What an amazing night on Saturday with honours for outstanding Cork business people and businesses at the awards night. Here are the Citations for each award and all images from the night will be available here on Wednesday November 13th and are free for everyone to use.
The Cork Customer Service Person of the Year 2019
A Cead Mile Failte is what visitors expect when they come to Cork and never more so when they visit the city centre. Exceptional local knowledge coupled with a visible passion for his job is why the judges have chosen this winner. Ladies and gentlemen our winner of The Cork Customer Service Person of the Year 2019 is John Coleman Concierge of The Metropole Hotel
The Cork City Employee of the Year 2019
There is a certain skill required to be bright and cheerful first thing, to service customers and help as part of a team to keep the standards of the business high. This category was a difficult one to judge but ladies and Gentlemen our award this evening goes to Patricia Galvin of Centra Little Island
The Cork City Retail Award 2019
Entering the Cork City Suburbs Market with an established brand in 2019, this store has won the hearts of local customers and continues to thrive. Pharmacies are the heart of small communities. Ladies and gentlemen the winner of the Cork City Retail Award 2019 is Cara Pharmacy Douglas
The Cork County Retail Award 2019
Evolving their offering constantly whilst still maintaining standards and catering to their local community is why the judges decided on this winner. From morning until late at night this store and their team are winners both for selection and service. Ladies and Gentlemen our Cork County Retail Award 2019 goes to Centra Little Island
The Cork Social Media Award 2019
Social Media Marketing is something that this group does extremely well. Informative and inviting are part of running a successful social media campaign in hospitality. Ladies and gentlemen the Cork Social Media Award 2019 this evening goes to The Talbot Collection
The Cork E-Commerce Award 2019
A New Retail Generation is what our next winner is endeavouring to create. Helping businesses not traditionally online to gain new customers and visibility. Ladies and gentlemen our winner of the Cork E Commerce Award is Little Island based NRG Store
The Cork Business Ambassador of 2019
If you crave a special meal or some casual dining our next winner can help you create a family occasion or a corporate meal with finesse, panache and one that caters to your every need. She is the perfect ambassador for hospitality. Ladies and Gentlemen our Cork Business Ambassador of 2019 is Mags O Connor of The Cornstore & CoqBull Restaurants
The Cork Small Business of the Year 2019
Headed into their third year in business our next winner is a family business serving homemade delights and excellent coffee to the workers and shoppers based in the heart of the city. If you want waffles this cafe is a must visit. Ladies and Gentlemen our Cork Small Business of the Year 2019 is Dulce Bunhouse
The Cork SME Company of the Year 2019
A highly educated caring team are the heart of this business. Welcoming many students from all over globe is their speciality and they have worked tirelessly to place their school, Cork, and Ireland on the world map as a high-quality centre of excellence for learning. Ladies and Gentlemen our Cork SME Company of the Year 2019 is ACET
The Cork Insurance Broker of the Year 2019
In business in Macroom for six decades our next winners’ goal is to help their clients make informed decisions and work for their clients, providing advice on the best options for their needs. Their goal is to support their clients interests and that they do.— Ladies and Gentlemen our Cork Insurance Broker of the Year 2019 is Mulcahy Insurances
The Cork Auctioneer of the Year 2019
Situated in the heart of East Cork with two branches in Midleton and Carrigtwohill our next winner is a young, innovative team with an unrivalled attention to detail. Your home is your most important and expensive investment and with this team your sale or letting is in the safest of hands. Ladies and Gentlemen our Cork Auctioneer 2019 is Colbert & Co
The Cork Laser/Skin Clinic of the Year 2019
Cutting edge technology, constant education and a sizeable growth in business in 2019 is the reason for our judges’ decision for our next winner. Investment in the best machines and products for the client’s comfort has always been a priority for this clinic. Ladies and gentlemen the winner of Cork Laser/Skin Clinic of the Year 2019 is Elite Laser Aesthetics
The Cork Aesthetic Clinic of the Year 2019
With a Headquarters in Cork our next winners have seen growth and investment in a new premises, as well as exemplary customer focused work. The team are friendly, the techniques precise and the Doctors professional. They have consistent five star google reviews and specialise in treating nervous patients. Ladies and Gentleman The Cork Aesthetic Clinic of the Year 2019 is Eden Medical
The Cork Credit Union of the Year 2019
Having a customer focus is usually a strong contributor to the overall success of a business and involves ensuring that all aspects of the company put its customer satisfaction first. A new website this year has taken this winner to the next level in serving their community. Ladies and Gentlemen the Cork Credit Union of the Year 2019 is Ballinlough Credit Union
