Photo Caption, pictured from left to right at County Enterprise Award Presentation; Tim Butler, Director of Services, Kilkenny County Council, Cathaoirleach Mary Hilda Cavanagh, Award Recipient Shane Doherty, Huwmo Ltd and Head of Enterprise, Aileen McGrath, Local Enterprise Office Kilkenny.  

Start Up Kilkenny based Tech Company Huwmo Ltd receives County Enterprise Award

Kilkenny County Council’s Local Enterprise Office have announced the Kilkenny nomination to the National Enterprise Awards 2026. Huwmo Ltd is a start-up Tech software company that provides an all in one solution specifically designed for independent hotels. The business was the winner of the Kilkenny ‘Start’ competition during 2025. The business offers a tech solution to the hospitality sector aimed at maximising hotel occupancy rates, boosting direct bookings and ultimately increasing sales.

Founder and CEO Shane Doherty is a qualified actuary and has spent over 9 years delivering data-driven solutions to corporate management teams, primarily with a focus on revenue forecasting and profitability monitoring.  Micheál Dunne, Chief Technology Officer is a software engineer and coding specialist.

The National Enterprise Awards is a competitive programme involving all 31 Local Enterprise Offices (LEO), with each county selecting a representative to compete nationally.  Each finalist presents their growth strategy and takes part in a rigorous interview process with an expert panel. The competition concludes in June with a ceremony at Dublin’s Mansion House, where the title of Ireland’s Enterprise of the Year is awarded.

Speaking on the announcement of the County Award Winner, Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council Cllr. Mary Hilda Cavanagh said: “Small businesses are at the heart of our communities.  Entrepreneurs like Shane and Micheál identify challenges, turn problems into opportunities and start businesses addressing the needs and offering appropriate solutions, we are delighted they will now go on to represent Kilkenny’’.

Commenting on the nomination, Head of Enterprise, Aileen McGrath noted “Starting and growing a business takes courage, determination, and persistence. The Local Enterprise Office is the first point of contact for ambitious founders and business owners to get advice and learn about the supports needed to turn a concept into a thriving business”. She added “On behalf of LEO Kilkenny, I want to commend the finalists for their achievements and wish them continued success throughout 2026 and beyond.

The annual competition, delivered by the network of LEO’s celebrates the innovation, resilience and creativity of the county’s small business community. Each year, the Awards shine a spotlight on the entrepreneurs driving employment, growth and positive change across the country.

If you have any queries, please contact Local Enterprise Office

Catherine Hennessy

Senior Enterprise Development Officer

Local Enterprise Office Kilkenny

Email: catherine.hennessy@leo.kilkennycoco.ie

Phone: 056-7752662