The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Michael McGrath TD was the keynote speaker for the event and spoke positively about Cork, business and the ongoing supports that government will give to the local and national business community.
OUR RECIPIENT THIS EVENING FOR THE INAUGURAL LEADERSHIP AWARD 2022 SERVED AS THE CHIEF OF DEFENCE, MEMBER OF THE EU MILITARY COMMITTEE AND THE IRISH GOVERNMENT’S PRINCIPAL MILITARY ADVISOR FOR SIX YEARS AND WAS THE FIRST NAVAL OFFICER TO HOLD THE POSITION AND THE LONGEST SERVING IRISH DEFENCE CHIEF IN OVER 50 YEARS.
ON RETIREMENT AFTER OVER FORTY EIGHT YEARS SERVICE, HE LAUNCHED GREEN COMPASS ADVISING ON THE COMPLEXITIES OF TODAY’S STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENT.
AS CHAIR OF THE ADVISORY COUNCIL OF THE AZURE FORUM FOR CONTEMPORARY SECURITY STRATEGY, HE HOLDS A PHD IN OCEAN GOVERNANCE AND A MASTERS IN GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC POLICY, SPECIALISING IN, DIVERSITY, SUSTAINABILITY AND LEADERSHIP.
HE IS AN ADJUNCT PROFESSOR OF LAW AT UNIVERSITY COLLEGE CORK, A BOARD MEMBER OF SAGE ADVOCACY AND COUNCIL CHAIR AND BOARD MEMBER OF THE IRISH MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE.
HE IS A DISTINGUISHED TOP GRADUATE OF EACH OF HIS SENIOR COMMAND AND STAFF COURSES AT THE US NAVAL WAR COLLEGE, IRISH MILITARY COLLEGE AND THE ROYAL NAVAL COLLEGE GREENWICH.
HE IS ONE OF ONLY TWO RECIPIENTS OF TWO DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MEDALS (DSM), ONE WITH DISTINCTION AND ONE WITH HONOUR.
LADIES & GENTLEMEN, PLEASE WELCOME THE RECIPIENT OF THE LEADERSHIP AWARD 2022 – VICE ADMIRAL MARK MELLETT
Ladies & gentlemen.
I am Bill Holohan, and I was and am the proud recipient of last year’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Therefore I was honoured to be invited to present to you the citation from the Judging Panel of The Rémy Martin Cork Business Awards 2022, for the recipient of this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award, Robin O’Sullivan.
Robin O’Sullivan is one of the most recognisable members of the Irish business community – and for good reason. A fixture on the Cork and national business scene for over 60 years, Robin has been and is a mentor and a confidant of clients, friends, business partners, politicians and the man or woman in the street.
An Honorary Life Fellow of the Public Relations Institute of Ireland, he has been a Public Relations practitioner since 1969.
This followed twelve years as a journalist and broadcaster with The Cork Examiner and R.T.E.
Robin’s vision was that a world-class business supporting global and national brands across Ireland could be based in Cork so in 1981 he established O’Sullivan Public Relations Limited. The consultancy quickly developed a nationwide reputation with a steadily-growing client portfolio that included local authorities, the dairy industry, and leading companies in the pharmaceutical, industrial and high-tech sectors.
Robin participated in the establishment of Ireland’s first licenced local television station – Cork Multi-Channel – as a director and presenter from 1985 to 1988, where he became affectionately known as ‘yer man from de multi.”
Robin’s full list of achievements would fill a newspaper, but I will just give your some of the edited headlines. He is:
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- a Past President of Cork Chamber of Commerce AND Chambers Ireland, in the same year, (2005-2006);
- a former director of the Board of the National Consumer Agency,
- a former director of the Board of Bishopstown Credit Union,
- a Past President of the Rotary Club of Cork Bishopstown,
- a Board member of the Irish Film Board;
- the Director of the Cork Film Festival,
- a member of the Cork Group of the Institute of Personnel Management,
- a member of the Joint Labour Committee for the Soft Drinks Industry,
- a Life Fellow of the Public Relations Institute of Ireland and
- a Consultant with AM O’Sullivan PR.
