It’s a pleasure for The Kerryman to provide this outlet for businesses

WHEN these awards started in 2016 my hope was they would grow to become a calendar event among Kerry’s business community and judging from the success of this year, I’m pleased to say this is so.

The high number of entries received has far exceeded my expectations as more people decided to submit applications telling of the wonderful and positive stories about the role their business has in the county. The sheer volume received was matched only by the quality and, if anything, The Kerryman Business Awards now provides a platform on which to showcase business in Kerry.

I am also extremely pleased with my decision to broaden the tourism and family business category for 2017. This decision was based on the need to recognise the people across all sectors of business who contribute immensely in their respective fields. I congratulate all the shortlisted nominees who have proudly represented their business and it is a great pleasure for The Kerryman to provide this outlet so they can demonstrate this pride before a public audience.

The INEC are worthy overall winners and their record needs little by way of introduction as they have been the cornerstone of tourism and entertainment for many years, attracting business and creating employment in Kerry. We were also fortunate to have the services of Caroline McEnery as our MC. Caroline is highly experienced in HR and in offering entrepreneurial advice and she appreciates the depth and range of business ability on display last Friday evening.

I also want to extend my congratulations to Jimmy Deenihan on winning the Lifetime Achievement Award. During his time as a TD and Minister, Jimmy worked tirelessly for the county and we hope this award goes some way towards acknowledging his efforts for the good of our county.

Lastly, to all the businesses out there who submitted applications, I want to sincerely thank them. We at The Kerryman can only provide the forum for such an event, but it is the business community who contribute and make The Kerryman Business Awards a success. So here’s to 2018 where I will again look forward to welcoming you - and some new businesses – to our awards.

Winners of the Best New Business Award sponsored by Peevers Slye Cotter, left Shane O’Connor (Story Stock), Seamus Cotter (Peevers Slye Cotter), Francis Fitzgibbon (Story Stock) and Noelle Foley, The Kerryman Winner of the Best Innovation in Business...

Winners of the Best Retail Premises Award sponsored by McCarthy Insurance Group, left Kevin Sugrue (McCarthy Insurance), Kieran Corcoran (Corcoran Furniture), Danny Cooper, The Kerryman.

Winner of the Best Family Run Business Award sponsored by Garveys SuperValu, left, Kevin McCarthy (Garveys), Mark McElligott (McElligott EZ Living Furniture) and John Feerick (Managing Director The Kerryman).

Winner of the Best Environment and Heritage Award sponsored by Irish Drain Services is winner Maura Sheehy (Maura’s Cottage Flowers) with Liam Brosnan (Irish Drain Services) and Louise Boyle, The Kerryman.

A group from McElligotts Castleisland pictured with Ivan Yates at The Kerryma

Siobhán Murphy, Kerryman. Advertising and Marketing Manager with The