On behalf of the Judging Team we are delighted to publish the Citations for the awards
and award winners can use their Citation in any way that they wish to promote their businesses.

The Cork Customer Service Person of the Year 2018

The Customer Service Person of the Year Award was created to focus attention on the important contributions people make in this area so that people see the very best of what a business can offer. Our Winner tonight has made an exceptional contribution to the business that she helps out in.

The Cork Customer Service Person of the Year 2018 is Oksana Shadrina O’ Hurley of Fantastic Flavours Ice Cream Parlour in Youghal

The Cork Employee of the Year 2018

The Employee of the Year Award was created to focus attention on the important contributions employees make in a business. Our Winner tonight has made that contribution and more and is one of the most welcoming faces and personalities that any business could have.

The Cork Employee of the Year 2018 is Mike Hopkins of Educogym

The Cork Community Project of the Year 2018

This award is to recognise a community project in Cork that has made a difference and a contribution to the locality and its people. Our Winner tonight is based in Midleton and has become an essential part of the Cork community with some unique and amazing projects that really benefit our community and especially for women and women in business.

The Cork Community Project of the Year 2018 is SECAD

The Cork New Business Award 2018

This award is to recognise a new business that has excelled in an area that has for far too often not been given the attention that it requires and deserves. Our Winner tonight is setting new standards in Cork and is a shining example to others in its field.

The Cork New Business Award 2018 goes to Dulce Bun House

The Green Business Award 2018

This award is to recognise a business that leads the way in this hugely important sector that affects all of our lives and communities. Our Winner tonight is exceptional at what they do in Cork and Ireland.

The Green Business Award 2018 goes to Energy Wise Ireland

The Cork Retail Award 2018

This award is to recognise the very best operators in retail in Cork and ensure that their team strives to be at the top of their game. Our Winner tonight has constantly progressed their retail stores in its group and has led by investment and innovation and is believes passionately in always looking after its customers.

The Cork Retail Award 2018 goes to Herlihy’s Centra

The Cork Business Training & Development Award 2018

This award is to recognise a Cork firm or organisation that provides training and solutions in the area of business, strategy or financial advice and who has demonstrated leading practices in the delivery of high quality training. Our Winner tonight is a leading firm of dynamic and innovative Chartered Accountants, Taxation and Business Advisers.

The Cork Business, Training & Development Award 2018 goes to O’ Connor Pyne & Company

The Cork Export Award 2018

This award is to recognise excellent performance by a Cork business in developing their export activity in an innovative and futuristic way. Our Winner tonight is part of one of the largest US Corporations that has recently established its Irish base in Little Island Cork and has pioneered new techniques and technology that are making waves locally and globally.

The Cork Export Award 2018 goes to NRG Awareness powered by Seabox Energy

The Cork Food Producers Award 2018

This award is to recognises authentic produce that we all want to eat and whose contribution to the food sector is to be acknowledged and celebrated – Our Winner tonight is one of the best known names in quality meats in West Cork and is a leading supplier to the consumer as well as the catering trade.

The Cork Food Producers Award 2018 goes to Rosscarbery Recipes

The English Market Business of the Year Award 2018

This award is to recognises a business in Cork’s world famous English market. – Our Winner tonight is one of the best known names in the English Market and has the Best reinvented stall from a 3rd generation trader selling artisan and authentic Irish produce. She is known as The Real Queen of the English Market.

The English Market Business of the Year Award 2018 goes to Margo Ann Murphy of The Roughty Fruit King

The Cork Social Media Award 2018

This awards sets out to recognise a business which excels in harnessing the latest business thinking to keep them at the cutting edge – Our Winner tonight is one of the best known names in wedding shows in Cork for over 15 years and has expanded their offering with the effective use of social media.

The Cork Social Media Award 2018 goes to Michael Hutt of Southern Brides

The Cork R&D/Innovation Award 2018

This award seeks to acknowledge the outstanding achievements of a Cork business that for their R&D Innovation within the business. Our Winner tonight is one of the leading developers of Innovative solutions and creative technologies that allow them achieve groundbreaking advances in door production.

