GER SNAPS UP PHOTOGRAPHER OF YEAR AWARD
PHOTOGRAPHER Ger Hore, whose pictures bring the pages of the Wexford People to life every week, was named Photographer of the Year at the inaugural South East Radio Customer Excellence Award.
The awards which took place at the Riverside Park Hotel aims to recognise and reward excellence in service, quality, value, experience, creativity and innovation in a range of businesses and services in various industries.
Listeners nominated their favourite businesses and individuals who had provided excellent customer service and the finalists were then decided by a panel of five judges including Dr Gerald Kean, Louis Copeland and Dragon Den’s Ramona Nicholas.
Speaking after his win, photographer Ger Hore said he was delighted be have been crowned Photographer of the Year.
‘I was totally thrilled when my name was called out. I had been delighted to be nominated and to win was a very unexpected bonus. I was really thrilled. The fact that the awards were customer excellence awards was even more special because it means that people I have done work for throughout the years were so happy that they took the time to nominate me for an award.
‘I had a great night at the awards. I went there with nine members of my family including my wife Jackie and my mother-in-law who is 91 years of age. She has supported me since I started out so it was only right she was there and she really enjoyed it. I couldn’t do what I do without the support of Jackie. She is an integral part of the business and a fantastic support.
‘When they called out my name I was in total shock. I’ve been at this for 35 years and it is the first time I’ve gotten any recognition so it was a very special moment.
‘My phone hasn’t stopped ringing since Friday night and I’ve received some lovely messages on Facebook. I’ve been totally blown away by how kind people have been.’
The winners were:
Travel Agent of the Year: O Leary Travel, South Main Street, Wexford; Fitness Facility of the Year: Body Blox Fitness, Kilcannon, Enniscorthy; Veterinary Clinic of the Year: O’ Shea, Bramley & Breen Veterinary, Distillery Road, Wexford; Security/ Fire Safety Company of the Year: Guardian Fire and Safety, New Ross; Florist of the Year: Lily Bloom Florist, Wexford; Dental Practice of the Year: Smiles Dental Wexford; Auctioneering Firm of the Year: Sherry Fitzgerald O Leary Kinsella, Enniscorthy; Architect of the Year: Fergus Flanagan, Crescent Quay, Wexford; Insurance Broker of the Year: Creane and Creane Insurance, Main Street, Enniscorthy; Legal Firm of the Year: John A Sinnott, Market Square, Enniscorthy; Photographer of the Year: Ger Hore Photography, Wexford; Videographer of the Year: Fallon Media, Duncormick, Co. Wexford (David Fallon); Accountancy Firm of the Year: Anthony Ryan & Company Chartered Accountants & Registered Auditors, Hempfield, Enniscorthy; Oil Company of the Year: Mr. Oil, Adamstown; Creche of the Year: Bright Start Crèche, Clonard Wexford; Nursing Home of the Year: Lawson House Nursing Home, Glenbrien; Entertainment Complex of the Year: Quadventure, Clonroche; Car Sales Executive of the Year: Carl Ferrick, Boland’s Wexford Hyundai; Motor Dealership of The Year: Boland’s Wexford Hyundai, Ferrybank Wexford; Motor Service Department of the Year: Audi Wexford, Castlebridge; Tyre Company of the Year: John Bass Tyres, Arklow Road, Gorey; Tiles/ Bathroom Store of the Year: Tom Doyle Supplies /Halo Tiles; Home Furnishing Store of the Year: Michael Murphy Home Furnishings Drinagh Retail Park, Wexford; Building & DIY Store of the Year: C & D Builders Providers, Larkins Cross, Wexford; Electrical Store of the Year: Joyce’s Expert Wexford; Hardware Store of the Year: Smyths Arro and DIY, Rafter Street, Enniscorthy; Kitchen Supplier of the Year: Karl Cullen Fitted Furniture, Monart East, Enniscorthy; Boutique of the Year: Essee Boutique, South Main Street, Wexford; Shoes & Accessories Retailer of the Year: Shoe Style International, The Bullring, Wexford Town; Menswear Store of the Year: Fitzgerald’s Menswear Wexford Town; Butcher of the Year: Butchers Best, New Ross; Off License of the Year: Pettit’s Wexford Town (St Aidan’s Shopping Centre), Wexford; Bakery of the Year: Cooney’s Bakery, Rafter Street, Enniscorthy; Garden Centre of the Year: Beechdale Garden Centre, Moneytucker Takeaway of the Year: Lawler’s Takeaway, Pizzeria and Shop; Sports Store of the Year: Lifestyle Sports, Main Street, Wexford Town; Giftware Store of the Year: Westgate Design, Wexford Town; Jewelers of the Year: Brooks Jewelers, New Ross; Grocery Store of the Year: Pettit’s Supervalu, (St. Aidan’s Shopping Centre), Wexford; Optician of the Year: Visioncare Opticians, Redmond Square, Wexford; Nail Technician of the Year: NailBou, Crescent Quay, Wexford Town (The Staff of Nailbou); Barber of the Year: The Cutthroat Club Barbers, 2 Slaney Street, Wexford; Pharmacy of the Year: Faythe Pharmacy, The Faythe, Wexford Town; Beautician of the Year: Lynden Beauty, Killag, Duncormick (Lyndsey Doyle); Hairstylist of the Year: Caroline Hair Creation, North Street, New Ross, Co. Wexford (Caroline Foley); Beauty Salon of the Year: Glow Beauty Rooms, The Riverside Park Hotel, The Promenade, Enniscorthy; Hair Salon of the Year: Anna Furlongs Hairdressing, South Street, New Ross; Judges Special Merit Award: Sam Mc Cauley Chemists Group.