In its 19th year, the Rémy Martin Cork Business Awards took place on the 24th of November at Clayton’s Hotel Silver Springs in Cork. Attended by 500 representatives from all sectors of the business community in the county, the awards ceremony provided a platform to showcase and acknowledge the exceptional efforts that contribute to Cork’s economic and civic prosperity.
In his welcoming speech, Michael Mulcahy highlighted Cork’s achievements and progress over the past year. He expressed gratitude to individuals and organisations for their efforts in promoting Cork positively. He also emphasised Business Cork’s commitment to promoting the region, attracting local and global investment, and fostering a unified community.
The CEO of Business Cork, Mary-Jane O’ Regan, said: “Congratulations to all of our award winners tonight. You really are outstanding at what you do and it is you and your teams that make Cork what it really is – a welcoming place to be and the best place to do business”.
The compères Miriam O’Callaghan and Alf McCarthy presented 60 awards to businesses from all sectors of the business community. The Headline Sponsors for the event were EHS International, Smart Office Automation and Mercedes Benz Cork.
Some of the notable moments from the evening included:
Guest of Honour:
As Ireland celebrates its 50th anniversary of membership in the European Union, Seán Kelly MEP graced the occasion with a powerful and moving speech.
The Hall of Fame Award for Services to the Media Industry in Cork:
Paul Byrne was awarded for 25 years of dedicated service to promoting Cork and the Southern Counties of Ireland.
The Hall of Fame Award for Services to the Civic Community of Cork:
Paddy O’Brien was recognized for his 70 years of dedicated service to the elderly in Cork, assisting them with respect, time, and listening to their needs.
The Lifetime Achievement Award 2023:
Michael Barry, Managing Director of Barry & Fitzwilliam and Rémy Martin, handed out the Award to Bob Seward, the retired army Captain of Óglaigh na hÉireann recipient of two United Nations peace medals, awarded for his service in the Congo in 1960 and in Cyprus in 1963. Bob also set up the Cork Academy of Music to promote music as a tool for social inclusion for young people and those needing a new focus in their lives.
The Cork Large Company of the Year 2023
PepsiCo received this award from Mercedes-Benz Cork’s General Manager, Liam Mullane. Brian Colgan, the Site Director at PepsiCo Little Island, received the award recognising the company as one of Cork’s best places to work, with ESG policies and community support programs.
The Cork Business Person of the Year 2023
Handed out by Founder and CEO of EHS International, Chris Mee, The Cork Business Person of the Year 2023 went to Patrick O’ Brien of Sigma Homes, a company renowned for redesigning and renovating family homes.
