themed activities.

The unique weekend festival featured an intergalactic programme of events including workshops, makeovers, film screenings, and demonstrations along with a parade and street entertainment.

Organisers described it as ‘a coming together of the whole community’ and a ‘first for West Cork.’

‘It was for the community, by the community and in the spirit of generosity that is Dunmanway, donations and proceeds from this event supported the Dunmanway hub of Co-Action,’ said Michelle O’Mahony, head of festival communications.

The camaraderie of volunteers, along with the support of many businesses that put their trust and financial support into this original event

(even if they were not fans of Star Wars and sci-fi), is still being spoken about in the area.

‘Visitors came from all over Ireland and the United Kingdom. Hospitality businesses reported immense trade, and clothing shops reported a boost in sales of local jerseys by the visiting attendees.

‘Bank holiday travellers who would usually pass through en route elsewhere stopped and made a day out in Dunmanway.

Comments from many stated they “would visit again and they enjoyed the vibe” and said

Clonakilty Old Time Fair

they “didn’t realise that Dunmanway had so much to offer.”

Compliments were huge in relation to community spirit, the “Dunmanway welcome” and also the calibre of the food.

‘Many visitors will undoubtedly visit again to see what else the Dunmanway hinterland has to offer.

‘The overriding impression was one of authenticity and uniqueness of the festival, the community spirit and the ambience of Dunmanway and Feel the Force,’ added Michelle.

Authentic representation of bygone days in Clon

THE Clonakilty Old Time Fair is held on the first Saturday in July annually, celebrating Clonakilty’s heritage and traditions.

A host of traditional crafts, clothes, dancing and music, displays of vintage cars, working agricultural machinery and colourful market stalls make for a great spectacle. The Old Fair has been running for over 30 years and it takes place on the same day every year along with the Band Championships.

Planning for the events begins every February, and the object of the day is to provide a flavour of what Clonakilty’s monthly fair days looked like in Ireland for over 100 years right up to the 1950s.

Locals and invited visitors dress in hooded cloaks, dress of yester year and shopfronts step back to

what they might have looked like 70 years ago.

The streets are busy with wood carvers, tin and copper smiths, potters, jewellers and butter makers and running with historical themes is superb musical entertainment.

‘Our aim is to set aside the normal hustle and bustle of the 2020s and retire to a more leisurely pace where the handwritten letter and the chat on the

West Cork Literary Festival

A leading literary light

THE West Cork Literary Festival in Bantry originated as a fringe event to the West Cork Chamber Music Festival in 2000 but has developed into a stand-alone event which has grown to become one of Ireland’s leading literary festivals. It is the only literary event which offers an extensive programme of three and five day workshops which attracts participants from as far afield as Australia and the United States. The programme also presents readings, discussions, seminars, book launches and main evening events alongside an extensive schedule of children’s events. Interesting and novel events in an assortment of locations showcase the region to visitors. Its informal atmosphere makes it possible for audiences and aspiring writers to interact with leading writers and broadcasters. In 2024 the line-up included Miriam Margol-

yes, David Nicholls, Colm Tóibín, Elizabeth Day, Dolly Alderton and Irvine Welsh.

Past high-profile writers who have attended include Anthony Horowitz, Gloria Steinem, Michael Parkinson and Michael Palin.

‘West Cork Literary Festival is one of West Cork Music’s three festivals which have made Bantry a destination town,’ said festival manager Sara O’Donovan.

‘WCLF and its sister festivals – West Cork Chamber Music Festival and Masters of Tradition - have

Bere Island Arts Festival

street provided the social media and the internet connection of the day.

‘It is the beginning of the peak tourist season, and we have many new visitors to West Cork, and Clonakilty is often the first pit-stop. Clonakilty wants to roll up and demonstrate that it is a town where community thrives, and this is one of our many festivals,’ explained assistant secretary JJ Walsh.

helped to put Bantry on the map through extensive PR coverage and international visitors. UCC’s economics department compiles an independent economic impact report on the three festivals. The report for 2024 is not yet available but in 2023, it was found that the combined economic impacts of the three festivals was more than €3.8 million. For every euro invested by Arts Council, Failte Ireland and Cork County Council, €6.85 was generated in additional economic activity,’ Sara added.

Unique arts experience

BERE Island held its second annual Arts Festival in September 2024 and it has already established itself as one of the country’s most unique festival experiences for audiences and artists.

With a programme of over 30 events last year, and a theme of ‘Discover, Connect, Belong’ it has something for everyone to enjoy.

