The Kerryman Business Awards goes from strength to strength

ADD 370 attendees across 32 tables, 35 worthy finalist, 14 prize winners, a three-course meal of the highest calibre, and one superbly received special guest, and you have yourself what was, indisputably, the finest edition of The Kerryman Business Awards to date.

Ballygarry House Hotel and Spa buzzed with excitement long before the first of its three exquisite courses was served up, with hundreds of celebrants enjoying a pre-ceremony drinks reception and lively music before moving in to the dining area and tucking in.

From the expert emceeing of Caroline McEnery to the presentation of 11 category awards – ranging from best customer experience to best retail, from best family-run business to best rural business, and plenty more besides – this was a night to reinforce that this ceremony is among the most prestigious and enjoyable of any kind in this county.

Addresses by Mayor of Tralee Councillor Graham Spring, INM Regionals West Managing Director John Ferrick, and The Kerryman Sales and Marketing Manager Siobhan Murphy all went down a treat, but the appearance of renowned broadcaster Matt Cooper was also a highlight. Taking attendees through his many experiences of Kerry – including holidaying in Dingle and sampling its legendary New Year’s Eve offerings – he was also well in tune with the theme of the night, telling the business people in attendance of Michael O’Leary, the subject of his latest book, and the Ryanair CEO’s achievement of much that once seemed impossible.

Indeed, there was no shortage of networking between the many businesses represented – probably a sign of why they were worthy of nomination to begin with.

But aside from the special awards given – Threshing Cancer received ‘Special Recognition’ for all their work in tackling the most feared of illnesses, while former County Manager Tom Curran’s work was recognised with a Lifetime Achievement prize – all eyes were on this year’s overall winners: Cara Credit Union.

Encompassing the Tralee, Castleisland and Killorglin areas, Tralee Credit Union, which celebrated its 50th anniversary this year, renamed earlier this year, and this award capped a terrific 12 months for one Ireland’s largest community Credit Unions.

After winning the ‘Best Corporate Social Responsibility’ award earlier in the night, scooping the overall prize came as a shock to CEO Pa Laide given the strength of competition on the night.

Modest but honoured in victory, Pa was keen to thank Cara Credit Union’s 40,000-or-so members and its 70-strong staff – as well as those who’ve put in the ground work over the past 50 years.

“And without our members, we wouldn’t be here celebrating this lovely recognition,” he said. “We’re there for them, and we’ll continue to strive to improve their experience with us.”

The 2018 Kerryman Business Awards overall winner was Cara Credit Union, Tralee. Pictured back left to right: Kevin Hughes, Editor The Kerryman; Danny Kerins, Matt Cooper guest speaker; Kathy Walsh, Tom Lawlor, Caroline McEnery MC, Sean Roche and Siobhan Murphy, Sales & Marketing Manager, The Kerryman. Front from left Marcella Herlihy, Pa Laide, CEO Cara Credit Union and Siobhan Donnelly.

Finalists of the Best Environment and Heritage Award were from left Threshing Cancer, KWD, and Foodshare Tralee.

Finalists of the Best Corporate Social Responsibility Award sponsored by Shannon Ferry Group, were Cara Credit Union, Tralee; Safety Matters Tralee and Killarney Credit Union.

Finalists of the Best Tourism Award sponsored by Kerry County Council, were Killarney Grand Hotel; Kingdom Greyhound Stadium and Dingle Sea Safari.

Finalists in the Best Artisan Award, Dees Delightful Bakes, PFK Goldsmith & Silversmith Ltd and Annascaul Black Pudding.