The Cork Health & Fitness Business of the Year 2019
This business set a program to meet everyone’s needs, for ALL ages, levels of fitness and ability. They pride themselves on having the best experienced coaches who work with each member to make their gym time effective. With the recent introduction of a state-of-the-art Bike Row Ski facility they have proven that. Ladies and gentlemen The Cork Health & Fitness Business of the Year 2019 is Cross Fit Return
The Cork Cafe of the Year 2019
Simple ordinary food is how our next winner describes their fayre. Homemade, delicious and traditional is how our judges describe it. With a successful catering section to their booming café our next winner has certainly lived up to their name. Ladies and gentlemen The Cork Cafe of the Year 2019 is Lishh
The Cork City Hotel of the Year 2019
Overlooking our lovely River Lee our next winner is already a multi award winning property. With a revamped menu, gym and the perfect space for business or pleasure or even a relaxing spa treatment. Ladies and Gentlemen the winner of our Cork City Hotel of the year 2019 is The Kingsley Hotel
The Cork County Hotel of the Year 2019
Situated in the heart of the East Cork coastline our next winner overlooks the stunning Ballycotton bay. A property with old world charm and new world comfort as well as a comprehensive food and wine selection. Ladies and gentlemen The Cork County Hotel of the Year 2019 The Garryvoe Hotel
The Cork Foodie Hotspot of the Year 2019
Overlooking our beautiful city with unrivalled views and an AA rosette as well as a beautiful interior. From perfect cocktails to locally sourced, seasonal produce this hotel restaurant offers a dining experience that is as unique as it’s accommodation. Ladies and gentlemen the Cork Foodie Hotspot of the Year 2019 is Panorama at The Montenotte
The Cork Takeaway of the Year 2019
Operating in Cork since 1953 our next winner is consistent with food, customers and community involvement. With a City location on Tory Top Road and a county outlet in Midleton they have established themselves as one of Corks most Loved take outs. Ladies and gentlemen the winner of The Cork Takeaway of the Year 2019 is CF Lennox
The Cork Business Duo of the Year 2019
Fitness is big business in Cork, it takes a special dynamic, to work with your partner. She is the inspiring behind the scenes and front office genius and he is the innovative personal training powerhouse. Together they make up our Cork Business Duo of the Year 2019 Ladies and gentlemen the winners are – Marie Cattigan and Adam O Halloran of Studio Fitness
The Ballincollig Business of 2019 as sponsored by Ballincollig Credit Union
Established in 2003, our next winner is a firm of dynamic and innovative Chartered Accountants, Taxation and Business Advisors based in Munster with offices in both Cork and Kerry. They have grown their business consistently over the last number of years. Ladies and gentlemen our Ballincollig Business of 2019 Year 2019 is O Connor Pyne & Company
The South Cork Business of 2019 as sponsored by SOS Binding
Already a multi award winning salon located in Cork’s suburbs, the team here really know how to roll out the red carpet for their customers. Retail accounts for 30 percent of her business and a superb attitude gives this salon the edge. Ladies and Gentlemen the South Cork business of 2019 is Simone Best
The Cork Wedding Venue of the Year 2019
Five-star style as well as excellent guest relations means that our next winner was a natural choice. The grounds make for stunning scenery and the events and wedding teams work so hard to ensure a seamless experience for the couple and their guests alike. Ladies and Gentlemen The Cork Wedding Venue of the Year 2019 is Castlemartyr Resort
The Cork Bar of the Year 2019
Putting Cork on the map for fine ales and hardy stout brewing is our next winners forte. They have recently added a gin to their award-winning collection of drinks made in Cork. Add to this a vibrant sports bar and some great casual dining options and you have the ingredients for success. Ladies and Gentlemen our winner of the Cork Bar of the year 2019 is Rising Sons Brewery
The Midleton Business of 2019 as sponsored by Colbert & Co
The heart of the community is almost always a retail business, none moreso than the pharmacy. This independently run pharmacy in Midleton, Co Cork provides the best in professional healthcare & advice as well as beauty products and services. Ladies and Gentlemen the Midleton Business of the year 2019 is the newly renovated Murphy’s Pharmacy
The Carrigtwohill Business of 2019 as sponsored by Colbert & Co
Our next winners are popular not only with builders and architects, but increasingly with gardeners and home improvement enthusiasts. Their range provides a wide choice of natural colours and textures. Couple this with outstanding skill and service. Ladies and gentlemen the winner of The Carrigtwohill Business of 2019 is Power Aggregates
The Cork New Business of the Year Award 2019
The judges have decided to make two awards in this category this year as the standard of entries was so high.