The Friday night of the festival is part of the national Culture Night programme, celebrating culture, creativity and the arts. Throughout the weekend, the festival curates a collection of performances, experiences, workshops, readings, theatre, screenings, concerts and exhibitions appearing across the island. Events take place in locations that allow audiences to explore the island.

Performances and exhibitions turn regular spaces into artistic and performance venues, including the Heritage Centre, Wild Atlantic Glamping and former military buildings such as The Drill Hall

and The Lecture Theatre (old Camp Church).

The festival provides platform for both established and emerging high-quality artists from Ireland and further afield.

Among the artists and performers to have featured so far are acclaimed writer Conal Creedon, visual artist Bill Griffin along with some of the country’s finest traditional musicians such as Máirtín O’Connor, Zoë Conway, and Donal Lunny.

The festival also featured

an art exhibition showcasing works from artists across the seven West Cork islands and Island Choirs Connect; a collaboration between choirs from Bere Island, Sherkin Island, Cape Clear and Crosshaven.

‘This festival is a collaboration of businesses, volunteers, artists but most of all, it’s a community of people who are proud of what we have here and want to welcome visitors with open hearts and minds,’ said one of the founding members Caitriona Hanley.

Joanne Harding-Smith, Nuri Albakri and Cathrine Crowley of the Feel the Force festival in Dunmanway.

Mary Sullivan and Caitriona Hanley of Bere Island Arts Festival. (Photos: Andy Gibson)

Fachtna O’Callaghan and JJ Walsh of Clonakilty Old Time Fair.

Siobhán Burke and Eimear O’Herlihy representing West Cork Literary Festival.

e West Cork Business & Tourism Awards Pitch Night sponsored by OﬃceMaster was held at e Ludgate Hub, Skibbereen, on ursday 5th December, 2024. 30 ﬁnalists pitched their businesses to the panel of judges. Above, representatives of Feel the Force Festival , Dunmanway making their pitch. Right, Comedian Bernard Casey made a surprise appearance in the presentation for HomeBot Ireland. (Photos: Andy Gibson)

Clockwise from above, Áine Yearnshaw and Áine Hourihane, of the Sugarloaf Café, Glengarriﬀ; Siobhán Burke of West Cork Literary Festival; Valda Binding of takeNplace and Judie Russell who acted as MC for the evening.

Pitch night MC Judie Russell (second from left) with West Cork Business & Tourism Awards judges, Paul Di Rollo, Glentree Furniture; Aishling Goulden, Carbery; Josephine O’Driscoll, Failte Ireland and Seán Mahon, e Southern Star

Below: Jim Kennedy of Atlantic Sea Kayaking making his presentation, as seen through the camera of an audience member.

Left: A packed room in the Ludgate Hub in Skibbereen listen intently to a presentation on the pitch night in December. Below left, Robert Walsh of Walsh Print and Graphics during his pitch to the judges. (Photos: Andy Gibson)

Left: Mike Conway, Jacqui Kielthy and David Cooke of pitch night sponsors OﬃceMaster. Above: Claire Collins of e Hidden Haven at Derry Duﬀ during her presentation.

Above: At the West Cork Business & Tourism awards pitch night last December were Julie O’Neill, Annie O’Neill and Kate Sheehan of Lios Lara Riding Stables, Castletownbere ,and (above right) Mary Sullivan of Bere Island Arts Festival. (Photos: Andy Gibson)

Left, James Casey, Ciara McManamon and Ciara O’Shea of Casey’s Bar and Restaurant, Clonakilty. Above, Clara Mulligan of Homebot Ireland.

Advertising with the Southern Star works ... but don’t just take our word for it, here’s what some of our satisfied customers say

Promoting our showroom through The Southern Star’s video and social media has helped us reach thousands of new potential customers. Tony was a pleasure to work with and we’ve already booked a second video for another location.

- Niall Geary, Manager, Bandon Hardwood Floors & Tiles

Spice O’Life uses The Southern Star newspaper, social media and website for recruitment purposes and we have found these platforms very useful in recruiting candidates for our various vacancies.

- Kenneth Kingston, Factory Manager, Spice O’Life Ltd, Dunmanway

We advertise in The Southern Star newspaper almost every week with new property listings. The feedback from the public on these adverts is immediate and it highlights the value for us in this form of media. We regularly push deadlines to the 11th hour and demand the highest quality of design standards from their team – each time resulting in a most professional and prompt response. I am delighted to recommend The Southern Star Newspaper as an advertising platform for any business.

