Local companies set for enterprise finals

An ag-tech company from Canningstown, an equine storage manufacturer from Monaghan, and a catering business from Ballinamuck are among the finalists heading to the National Enterprise Awards at Dublin’s Mansion House next week.

The National Enterprise Awards are one of a number of initiatives run by Local Enterprise Offices to foster entrepreneurship across Ireland.

The businesses will compete against leading small enterprises from across the country for the title of National Enterprise of the Year and a prize fund of €80,000.

There will also be awards for Best Start-Up, Best Export Business, Innovation, Digital, Green and Female Entrepreneur, and for Outstanding Achievement - presented to an Irish business that began with Local Enterprise Office support and has achieved international success.

Now in its 26th year, the LEO initiative was won in 2024 by Monaghan health-tech company SPRYT. Founded in 2022 by Neill Dunwoody and Daragh Donohue, the company’s AI-powered virtual receptionist helps healthcare providers improve patient engagement through WhatsApp and SMS communications.

Representing Cavan is I/O Agri, an agri-climate technology company tackling livestock emissions while supporting farm productivity and economic viability. Its patented Agricultural Direct Air Capture (AgDAC) technology captures emissions directly from livestock housing and converts them into a valuable organic by-product.

A previous winner of the Best Green category at the Cavan County Enterprise Awards, I/O Agri will now compete at national level.

“We are delighted to represent County Cavan at the National Enterprise Awards and we would like to thank Local Enterprise Office Cavan for their ongoing support,” says I/O Agri founders Sandra Thompson and Shane O’Reilly.

LEO Cavan has enjoyed previous success at the awards, with Fire Doors Ireland, Nuálach Automation and Áine Handmade Chocolate all securing North East Regional titles.

Conor Craven, Head of Enterprise with LEO Cavan, said the diversity and innovation demonstrated by this year’s finalists is “outstanding”.

“These businesses have excelled in their areas and have the potential to follow in the footsteps of previous winners to become successful global companies. We are delighted that Sandra Thompson and Shane O’Reilly from I/O Agri are representing County Cavan at the awards. They are a very innovative company, with a focus on excellence and we wish them well in the National Competition next week.”

Representing LEO Monaghan is The Rug Rack Company from Emyvale, founded by Padraic and Kathy Nolan, who also featured at The Anglo-Celt Monaghan Business & Tourism Awards earlier this year. The company designs and manufactures innovative, patent-pending equestrian storage solutions that protect horse rugs, optimise stable space and improve hygiene, and serves customers across Ireland, the UK, Europe and North America, combining premium design with practical functionality for horse owners worldwide.

Representing LEO Longford is Dial a Chef, founded by Eilish McLoughlin, which provides fresh, high-quality meals for large events and daily catering services.

Peter Burke, Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, said the National Enterprise Awards provide an “opportunity to celebrate the very best” of Irish entrepreneurship.

“Every one of these finalists have the potential to scale, create jobs in their communities and make a significant impact internationally,” he said.

“These awards shine a light on the amazing businesses that are starting and growing across the country year on year, and we should be extremely proud of the level of founders that Ireland is producing.

“The previous winners and indeed finalists have shown the calibre of these awards, and it’s exciting to see where these businesses can and will go in the future.”

Pamela Kerr, Head of Enterprise Monaghan said the awards highlight the "very best" businesses that Local Enterprise Offices are working with across the country.

"The diversity of sectors and innovation shown again this year is outstanding and the winners will no doubt produce businesses destined for international succes," she said.

"These businesses have excelled in their areas and have the potential to follow in the footsteps of previous winners to become successful global companies."