The Cork R&D/Innovation Award 2018 goes to Irish Door Systems

The Cork Small Business of the Year 2018

This award seeks to recognise the outstanding achievements of one small business in Cork that has provided outstanding service to its customers and that has embraced so many elements of business life in Cork from support of community projects to support of many other projects in Cork. Our winner this evening is a business that has brought a new offering to Cork and specialises in hiring out self drive boats to tourists, families, schools, large & small groups & the general public all in the safety of Cork Harbour.

The Cork Small Business of the Year 2018 is Cork Harbour Boat Hire

The Cork SME Business of the Year 2018

This award is sponsored by Bibby Financial Services Ireland who are Ireland’s leading supplier of Flexible Business Cash Flow Solutions for the business community. The award seeks to recognise the outstanding achievements of one business in Cork in the SME sector. Our winner this evening is a business that is an Integrated Management Solution Company, helping businesses from all sectors and sizes to achieve certification in Quality, Health and Safety or Environmental standards.

The Cork SME Business of the Year 2018 is Mackin Consultancy

The Cork Large Company of the Year 2018

This award sets out to recognise one of our largest businesses that promotes Cork positively and from the Judges perspective has demonstrated exceptional growth and offers tremendous potential for future growth in a sector that it is reinventing and setting new standards in and will celebrate its 10th anniversary next year. Our winner this evening opened in 2009 and has a wide range of products sourced from their quarries and other quarries all over Ireland. They have an extensive range of sands and decorative gravels for home and garden. Their decorative sands and gravels are popular not only with builders and architects, but increasingly with gardeners and home improvement enthusiasts.

The Cork Large Company of the Year 2018 is Power Aggregates

The Cork Law Firm of the Year 2018

This award seeks to recognise the outstanding achievements of a Law firm in Cork – Our Winner tonight has embraced traditional and new methods of developing their business with a key ingredient being an ability to engage with the media and an audience though social and digital media.

The Cork Law Firm of the Year 2018 is Sweeney Solicitors

The Cork Accountancy Firm of the Year 2018

This award seeks to recognise the outstanding achievements of an Accountancy firm in Cork – Our Winner tonight is a firm of dynamic and innovative Chartered Accountants, Registered Auditors and Business Advisers with a focus of the firm being on key personal engagement with their clients, both large and small. With the roots of the firm going back 25 years this year the firm takes a proactive approach with its clients and offer a dedicated personal service that ensures that the client is at the heart of their business.

The Cork Accountancy Firm of the Year 2018 is Paul O’ Donovan & Associates

The Cork Recruitment Company of the Year 2018

This award seeks to recognise a Recruitment company in Cork that has set itself apart from others – Our Winner tonight is a business that has a nationwide structure and strategy and with a focus on key sectors in the recruitment industry.

The Cork Recruitment Company of the Year 2018 is Stelfox Group

The Cork Catering Company of the Year 2018

This award seeks to recognise the outstanding abilities of a business in the catering sector. Our winner this evening is a business that is the leading event, contract and corporate catering company in Ireland and they manage 26 different employee restaurants across a variety of industries in addition to a range of very impressive client events including The Rose of Tralee Rose Ball.

The Cork Catering Company of the Year 2018 is Brook Food Services

The Cork Communications Company of the Year 2018

This award seeks to recognise a communications company in Cork whose work includes a range of services from public relations to crisis management amongst other roles – Our Winner tonight is a business that is steeped in the history of communicating with its audience and is led by a lady whose family experience of the sector spans over half century. No stranger to awards here or from other quarters for her business and scoring 3 in a row.

The Cork Communications Company of the Year 201 is AM O’ Sullivan PR

The Cork Photographer of the Year 2018

This award is all about image and as we know ‘every picture tells a story’. We are recognising a Cork photographer in this category. The award goes to man who is no stranger to many of us in business. His commercial photography and his style and wedding photography is stunning and he is in high demand throughout the year.

