BIG NIGHT FOR BUSINESS

A record crowd attended the Louth Business Awards organised by Dundalk Chamber of Commerce in the Carrickdale Hotel on Saturday the 20th October. The annual event is now a high light in the social calendar in Dundalk with over 630 guests in attendance.

A sell-out crowd compromising of business leaders, local politicians and dignitaries suggested this really was the place to be. Tickets are always at a premium for this occasion and this was the largest number of bookings ever for this fantastic networking event.

Local Soprano Sarah McCourt entertained guests during the reception. Mizu Health & Beauty sponsored Best Dressed Lady while Tony McDonnell Menswear sponsored the Best Dressed Gent. It really was a glamorous occasion with beautiful dresses and accessories. The staff of the Carrickdale Hotel pulled out all the stops to make it a night to be remembered. Local company Wow Wow weddings supplied a photo booth on the night and patrons had a fantastic time getting fun photos with plenty of props.

MC for the night was Michael Duffy who provided the rapport with the audience and the finalists. The band on the night was ‘Sugartown Rd.’ and they got all the audience up from the very first number and made sure the crowd were entertained until the early hours with a brilliant selection of songs. The dance floor was packed to capacity the whole night and local businesses donated fantastic spot prizes also which really added to the occasion.

There was a special presentation to Dundalk Credit Union in recognition of the significant and ongoing role this organisation has played for the past 50 years, and will continue to play for many years in to the future. The Special Award for ‘Outstanding Community Impact’ recognised Dundalk Credit Union as a leader in the Community. A leader in the community, this organization continues to foster and to build community strength and sustainability at local and regional level, through community partnerships, its generosity towards voluntary and charitable organisations and through the invaluable support it provides to cultural, community and economic projects ensuring its contribution to the well- being of the community and local economy.

Winner of the Lifetime Award for Contribution to Louth was won by Bernard Carroll of Bellurgan Precision Engineering. Bernard along with his late wife Ann Carroll established Bellurgan Precision Engineering 40 years ago as means to create sustained employment for his family. By building a business locally, not only did Bernard create long term employment for his own family, he has done the same for many families in the local area.

Best Dressed Lady sponsored by Mizu Health and Beauty was won by Marguerite Murphy.

Best Dressed Gent sponsored by Tony McDonnell Menswear was won by Gerard McEvoy.

Pat McCormick President Dundalk Chamber ‘was delighted with the attendance, there are not many occasions where you can get so many members of the business community under the one roof and these awards provide that. All these companies here tonight are winners in their own field and this is a great opportunity to recognize them’.

Lifetime Award- Pat McCormick Dundalk Chamber, Laura Morgan Walsh, winner Bernard Carroll Bellurgan Precision Engineering and Mario McBlain DKIT.

Professional Services awards- Catherine McGinley Quinn Solicitors, Sunnibha Corcoran of SMC Food Safety Mgt Consultants, Pat McCormick Dundalk Chamber, winner Shona McManus of Osborne Recruitment, John Nealon M1 Document Solutions, Brigene Litchfield of Cuchulainn Credit Union, Shane Dullaghan Dash and Katisha Kieran of Servisource Recruitment.

Best Pub - Tony McGuinness Market Bar, Cathy McKeown of McKeown’s Bar, Ciaran Reilly Diageo, winner Jean McGuinness Russell’s Saloon Gin Emporium, Pat McCormick Dundalk Chamber and Greg Gormley

Best Dining Experience - Laura Bizna Four Seasons, winner Kevin Smith of Lennon’s Gastro Pub, Pat McCormick Dundalk Chamber and Orla Hayes Carrickdale Hotel.

Best Café/ Fast Food Outlet - Gerry Byrne Copper Kettle, Jason Mullen Mullen’s Takeaway Castletown Rd, winner Noel Byrne Kingfisher Restaurant, Pat McCormick Dundalk Chamber, Alan Delaney The Bagel Bar and Keith Mullen of Mullens Takeaway Roden Place.