The County Carlow Chamber Business Awards winners were announced at an awards ceremony on Friday, October 16th to a well attended business audience all celebrating business excellence across County Carlow.
County Carlow Chamber of Commerce President, Derek Shannon, said, “The interest in the Carlow Business Awards has grown again this year, with a record number of nominations and entries. Our eighteen business categories were keenly fought and all our winners have shown that they are among the best in business.”
The main event sponsors were Carlow County Council , Local Enterprise Office. Dan Mc Inerney, Chief Executive, Carlow County Council, commented, “Carlow County Council is committed to working with the business community in County Carlow and delighted to be main sponsor of County Carlow Chamber Business Awards 2015, which reflects our commitment to the business community and the stories of enterprise excellence across County Carlow”.
In addition to the 18 business categories, three individuals were recognised for their contributions to Carlow life. Described as “the driving force behind St Clare's Hospitality who feed up to 150 people per day, 3 days a week…” and “the one who pulls us all together and gives us the energy to keep going”, Isobel Brooker was awarded the Spirit of Carlow for her community and voluntary work.
Olivia’ Leary was awarded Carlow Ambassador for her bringing ‘Brand Carlow’ to a national stage. Msgr. Caoimhín Ó Néill was awarded the Lifetime Achievement award for his outstanding contribution to the education sector in Carlow.
The awards were open to public nomination and the winners were selected by a panel of three judges, Chamber President Derek Shannon, Caroline King, Financial Controller, Doyles of the Shamrock. and Brian Ogilvie, Head of Department for Research & Commercialisation Support with IT Carlow.
Carlow Business Awards 2015 Winners:
- Best Eating Establishment: Fine: Clashganny House Restaurant
- Best Eating Establishment: Casual: BeaNice
- Best Licensed Premises: Osborne's Bar, Clonegal
- Community Care & Voluntary Service Award: Clonegal Tidy Village Association
- Corporate & Social Responsibility Award: Arthur's Supervalu, Sandhills
- Customer Service – Professional Services: Carlow Dental Centre
- E-marketing Award: Carlow Coffee Co
- Emerging Business Award (Under 18 months): Swordfish Medical Ltd
- Exporter of the Year Award: Walsh Whiskey Distillery
- Food and Beverage Producers Award: Carlow Brewing Company
- Green Business Award: Carlow Kilkenny Energy Agency
- Investment in People Award: Barrow Consultancy and Training Ltd
- Retailer of the Year – Best Customer Service: Harmony Hair and Beauty
- Rural Enterprise of the Year Award: Malone Fruit Farm
- Service to Business Award: Horizon Safety Systems Ltd
- Technology and E-Business Award: yourweb.ie
- Venue of the Year Award: Rathwood Home and Garden
- Innovation Award: MicroGen Biotech Ltd
- Spirit of Carlow: Isobel Brooker
- Carlow Ambassador: Olivia O’ Leary
- Lifetime Achievement: Msgr Caoimhín Ó Néill