The Cork Photographer of the Year 2018 is Erich Stack Photography

The Cork Insurance Broker of the Year 2018

This award is all about a service to customers that is unique and customer focused for the ever changing insurance industry. The award goes to a business that prides itself on its dedication to its customers, both personal and corporate and as well as embracing the social media model of engagement with existing and new customer.

The Cork Insurance Broker of the Year 2018 is Mulcahy Insurances

The Cork Auctioneer of the Year 2018

This award is to recognise the achievements of an estate agency in Cork.
Our Winner tonight is again no stranger to innovation and pioneering new ways of bringing his industry forward. With offices in Midleton and serving East Cork and Cork, the business is also no stranger to awards. For the second year,

The Cork Auctioneer of the Year 2018 is Colbert & Co

The Cork Homes & Interiors Business of the Year 2018

This award is all about style and seeks to recognise the outstanding achievements of a business in this space. Our Winner tonight is a business very creative with colour and thought and prides themselves on ensuring that the very best style of painting and decorating is achieved for their private and corporate clients.

The Cork Homes & Interiors Business of the Year 2018 is McLoughlin & Son

The Cork Architect/Planner of the Year 2018

This award will recognise the achievements of an architectural firm in Cork. Our winner this evening is a business that looks to design in a way that seeks to embrace the unique in every project. They are a leading, award winning provider of architectural, planning and project solutions.

The Cork Architect/Planner of the Year 2018 is Meitheal Design Partners

The Cork Construction Company of the Year 2018

This award will recognise the achievements of a construction company in Cork whose work is exceptional. Our winner this evening is a business that knows a lot about what is stylish, different and has impact. Working with clients who may want a home extension, a home redesign or something more, they are this amazing one stop centre from design to turnkey that will certainly turn heads with their delivery and workmanship.

The Cork Construction Company of the Year 2018 is Sigma Homes

The Cork Credit Union of the Year 2018

This award will recognise a Credit Union in Cork. Our winner this evening is a Credit Union with a very large customer base that is so customer focused and embracing of new products and services for its members that it is one of the leading Credit Unions in Cork and Ireland.

The Cork Credit Union of the Year 2018 is Ballincollig Credit Union

The Cork IT/Technology/Digital Company of the Year 2018

This award will recognise a business that is making progress in a sector that is without doubt one that is relevant to every one of us. Our winner this evening is a global business with its base in Cork and a global network of offices serving a diverse range of customers and advising the very best on cyber security and threats to businesses, nations and people.

The Cork IT/Technology/Digital Company of the Year 2018 is Smarttech 247

The Cork Motor Dealer of the Year 2018

This award sees the Judges recognising a Motor Dealer in Cork that has set itself apart from others – Our winner this evening is a Kia, Citroen and Peugeot dealer for Cork and has expanded its business in recent years and won new customers because of its customer focus and attention to detail.

The Cork Motor Dealer of the Year 2018 is Mallow Road Motors

The Cork Golf Club of the Year 2018

To recognise a golf club in Cork that has set itself apart from others – Our winner this evening has developed a highly impressive 18 hole inland links course that was created by the renowned golf course designer Ron Kirby.

The Cork Golf Club of the Year 2018 is Castlemartyr Golf Resort

The Cork Jeweller of the Year 2018

This award honours a Cork Jeweller for their service, products and overall presence in the Cork market. Our winner this evening is now operating in their 6th decade and has one of the best known names in the jewellery business in Munster. His customer service awards over many years are well known and his loyal customers and new customers come to his beautiful store on Cork’s main street and we are delighted to see him with us this evening and wish him the very best in the time ahead.

The Cork Jeweller of the Year 2018 is Michel Jewellers and Tim Keane

The Cork Financial Services Firm of the Year 2018

This award is all about recognising a business in Cork that engages with its clients in a way that people trust it and respect it for what it offers them. Our winner this evening has an enviable reputation as one of Ireland’s best at what it does. With a diverse client base, their service is all about their clients and managing the finances and wealth of those clients.