OUR FIRST AWARD
Our winners are a truly inspiring couple who first started producing Palestinian food in Cork at farmer’s markets. This Palestinian couple who along with their four children spent a year and a half in Direct Provision and have now opened one of Cork’s most exciting new restaurants on George’s Quay. The couple got a hand from Darina Allen when they first started producing Palestinian food in Cork at farmer’s markets. Ladies & Gentlemen, please welcome our winners Izz and Eman Alkarajeh
OUR SECOND AWARD
Our second award in the category of The Cork New Business of the Year 2019 is also in the food sector which emphasises the key role that Cork holds for great places to eat. With their unique approach to their new restaurant and its outstanding success since opening, Ladies & Gentlemen, please welcome our winners Burnt Pizza
The Cork Business Man of the Year of 2019
As Managing Director of Ireland’s leading contract catering company with a presence in some of Ireland’s most innovative companies and catering for some of the most prestigious events in all parts of Ireland, this man leads a business and a large team that is exceptional and outstanding in its field. Ladies & Gentlemen, The Cork Business Man of the Year of 2019 is Kieran Callinan of Brook Foods
The Cork Business Woman of the Year of 2019
As Founder & CEO of Cork’s leading communications businesses, this woman leads a team that looks after the communications of some of the leading companies and organisations in Cork. With an impressive track record in here field as well as an outstanding civic contribution to Cork including her chairing of the Friends of Crumlin Ball for the past two years, Ladies & Gentlemen, The Cork Business Woman of the Year of 2019 – Ann-Marie O’ Sullivan of AM O’ Sullivan PR
The Cork Large Company of the Year 2019
Our winners tonight are global leaders in the design and manufacture of Industrial Automation, Process Automation and Building Automation Solutions and are part of a world-wide group that was founded 70 years ago in 1949. There Cork facility is the European Headquarters of the Group and was founded 22 years ago. Ladies & Gentlemen, The Cork Large Company of the Year 2019 is Horner Ireland and please welcome its Operations Manager for Ireland Brenda Cooper
The Cork Communications Company of the Year 2019
With a long track record in public relations, strategic communications and crisis management, our winner this evening has been running her own business for 5 years now and with the input of her expert team and the advice of her well known father whose career spans close to 60 years in the sector, her firm is the leading communications business in Cork with global and local clients. She is no stranger to awards as we know and for her third year in a row as The Cork Communications Company of the Year 2019, please welcome Ann-Marie O’ Sullivan of AM O’ Sullivan PR
The Cork Accountancy Firm of the Year 2019 – Paul O’ Donovan & Associates
Our Winner tonight is a firm of dynamic and innovative firm of Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers with a key range of services aimed at long term relationship satisfaction for their clients. Their start up business package for new businesses and their MBO services have impressed the judges this year. Ladies & Gentlemen The Cork Accountancy Firm of the Year 2019 and for a second year in a row is Paul O’ Donovan & Associates
The Cork Law Firm of the Year 2019
Our Winner tonight has developed and expanded their law practice to become one of the leading firms in Ireland South and a force to be reckoned with also in Dublin with their full time office there also. Starting out 21 years ago, the founder has developed the business in those years specialising in a range of areas and having written books of specialist subjects. Ladies & Gentlemen, The Cork Law Firm of the Year 2019 is Holohan Lane
The Cork Construction Company of the Year 2019
There are builders and there are builders as we all know but our winner tonight is not just a builder, they are an all embracing firm of specialists that offer a one stop and fully inclusive service for their clients. Their innovative designs and their quality work is the talk of the nation and literally no job is too big or small for this team. Ladies & Gentlemen, The Cork Construction Company of the Year 2019 is Sigma Homes
The Cork Tyre Centre of the Year 2019
Service, service, its all about the service that we give our customers is what the founder of this business has said and for close to 35 years, he and his team of experts have been providing safety advice and tyre services to an ever expanding customer base in their now four locations across the city and county. Ladies & Gentlemen, no stranger to winning this award and always because they are the best in Cork at what they as The Cork Tyre Centre of the Year 2019 is Dessies Tyres
The Ones to Watch 2019