- Andy Donoghue, Managing Director, Hodnett Forde, Clonakilty

Partnering with the Southern Star has enabled us to reach a much broader customer base by using their newspaper, social media and online platforms. This helps us to grow our business by targeting their audiences.

- Jean Murphy, Marketing Manager, Blackwater Motors, Skibbereen

The Southern Star sponsored article drove new enquiries for our weddings service and boosted views on our website. The process was easy and we are delighted with the results.

- Christine O’Mahony, Revenue & Marketing, Martime Hotel, Bantry

It’s given us a great relationship with The Southern Star which obviously has a very good brand recognition in West Cork, it’s allowed us the opportunity to get our name out there on a weekly basis associated with the podcast which is what we need from a business point of view.

-Tony Hughes, CEO, Access Credit Union, Skibbereen

West Cork Business Ambassador & Lifetime Achievement Award 2024

SEAN O’DRISCOLL

‘It’s very humbling to be recognised by my own’

BY EMMA CONNOLLY

DRIMOLEAGUE native Sean O’Driscoll is one of the country’s most successful business leaders and he credits his upbringing in West Cork in the 1960s with whetting his appetite for business.

The former chief executive of Glen Dimplex grew up in Gurrane South. His father John was the manager of Castledonovan creamery, and his mother Mary (McCarthy) was from a farming background.

‘Her brother Danny, known as Danny Andrew was one of the leaders of the IFA march to Dublin in 1966. In fact he always maintained that the walk started in Drimoleague and not Bantry Square because that’s where he set out from!’ said Sean.

Sean knew from the age of 15 that he wanted to pursue a career in accountancy, and credits his father with igniting that interest in him.

‘For my father, the job wasn’t just about getting quality milk from farmers, but also about making sure that the farmers ran a viable commercial operation, a good business. That would have been a topic of conversation in our house and that’s probably what whet my business appetite,’ he said.

Like many young people from West Cork, Sean boarded in Farranferris secondary school in Cork city where his life-long love of hurling was nurtured.

Among his classmates were the illustrious Johnny Crowley, Tadhg Murphy and Frances Collins and during his time in the Cork city school Farranferris won the Harty Cup four times.

Graduating in Commerce from UCC he joined KPMG in 1979 and qualified as a chartered accountant, and was elected to the partnership 10 years later. He has the distinction of being KPMG’s youngest ever partner, at the age of 31.

‘Three months after that an opportunity came up with Glen Dimplex and six months later I joined as finance director,’ said Sean.

That was in 1990 and he had a hugely successful career spanning more than 25 years with the privately owned electrical goods company, in roles including deputy chief executive (’94), group chief executive (’98), chief executive and chairman (2011) and president in 2016.

As a strong believer in public service and giving back, over the years he also sat on various boards and was a member of different government advisory groups, including six years on the National Competitiveness Council.

‘After the economic crisis in 2012, the government set up an Action Plan for Jobs, and invited six industry partners to work with them, and I was one of those for four years which I really enjoyed,’ he said.

His experience as a non-executive director on the board of AIB was slightly different.

‘It’s an oxymoron but taking that position was both one of my best and worst decisions,’ he said. ‘On one hand it meant I saw very early on the start of the financial crisis. The banking world saw it two and a half years before it hit the main street and I was able to take appropriate action to batten down the hatches at Glen Dimplex at a very early stage in the downturn.

‘But the role absorbed so much of my time, because within six months of me joining the crisis had hit the banking world,’ he added.

When he stepped off the Glen Dimplex board in 2018, Sean was clear on what he wanted to do.

‘In these situations it’s more useful to decide what it is you don’t want to do as that takes away 80% of the issue straight away. I knew I didn’t want to sit on a board of any other company, public or private, as I had done that for 35 years,’ he said.

‘At the end of my full-time professional career, the criteria for my next step was that it had to be different to before; it had to be something I could learn from, I believe we all learn every day, and it had to be something I could contribute towards,’ he said.

could never ever happen. Later that month the government announced 50 towns that would to get broadband and Skibbereen wasn’t on the list, but five months later, we were the first town in Ireland to get it, which just shows the power of collective thinking and everyone putting their shoulder to the wheel.’

Sean credits Ludgate with contributing to the reinvention of Skibbereen and West Cork as a whole and he’s positive about the future economic prosperity of West Cork, and nationally.

‘Previously I would have said that rural Ireland was being neglected but I’m less concerned about that now. The Ludgate Hub has helped with that, and the rollout of national broadband.