The Cork Financial Services Firm of the Year 2018 is CWM Wealth Management

The Cork Garden Centre of the Year 2018

To recognise a Garden Centre in Cork that has is different, bustling with life and constantly evolving. Our winner this evening is a family run business that is constantly ‘doing things’. From musical events to supporting charitable causes in its premised BUT above all else, it is known far and wide for being an exceptional garden centre with a cafe and home made produce that people travel from all over Ireland to.

The Cork Garden Centre of the Year 2018 scoring three in a row is Griffins Garden Centre

The Cork Bank of the Year 2018

This award is to recognise a Bank in Cork that has engaged positively with the local business community and that offers a range of services that support business on a local to global basis. Our winner this evening has been chosen by the Judges on the basis of its positive engagement with its customers from a progressive perspective for business lending and diverse range of products and in particular for its people led branches that are back at the heart of the community with their customers

The Cork Bank of the Year 2018 for the third year in a row is AIB

The Cork Bank Branch of the Year 2018

This category is to recognise a Bank Branch in Cork city or county that is different and that offers something that inspires. Our winner this evening has been chosen by the Judges because it not only inspires but it sets a new standard for what should and will be a new approach to business growth and development from the banking sector in a community and our winners have a full service banking offering for their customers.

The Cork Bank Branch of the Year 2018 is KBC Wilton

The Cork Health & Fitness Business of the Year 2018

This award is all about recognising a business that puts the health, lifestyle and wellbeing of its clients first. Our winner this evening has set itself apart with an exceptional approach to health, fitness and encouragement for people to adopt new approaches to their wellbeing.

The Cork Health & Fitness Business of the Year 2018 is Studio Fitness

The Cork Fire Safety Company of the Year 2018

This award is to recognise a fire safety business in Cork that provides an exceptional service to the business community. Our winner is a business that promotes a culture among its customer in fire protection, detection, training, and consultancy.

The Cork Fire Safety Company of the Year 2018 is Safety Tech Fire

The Cork Security Company of the Year 2018

This award is all about recognising a Security company in Cork that has set itself apart from others in its sector. Our winner this evening is a security company that offers a wide range of security services from mobile patrol to CCTV and access control as well as a range of services that makes a difference to a business and its security.

The Cork Security Company of the Year 2018 is for the second year Crime Stoppers

The Cork Healthcare Business of the Year 2018

Our award this evening is to recognise a business in this sector that is different and has an approach to its specialty that sets it apart. Our winner this evening offers a World Class Dental Care service where General Dental and Orthodontic treatments are available from highly qualified medical professionals.

The Cork Healthcare Business of the Year 2018 isCork Dental Smiles

The Cork Audiology Business of the Year 2018

This award seeks to honour a business for their approach to their sector and their patients and hearing loss is something that is not age related. Our winner this evening has a deeply personal approach to their business and has three generations of patients that sing their praises.

The Cork Audiology Business of the Year 2018 is Lennox Hearing Care Centre

The Cork Cafe of the Year 2018

This award is to recognise a Cafe in any part of Cork that has set itself apart from its competition. Our winner this evening is all about food, catering and above all customer satisfaction. With stunning food and at very affordable prices.

The Cork Cafe of the Year 2018 is Lishh

The Cork Tyre Centre of the Year 2018

This award is to recognise a tyre centre that is different and goes that extra mile for its customers. Our winner this evening is all about service and doing the little things that make a big impact on a customer

The Cork Tyre Centre of the Year 2018 is Cost Plus Tyres

The Cork Arts & Entertainment Business of the Year 2018

To recognise a business in the area of providing a service to people that gives enjoyment. Our winner this evening is providing Cork, its children and large audiences with an exceptional service in the area of education in the form of dance and so much more and is one of the most loved schools in Cork among pupils, parents and its audience.

The Cork Arts & Entertainment Business of the Year 2018 is Cork School of Dance

The Cork Fashion Boutique of the Year 2018

This award is also about style and fashion and this year the Judges decided that it would award its fashion award in the wedding sector. Our winner this evening is Cork’s leading bridal boutique, accessory show and one stop location for the modern bride who wants something unique for her special day.

