Celebrating success at Cavan Business & Tourism Awards

The entrepreneurial efforts of Cavan businesses of all ages and sizes were celebrated at The Anglo-Celt’s 13th annual Cavan Business and Tourism Awards in the Slieve Russell Hotel last Friday, October 23.

Boyle for Men took home the overall Cavan Business of the Year award, as well as the award for Best in Retail, capping a historic year for the retailer marking 60 years in business and with stores in Cootehill, Cavan and Monaghan.

Speaking to the Celt after winning the award for Best in Retail, Lorraine Boyle shared that the recognition “means so much” to the family-run business.

Founded by the late Patsy Boyle, the award was accepted on the night by Patrick Boyle and his sisters Lorraine and Paula.

“I can’t describe how much it means because we’re 60 years in business,” said Lorraine.

“My mum is still with us and she is just overwhelmed that we were actually nominated - never mind win it.”

“Thanks to all our customers and to our staff, it’s what makes the business.”

All of the male staff from their Cavan town, Cootehill and Monaghan town stores were kitted out in black tuxedos as it was “not hard to get a suit,” she joked.

The awards, in partnership with Cavan County Council, were launched by Cathaoirleach Cllr Carmel Brady in August, and more than 30 businesses across a total of nine categories were shortlisted.

Ahead of the awards, all finalists participated in a special pitch night in AIB Cavan in September, where they each had two minutes to pitch their businesses to the judges.

Almost 300 people, donning their best dress, walked the red carpet into the Slieve Russell Hotel in Ballyconnell on the night, ready to enjoy an evening of fun in recognition of their hard work.

Guests were greeted with a champagne reception and music by ‘Keyboard Cormac’ in the Cranaghan Suite before making their way into the dining room, where the award winners were announced.

The event was hosted by Linda O’Reilly, Managing Editor of The Anglo-Celt, and formally opened by Cathaoirleach Cllr Carmel Brady, who praised the businesses in the room for their contribution to the local economy.

“Whether welcoming visitors from far or near, providing valuable services to the people of Cavan or exporting produce far and wide, you are here this evening because you help make our county put its best foot forward,” she said.

“You create jobs and you drive investment. I know it is a cliche on award nights, but because it is true, you are all winners here tonight. It takes guts, drive, determination and passion to survive as a business, let alone be here tonight as one of the nominees for the awards.”

Presenting Virginia wholesale bakery ‘Rolling in the Dough’ with the award for Best Emerging New Business, Conor Craven, Head of Enterprise with LEO Cavan, said it was a “pleasure” to celebrate the achievements of the “outstanding business entrepreneurs, tourism operators and community leaders” who make the county “such a welcoming place to live, work and visit”.

“These business and tourism awards recognise the resilience, innovation, and ambition that insists across our business and tourism sectors,” he praised.

Congratulating all the finalists and winners, he said: "Your success reflects the creativity, determination and entrepreneurial spirit that continues to drive our county forward.

“Tonight is a celebration of what has been achieved but it is also an opportunity to look forward with confidence to the opportunities that lie ahead. Working together with Cavan County Council and the Local Enterprise Office, we can continue to grow a strong, competitive and sustainable economy for County Cavan.”

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Barry Smith, founder and managing director of Cootehill-based manufacturer Abcon Ireland, received the Lifetime Achievement award for his work in building the company from the ground up over the past two decades.

“I accept this award with deep gratitude and share it with everyone that has been on this long journey with me already,” he told those gathered.

Three extra awards were also handed out on the night to those whose businesses had really impressed the judges. Megan Harten’s MegaClean cleaning company received a Special Merit Award; Ben Tierney from Ben’s Eggs received the Spirit of the Awards accolade; while David and Robert Beattie from BT-BroTech took home the Endeavour Award.

Along with The Anglo-Celt and Cavan County Council, this year’s awards are sponsored by the Slieve Russell Hotel, AIB Cavan, LEO Cavan, Cavan Tourism, GMK Partners, Sheridan Insurances and Callaghan Electrical.