Robin is some man for just one man.
BTW those are just the headlines from the early morning edition. Evening edition headlines will be delivered at some other time.
I have had the enormous pleasure and the privilege to have known and respected Robin for many years, not just because he’s bigger than me, as well as being better looking than most of you, but because he’s some man for just one man, in every possible way, in heart, in mind, in generosity, in body, in spirit and in soul, and like everyone in this room, I have and I continue to admire, respect, and look up to him.
Needless to say, in Cork we never like fellas to get too much praise, in case “de auld noggin gets a bit swelled up, loike”, but there is no danger of that with Robin; his innate modesty would never allow that to happen.
Robin, it is not that you stand tall and lord it over us, but as we lawyers would say, you are primus inter pares, a giant and a first amongst equals.
Robin, please accept the 2022 Cork Business Awards Lifetime Achievement Award.
The Spirit of Cork Award has only been bestowed on four recipients in the past twenty years, including Dr. Edward Kiely, the late Bill O’ Herlihy, Paddy O’ Brien and Dr. Paul Colton.
Our recipients tonight are receiving the award for their exceptional courage and positivity in life as Cork’s miracle boys since their birth as conjoined twins 13 years ago, sharing vital organs, and their successful separation by the renowned Cork born Dr. Edward Kiely and his multi disciplinary team in Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital 12 years ago in a 14 hour operation.
Having endured 62 surgeries so far in their young lives and with a lot of ongoing medical care and therapies needed each week, these boys inspire people, young and not so young in everything that they do, and in the way that they get on with life where nothing stops them in their education, their sports and their love for their family and everyone around them. Their incredible appetite for life has seen them progress from primary school to second level school later this year and just recently they brought back 6 medals including one gold from the Disabled Sports England Junior Championships in Coventry. The boys have an ambition to become Irish Paralympians and we have no doubt that these ‘little fighters’ will do just that, as they should, and nothing should ever stop them from achieving their goals and dreams.
Their Mum Angie and their family are their inspiration and their guidance and all of us here in Cork are hugely proud, supportive and protective of these amazing boys.
Ladies & Gentlemen, it gives me immense pleasure to confirm that The Spirit of Cork Award 2022 goes to Hassan and Hussein Benhaffaf.
I am so delighted that Michael Mulcahy has come up with this great initiative, The Heart of Cork Award 2022 which is an award to be bestowed each year by Cork Penny Dinners on a person or organisation that is very special to us, and that helps and supports them in exceptional ways.
2022 is the inaugural year of the award and the recipient chosen is a man so special to Cork Penny Dinners because of his generosity, kind heartedness, caring and understanding approach, and not just to Cork Penny Dinners, but to so many people that he comes in contact with. He is always there with a helping hand and a listening ear to see what he can do to support people. He understands the suffering that people go through.
Moving to Cork in 1996 from his native Tehran in Iran, he is best known to all of us as the man who owns the lovely Il Padrino restaurant on Cook Street. He looks after all the Cork Penny Dinners volunteers in his restaurant with a beautiful annual meal and he sends food to Cork Penny Dinners each week and he provides Christmas dinners to the centre over the Christmas holiday period.
He is a humble man and believes in giving back and his heart is as large as his character is and it is a great honour for me and for everyone associated with Cork Penny Dinners to present the wonderful Peyman Nasser with the inaugural, The Heart of Cork Award 2022
The Business Cork Special Merit Award For Excellence in Health Care Management 2022
Presented to –
Mr John O’Mahoney
Business Cork is proud to present Mr John O’Mahoney CEO Nazareth Care with the Business Cork Special Merit Award for Excellence in Health Care Management 2022 in recognition of his phenomenal contribution to the Nursing Home Sector and the care of the elderly.
John’s long and distinguished management career evolved from hotel management as CEO the Great Southern Hotels group to Healthcare management with Nazareth Care. Over the past fifteen years John has successfully overseen the redevelopment and merger of seven independent Nursing Home facilities nationwide into a group structure catering for 530 residents.
