Picking the winners is no easy task, when you’re doing the judging

THERE were a lot of cups of tea and coffee drank but the hospitality was open and warm from the finalists of the IRD Duhallow Business Awards when they had to meet with the judges who appraised them.

That was the view of one of the judges, James McAuley of McCarthy Insurance Group, who spoke at the IRD Duhallow Business Awards, run in conjunction with The Corkman.

The other two judges were Siobhan Murphy, Advertising Sales and Marketing Manger of The Corkman, and Brenda Cahill of Cork City Partnership.

Mr McAuley said over the past five years over 100 businesses have been nominated, which is a reflection of the calibre of the region.

He also thanked the Duhallow Community Food Services (DCFS) who prepared the wonderful meal for the guests.

He also thanked Louise Bourke of IRD Duhallow for putting the night together and to Maura Walsh and her team.

“IRD Duhallow provides essential services to this local community and I must congratulate Maura, Eileen Linehan and Triona Murphy for all their excellent work that they do here. I must say that all the judges have been very impressed by everything which IRD Duhallow undertakes,” he said.

Finally, he said that everyone in the room who was short-listed they are already winners. “We are confident you will do well in your future and we all wish you well in your future,” he said.

Above: Elaine White (The Hat Box, Lomabardstown), her Mum Kathleen Moylan, Maura Walsh, Louise Bourke, Anne Maria Bourke and Triona Murphy of IRD Duhallow, Councillor Gearóid Murphy and Billy Dennehy.

Right: IRD Duhallow chairperson Anna Maria Bourke presenting the Best Women-Led award to Erin Geraghty of Cork Baby Sensory.

Corkman Journalist Maria Herlihy making a presentation to Tasmin Franssen (Bebi Eco, Gneeveguilla), who won the Best Creative Industry Award.

Helen O’Sullivan (IRD Duhallow) making a presentation to Sister Helen Canning (Mercy House, Kanturk), who won the Best Community Enterprise Award.