The Cork Fashion Boutique of the Year 2018 is Cinderellas Closet

The Cork Wedding Business of the Year 2018

This year the Judges have decided that there will be two awards in this category. Firstly, the award for The Wedding Gown Store of the Year 2018 and this goes to a store that has developed its business and clients with a unique approach to how its looks after its customers.

The Cork Fashion Boutique of the Year 2018 is Diamond Bridal

The Cork Wedding Services Business of 2018

The second award is for The Cork Wedding Services Business of 2018 and this award goes to a business that has everything that a stylish wedding should have and in addition the unique style of the owner that ensures that your special day will be ultra special.

The Cork Wedding Services Business of 2018 goes to To Have & To Hold

The Cork Hair Salon of the Year 2018

This award is to recognise a hair salon in Cork that is progressive and in high demand. Our winner this evening has built her business into a beautiful and sought after salon with a client base that spans age and location.

The Cork Hair Salon of the Year 2018 is Simone Best

The Cork Beauty Business of the Year 2018

This is all about beauty and recognising a beauty business in Cork that is different. Our winner prides themselves on being at the forefront of the beauty industry for over 10 years and continuing to build and develop their business.

The Cork Beauty Business of the Year 2018 is 5th Avenue

The Cork Laser/Skin Clinic of the Year 2018

This is all about attention to detail and building long term relationships with customers and providing an exceptional service. Our winner is all about being consistent and looking after its clients in a way that sees them returning frequently.

The Cork Beauty Business of the Year 2018 is Cork Laser Care

The Cork Aesthetic Clinic of the Year 2018

This award is all about devotion to your specialty and to the clients that become long term friends.Our winner has built a five star business model that is all about trust, honesty and care.

The Cork Aesthetic Clinic of the Year 2018 is Eden Medical

The Cork Hotel of the Year 2018

This award is to recognise an Hotel in Cork that is as attractive to the local audience as it is to an international clientele. Our winner this evening has brought a new style, grace and elegance to the hotel sector in Cork. Its business is local and global and from corporate to leisure and with an exceptional flair for a boutique and personal welcome.

The Cork Hotel of the Year 2018 is Montenotte Hotel

The Cork Wedding Venue of the Year 2018

This award is to recognise an Hotel in Cork that is one of the most popular wedding hotels in Cork. Our winner has invested in style to ensure that wedding couples have an exceptional experience with them.

The Cork Wedding Hotel of the Year 2018 is Oriel House Hotel

The Cork Restaurant of the Year 2018

This is always a very hotly contested category and our award tonight is to recognise the very best in food in Cork. Our winner this evening has always sought to push the boundaries and has recently completed a full refurbishment and is one of the most popular restaurants in Cork City.

The Cork Restaurant of the Year 2018 is The Cornstore.

The Cork Publication of the Year 2018

This award is to recognise one printed newspaper, magazine or publication in Cork that is exceptional in the service that it delivers to its readers and customers. Our winner this evening published a weekly newspaper that is both informative and investigative in its outlook and is always up to date with its news and gives Cork a product that everyone can read for free.

The Cork Publication of the Year 2018 for the third year in a row is The Cork Independent

The Cork Business Woman of the Year 2018

This award is to recognise the outstanding achievements of one business woman in Cork who has demonstrated exceptional ability in her business and proven that her desire to succeed is of great benefit to her business and the community and for her interest in assisting in other areas outside of her business. Our winner this evening is an accountant and a very inspiring lady whose interests are developing so many other sectors that have enormous benefit for her fellow business women.

The Cork Business Woman of the Year 2018 is Angela O’ Leary of AG Associates

The Cork Business Man of the Year of 2018

This award sets out to recognise a man for his outstanding achievements and for demonstrating exceptional ability in his business and his community. Our winner this evening is exceptional at hospitality and at promoting East Cork and Cork.

The Cork Business Man of the Year of 2018 is Stephen Belton of The Garryvoe Hotel and The Bayview Hotel Ballycotton

The Cork Business Duo of 2018

This award is all about working together as a team and the Judges want to recognise the outstanding achievements of one business couple in Cork whose drive and passion for their business is exceptional. Our winners this evening are involved in the arts and have an exceptional reputation in Cork for their hard work and dedication to their craft over many years. They have proven and demonstrated exceptional ability in working together as a dynamic duo, one very much to the fore publicly and one quietly supporting within the business.