The 120 bed Nazareth House facility in Mallow has set the standard for Residential Nursing Home Care in Ireland, the state-of-the-art facilities providing high-quality person-centred care, where residents feel happy, secure, comfortable and valued epitomising the core values of the Sisters of Nazareth – Compassion / Hospitality/Love/Respect/Patience and Justice.
John has shown tremendous sectoral leadership in embracing the challenges associated with HIQA & RQAI regulation while striking the right balance between the Duty of Care and the Business of Care. His commitment to the sector is both admired and widely acknowledged amongst his colleagues . In recognising John we also recognise the sector as a whole and the challenges associated with COVID over the past two years.
Although John is retiring from his position as CEO in the New Year, I am sure he will continue to make a contribution to the sector.
Congratulations to Tim Keane and his Team at Michel Jewellers have celebrated 60 years in business. Michel Jewellers was established in 1961 and celebrated its 60th anniversary last year, but because of the pandemic Business Cork was not able to recognise the occasion, and is delighted to be able to do so this year. Michel Jewellers is located at 116 Saint Patrick Street in Cork city and is a stockist of some of the most exclusive and unique pieces of jewellery and brands for every occasion. Congratulations Tim
We delighted to be honouring K O’Connell Fish Merchants tonight as they celebrate their 60th Anniversary of serving the people of Cork and Ireland with fresh seafood. Established in Cork’s English Market in 1962, Kay O’Connell Fish Merchants has earned a great reputation for doing the simple things well. The founder, Kay O’Connell’s commitment to supplying quality fish meant daily trips to Castletownbere on the Beara Peninsula in West Cork, a good three hour drive away from the city centre. Often she took her then two small sons, Pat and Paul, with her to learn how to recognise great quality local fish and seafood. Today the family continue that commitment to quality and that is why restaurants and the public alike still come to K O’Connell’s to buy great fish. Congratulations to K O’ Connell’s on your 60th anniversary
We are delighted to honour McCarthy Insurance Group as they celebrate their 70th Anniversary this year. Founded by in 1952 by the late Charlie and Eily McCarthy, who started off by selling insurance from the front room of their home in Fitzgerald Place, Fermoy, County Cork, McCarthy Insurance Group has successfully grown and developed into one of Ireland’s largest impartial insurance brokers with over 200 employees and 16 offices throughout Ireland and is led today by the son of the founders, Charles McCarthy as Chairman and Executive Director Paul Kavanagh. Congratulations McCarthy Insurance Group on your 70th anniversary
We are delighted to acknowledge The Metropole Hotel Cork whose 125th anniversary occurs this year. Part of Trigon Hotels, The Metropole is as impressive today as it was when it was founded and when stars from around the world came to Cork and stayed there. It has never lost its charm and elegance and is renowned for always remembering the great events and especially weddings of years past that people celebrated there. Congratulations to The Metropole Hotel on your 125th anniversary
Our Team Award this year for a Cork county business goes to a Mallow based business. In business for over 25 years, they have developed and expanded over the years and now holds its place as one of the industry leaders in Ireland in its sector. Their experience in each market provides them with the skills and knowledge to print premium labels for any brand, be it a small independent business or a multinational business, and all through a dedicated team that ensures that every client and their satisfaction is what is key to the success of the business. Ladies & Gentlemen, The Rémy Martin Cork City Team Award 2022 goes to Munster Labels
Our Team Award this year for a Cork city business goes to a business and team based on South Mall that provides a service with the highest level of integrity, expertise and professionalism through a multi disciplinary team with expertise in auctioneering, lettings, property management and financial services. Their team ethos is all about integrity, honesty, seeking solutions, getting results and all through teamwork. Ladies & Gentlemen, The Rémy Martin Cork City Team Award 2022 goes to ERA Downey McCarthy