A new category this year and this is all about young people, their abilities and their future for themselves and for Cork. Our winner is a rising star involved in customer service in what is regarded as Cork’s best coffee shop and cafe, but this award is for his outstanding ability as a DJ and for his great ability to entertain and gain the mood of his audience and his ability to go global with this skill. Ladies & Gentlemen, The Award for the Ones to Watch 2019 goes to Paul Twohig
The Lifetime Achievement Award 2019
Our recipient of the special Rémy Martin Cork Business Lifetime Achievement Award 2019 is the owner of this unusual farm. But not just that. You see, he is a serial entrepreneur and his business interests range from that farm to a vineyard in Hungary, a classic boutique and very glamorous Bed & Breakfast which he runs together with his wife, he hosts a major music festival on his land and more recently special Retreats to nourish not just the body but the mind and spirit too. He has also served in the Gardai, he can landscape your garden professionally. As the cliché goes but in h this case it is true, there really is no end to his talents. As Ireland’s first major deer farmer, he now has close to 1,000 deer and 350 wild boar and 150 goats on his lands in Mitchelstown and is Ireland’s leading producer
of venison and wild boar meat. On the Mindfulness front, he actually discovered this practice when he was only eight years old and today he will tell you that it has been a most wonderful support to him as he wove this varied and challenging tapestry throughout his life so far. Today it is no less significant than earlier and if you visit his B &B you will find in the grounds the most marvellous physical expression of this way of life, a Mindfulness Garden. A sacred place which can lead you on to the path of forgiveness, of understanding, of forging a closer connection with nature. Ladies and gentlemen, it is indeed a great pleasure for me to present this award because his interests are very closely aligned with mine. The Rémy Martin Cork Business Lifetime Achievement Award 2019 goes to Patrick Mulcahy, otherwise known as the Mindful Farmer
The Judges Special Merit Award 2019
Our winner tonight has been chosen because their business has a belief in giving back to the Cork community that they are based in. They regularly host great event that support local groups and their own business is an outstanding example of good leadership and great customer service. Ladies & Gentlemen The Judges Special Merit Award 2019 goes to Margaret Griffin of Griffins Garden Centre Dripsey
The Cork Media Person of the Year 2019
With outstanding people in all forms of media across our city and county, we are blessed with great national and local newspapers, national and local radio stations and a host of other key media businesses here in Cork. Our winner tonight has been chosen because he has demonstrated an outstanding ability to engage with his audience, an empathy with his listeners and an appetite for delving into topics that will always benefit Cork. In the week that we lost Ireland’s greatest ever broadcaster, our winner tonight is a son of Cork whose proud to always look for the best in people so that his show can always support them, their causes and Cork. Ladies & Gentlemen The Cork Media Person of the Year 2019 is PJ Coogan of The Opinion Line on 96FM
The Little Island Business of 2019 as sponsored by AG Associates
Our winner tonight is a relatively new business to our great area which is Cork’s and Ireland’s largest business district. He and his wife have established a very stylish business that not only sells great product but in turn promotes Little Island so well with all his advertising and social media posts. Ladies & Gentlemen, The Little Island Business of 2019 is Living Dreams and please welcome Kieran and Louise Barry to accept the award
The North Cork Business of the Year 2019
This award is to recognise a business In North Cork that has set itself apart from others in its local and regional environment. Our Winner tonight is all about beautiful food and service and providing an environment in a growing tourism area that attracts some of the highest numbers to a village in any part of Ireland and her work in promoting one of Ireland’s greatest tourist attractions is also reflected in this award. Ladies & Gentlemen – The North Cork Business of the Year 2017 goes to Myra Ryall of Cafe Townhouse in Doneraile and for the great Doneraile Court
The Cork Bank of the Year 2019 & The Cork Bank Branch of the Year 2019
This year our judges have decided to combine the awards for The Cork Bank of the Year 2019 and The Cork Bank Branch of the Year 2019 because the person that they want to recognise is a person in the bank and who manages her branch and exemplifies the true spirit of what relationship banking is all about and what the future of local banking will embody. Ladies & Gentlemen The Cork Bank of the Year 2019 is AIB and The Cork Bank Branch of the Year 2019 Is AIB Little Island and please welcome the Branch Manager Marguerite O’ Donovan