The Cork Business Duo of 2018 are Catherine Mahon Buckley and Ted Mahon Buckley of CADA Performing Arts

The Cork Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2018

This award is about celebrating the achievements of someone young and dynamic whose business is emerging and growing. Our winner is a lady who has set about introducing world renowned techniques to her business.

The Cork Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2018 is Melanie O’ Driscoll of Elite Laser Aesthetics

The Cork Analytics/Marketing/Market Research Business of the Year 2018

This award is all about Analytics and Marketing in business. Our winner tonight has been established for over 30 years and has a proven track record in providing Business Management Software Solutions & Services and in particular World-Class Data Analytics & Analytics Solutions to their Irish and International Clients.

The Cork Analytics/Marketing/Market Research Business of the Year 2018 is ProStrategy

The Cork Business Services Firm of the Year 2018

This award is about acknowledging a Business Services Firm that has set itself apart from others. Our winner is a 100% Irish-owned business specialising in Plant and Tool Hire,Sales, VehicleRental, Service, Training and Refurbishment of Plant, Tools, DIY Equipment and Landscaping Equipment.

The Cork Business Services Firm of the Year 2018 is Hireco

The Anniversary Award 2018

This is all about celebrating with a business in Cork that is different and that has reached a milestone.Our winner celebrates 20 years in business this year and is in the heart of Glanmire Shopping Centre. One of the largest beauty salons in Cork with highly qualified therapists and always booked out!!

The Anniversary Award 2018 goes to Shirley’s

The East Cork Business of the Year 2018

East Cork is a place on the up with its fantastic beaches, businesses and opportunities. Our East Cork Business of the Year 2018 is a business helping so many others to achieve their aims.

The East Cork Business of the Year 2018 is ManLift Hire

The West Cork Business of the Year 2018

The beauty of West Cork is known the world over and on top of that the amount of innovative technology and other global companies based there would amaze you. Our winner tonight is exceptional in what they are doing for West Cork and Skibbereen with jobs and opportunities and growth.

The West Cork Business of the Year 2018 is Spearline and here is it’s Managing Director Ciara Lucy to accept the award.

The North Cork Business of the Year 2018

North Cork is a location full of tourism and business opportunities and our winner tonight sets new standards with her two businesses in the world famous village of Doneraile. Her cafe is renowned and the must go to place and her interiors business is sought out by local and global clients.

The North Cork Business of the Year 2018 goes toMyra Ryall of Cafe Townhouse and Townhouse Interiors

The Cork Customer Service Excellence Award 2018

This award is all about recognising an outstanding commitment to customer service in Cork. Our Winner tonight has received exceptional customer comment on its service from its business and residential customers.

The Cork Customer Service Excellence Award 2018 goes to SOS Binding

The Cork Team of the Year Award 2018

This is a new award this year and is all about recognising a Team in a business that makes the business what it is and delivers outstanding overall services to its many customers

The Cork Team of the Year Award 2018 goes to Audiology Medical Services

The Inspiring Award 2018

This is also a new award this year and is for someone inspiring in business. Our winner this evening has been chosen by the Judges because of her ability and determination in building and leading a variety of businesses in the health and fitness sector and a coffee house that is emerging as a possible nationwide chain as well as a new restaurant set to open at the end of this month. In addition she was chosen as Ireland’s Business Women of the Year 2018 by Network Ireland.

The Inspiring Award 2018 goes to Irene Twohig

The Chairman’s Award 2018

Our final award this evening is The Chairman’s Award 2018 and in selecting his award, John Minihan has decided that the award should go to a business making amazing inroads into developing the Cork market for people and companies. Its latest announcements have seen many new interesting locations added to its 2019 schedule and it is a facility that we in Cork are really lucky to have on our door step and must support it fully.

The Chairman’s Award 2018 goes to Cork Airport