‘It’s now an occasion gaining in stature year on year ...’

LAST Friday evening is what makes one appreciate all the hard work involved in arranging The Kerryman Business Awards. It’s very much a labour of love for everyone involved at The Kerryman newspaper as great pleasure is derived from meeting with the various people that keep our businesses and social groups going on a daily basis. Therein lies another reason to celebrate these awards: the good of community.

Every year The Kerryman is proud to receive so many wonderful applications from people; applications that show the deep sense of personal pride people have in their business and organisation. The evening was a major success and it was thoroughly enjoyed by all. It’s now an occasion gaining in stature every year, which is some- thing we’re proud of.

I would like to thank our sponsors for their kind and continued support. Their contribution is an invaluable part of this event. Once again The Ballygarry Hotel & Spa must be commended for hosting another fantastic event. The warm and convivial atmosphere created at the Ballygarry Hotel ensures the evening is always a success.

We’re also grateful to our emcee, Caroline McEnery. Caroline’s rapport with guests is well established and she is an important contributor to our awards every year. Likewise the contribution of Matt Cooper went down a treat with the audience.

Lastly, I want to congratulate all the businesses nominated in their respective categories. The recipients are well deserving of their acco- lades and I would encourage others out there to consider submitting an application in 2019. Thanks to all for making The Kerryman Business Awards a success in 2018.

Winners of the Best Tourism Award were Kingdom Greyhound Stadium, Tralee. Pictured from left Jim Finucane (Kerry Co Council); Declan Dowling and Heather Hartley (Kingdom Greyhound Stadium) and Donal Nolan (The Kerryman).

Winners of the Best Family Run Business were the Houlihan family Houlihan Coaches, Riversedge Guesthouse, Nicks Bar & Restaurant being presented by Liam Lynch (sponsor Liam Lynch Skoda, Farranfore) and John Feerick (Managing Director, The Kerryman).

Siobhan Murphy, Sales & Marketing Manager, The Kerryman, presenting Brendan Ferris and his team (Threshing Cancer Killorglin) with the Special Recognition Award .

Winners of the Best Community & Enterprisee Award was Rathmore Social Action Group. Pictured from left John Stack, Aoife O’Donoghue, Elaine Nagle and Kevin Hughes (Editor The Kerryman).

Breda Dwyer (IT Tralee & Tom Crean Business Centre) presenting Tom Curran (retired County Manager) with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Also in picture is John Feerick (Managing Director, The Kerryman).

Winners of the Best Customer Experience Award was Muckross Park Hotel, Killarney. Pictured from left Noelle Foley (The Kerryman), Josie O’Leary (Muckross Park Hotel) and Sean Healy (Head of AIB Banking).

Siobhan Murphy, Advertising & Marketing Manager with The Kerryman.