‘This is an event I look forward to every year, it never disappoints’

THE Kerryman is a publication that has always prided itself on capturing everything that’s good about life in Kerry, and this is also true of business in Kerry. The Kerryman Business Awards are, in essence, about the very people who make our event a success every year.

Friday’s awards night was another excellent example of the huge pride and innovation there is in Kerry business. This cross-section of business, and social groups, is a measure of the hard work and resolve vested in community across Kerry.

These people are the drivers of job creation and are all winners in their own right given the contribution they make to their county. Being able to create, sustain and enhance a local business is far from an easy pursuit. The Kerryman Business Awards recognise this effort by honouring and recognising the people responsible.

Thanks again to our sponsors and hosts; to Caroline McEnery, who is a fantastic MC and someone who is really in touch with the guests. Also, thanks to Matt Cooper for his interesting discussion. Matt is one of the best there is in broadcasting and we were delighted to have him on the night. I also want to take this opportunity to congratulate Tom Curran for winning The Lifetime Achievement Award. Tom’s work and contribution to Kerry over many years is well known and we are delighted he could be with us on the night.

Finally, I wish to thank all those who submitted entries and for sharing their story with us. Congratulations to those shortlisted, and, of course, the winners. Your enthusiasm for this event every year makes us determined when it comes to making the awards broader and more accessible to every sector of business in Kerry. Business by its very nature is an evolving concept and our awards promise to keep pace with these changes and the people driving them. This is an event I look forward to every year, it never disappoints.

Winners of the Best Artisan Award was Annascaul Black Pudding. Pictured from left Teresa O’Shea (The Kerryman), Thys Vogels (sponsor Ballygarry House Hotel & Spa), Eileen and Tom Ashe (Annascaul Black Pudding).

Winners of the Best Environment and Heritage Award was KWD, Killarney. Pictured from left Ian Brosnan, Linda Twomey, Sean Murphy, and Siobhan Murphy, Sales & Marketing Manager, The Kerryman.

Winners of the Best Innovation in Business Award were Expressive Play & Therapy Centre, Kilflynn. From left Breda O’Dwyer (sponsor IT Tralee & Tom Crean Business Centre); Edel Lawless, and Kathleen O’Sullivan (The Kerryman).

Winners of the Best Rural Business Award were Gortatlea Mart. From left Tadhg Evans (The Kerryman), Fintan Quinlan (sponsor Quinlan’s Fish Seafood Bars & Restaurants); Maurice Brosnan (Gortatlea Mart) and Darren O’Donovan.

Winners of the Best Corporate Social Responsibility Award was Cara Credit Union, Tralee. Pictured from left Eugene Stack (sponsor Shannon Ferry Group), Tom Lawlor (Cara Credit Union), Pa Laide (CEO Cara Credit Union) and Billy Mangan, The Kerryman.

John Feerick, Managing Director, The Kerryman.

Michael McElligott (Managing Director, McElligotts Castleisland) winners of the Best Retail Award being presented with their prize by Fergus Dennehy (The Kerryman).