‘West Cork people work hard and have always worked hard but success wasn’t always visible in the area, even up to 15 or 20 years ago. That’s changed. There are fantastic businesses all around West Cork, small hidden gems, and I’d be very confident and optimistic about the future prosperity of the region.’

He doesn’t see Ireland as being vulnerable to declining foreign direct investment.

‘I don’t believe we’ve reached peak FDI investment here. These companies can’t just walk away from the depth of investment made, the quality of people here, and the type of activity here, so it’s mutual dependency now, which wasn’t the case 20 years ago.’

These factors saw him become chair of the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) in in 2020, a position he still holds, and take up a seat on The Trilateral Commission.

This is a global membership organisation that for decades has brought together senior policymakers, business leaders, and representatives of media and academia to discuss and propose solutions to some of the world’s toughest problems with a view to influencing policy makers.

He was also appointed chair of UCC’s Governing Authority in November 2023.

‘That was something I had to think long and hard about,’ admits Sean, who received the prestigious UCC alumni award in 2006. Not that he has ever been slow to put his hand up, but he was aware of the time commitment required in such a role.

‘But I owe UCC a lot. That’s where I met my wife Rose who is from Kilmichael and our son is a graduate of the university. UCC has been good to us individually and as a family and I feel I owe it a lot and I’m really delighted I took that role on now,’ he said.

Sean can also be credited with coming up with the idea for the hugely successful Ludgate Hub in Skibbereen which generates millions for the economy annually, along with direct and indirect employment.

‘At the end of the West Cork Food Festival each year, there was always a half-day think-session where different stakeholders came together to discuss ideas to create more employment and regenerate West Cork,’ he said. ‘At one of these sessions I floated the idea of a digital hub, I just put the idea out there. Afterwards my great friend John Field asked me if it was something I would work with him to develop. However I told him he needed to get a group together locally and when he had I would be prepared to engage with him.

‘On a Saturday morning in November we met in Dublin, and John brought along Adam Walsh, Oliver Farrell, Kevin Buckley and Leonard Donnelly and I brought along Anne O’Leary, who was then the chief executive of Vodafone Ireland. John, Adam, Oliver, Kevin and Leonard are the people who deserve credit for delivering Ludgate for Skibbereen and West Cork.

‘We had our first official meeting over the Credit Union in Skibbereen that January. David Puttnam was at that meeting and he said that unless we could get broadband to the town, a digital hub

However, he feels strongly that one thing could potentially see us exposed as a nation: ‘That’s the lack of investment in infrastructure for our roads, energy and in our fresh and waste water. An investor could look at Ireland and say they couldn’t take the risk to come here based on these three things.

‘Successive governments have been in denial about this for 20 years, and if an individual raised it, it was almost seen as if you were betraying the country but we need action and delivery on this by the incoming government.’

Sean ranks his family as the most important thing in his life (the second is the success he’s had in his business life, and the third is Ludgate).

Sean and Rose have three daughters and a son: Emma, John, Julie and Carly, and all four are pursuing business careers. They are proud, hands-on grandparents of six, three who live in Dublin, and three in London.

The couple split their time between Dublin and West Cork, spending 40% of their time in Schull.

‘West Cork will always be home,’ said Sean who at the age of 67 has no plans to officially retire.

‘I don’t think I’m the retiring type!’ he said.

Has he any further ambitions to fulfil?

‘I think my professional career is complete. If I had any ambition it would be for one of my horses to win at Cheltenham. Outside of business, which can consume your life, I’ve two interests and they are hurling and horses. Cork hurling had a great run in the ’90s but we haven’t been in Croke Park in recent times. I enjoy horse racing very much. I grew up with horses and I’ve the time now to devote to it. I’ve a very good horse “Home By The Lee” who had a win at Leopardstown at Christmas and I’m looking forward to seeing how he does at Cheltenham. He’ll be easy to spot as he’ll be kitted out in Cork colours!’ said Sean.

What’s his best business advice?

‘Try to simplify things. People tend to complicate issues, but if you confront something usually 90% of it is noise and you’re left with 10% to get stuck into, and after that it’s generally relatively easy to find a solution,’ he said.

Among the many other accolades Sean has received over the years are an honorary OBE from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 2006 for services to British industry, and the Légion d’Honneur presented by the French state in 2016 for his contribution to French-Irish relationships.

But winning this ‘West Cork Business Ambassador & Lifetime Achievement award, he said, is very special.

‘West Cork is very important in my life and it’s very humbling to be recognised by my own,’ he said. ‘

(Photo: John Allen/Provision )