We are delighted to be honouring another great Cork company Asbestaway this evening for its 20th anniversary and just as its founders retire from the business as it passes to new ownership. Over twenty years ago, Adrian Behan took the very difficult decision to up roots and walk away from a very successful business in Zimbabwe and move to Ireland where the industrial outlook for entrepreneurs was promising. Adrian saw an opening in the Asbestos Removals and Disposals business and in 2002 Asbestaway was born. The biggest success for Adrian in those 20 years has to be the day he decided to hire Marie to help manage the office, the employees and more importantly the clients. Marie is normally the first contact that a client has with the business. It is her kind voice that offers the clients advice and in particular her description of how to wrap asbestos sheets – “Wrap them like you are wrapping a Brown Thomas gift for your wife!!”. Marie hails from South Africa and came to Ireland to seek a new adventure. When she joined Asbestaway all those years ago she didn’t realise that one day Adrian and herself would become Mr and Mrs Beahan. They are a wonderful and kind-hearted couple who love their families and friends dearly. They have brought a real family spirit to the business and the employees are like children to them. In less than a months time, Marie and Adrian are retiring from the business and are looking forward to travelling abroad back to their homelands to visit family and friends and we wish both of them a very happy and wonderful retirement. Asbestaway employees will miss you both dearly and we hope that this 20 years in Business Anniversary Award is a fitting tribute to your very hard work and dedication to Asbestaway Ireland Ltd. Ladies & Gentlemen, please welcome Marie and Adrian Behan
Our recipient this evening has been a communications professional for almost 35 years. In 2015 she founded her own public relations company and was named PR Agency of the Year at the national PR Awards. She was conferred with the title of Life Fellow of the Public Relations Institute of Ireland in December 2020, the highest honour the Institute can bestow on a member. She is on the board of a number of charitable, educational and commercial organisations and is the Current chair of the UCC Alumni. She was elected as EMEA President of IPREX, the global network of independent communication agencies this year and next 2022 she will take on the role of IPREX Global President. Ladies & Gentlemen, The Rémy Martin Cork Business Person of the Year 2022 is Ann-Marie O’Sullivan of AM O’Sullivan PR
Our recipient this year is someone that has quietly focused on promoting Cork in many different ways. From leading the organisation where he is Managing Partner and Head of Strategy and Transactions, his firm recently announced 900 new roles across its Island of Ireland business with a substantial number of these in Cork. He is instrumental in promoting Cork and believes that Cork has a strong opportunity to become a complementary location to Dublin, His firm is the lead sponsor of the Cork Chamber Dublin Dinner that Cork Chamber hosts each year in Dublin and which attracts the attention of many national and international companies who see Cork as a place of opportunity for their growth. Ladies & Gentlemen, The Rémy Martin Cork Business Ambassador of 2022 is the Managing Partner of EY in Cork, John Higgins
Our next winner is a young ambitious woman that turned a passion into a successful business. Energy, motivation and the ability to connect with her clients is the reason that her young business is going from strength to strength. We cannot wait to see what comes next. Ladies and Gentlemen The Rémy Martin One to Watch 2022 is Gigi D’Aveliz
We are delighted to honour Waterstone Clinic and its Founder Dr John Waterstone tonight on their 20th anniversary. With an ethos and goal – ‘for you to have the family you want’ at the core of its care centric model, Waterstone Clinic provides a range of tests, services and procedures that are evidence-based and performed to the highest standard. Waterstone clinic has an international reputation for success and exceptional care. It is a family-run, Irish-owned, and independent clinic with experienced clinicians and with clinics in Dublin, Kildare, Limerick, Waterford and its Cork clinic in the beautifully restores Lotamore House in Tivoli. Congratulations Dr John Waterstone and Waterstone Clinic
We are delighted to honour Ireland’s largest independent premium drinks company Barry & Fitzwilliam as they celebrate their 40th Anniversary this year. With an impressive portfolio of the world’s leading wines, spirits and beers including Rémy Martin, Tia Maria, Cointreau, Villa Maria, Graham Norton’s Wines and Gins, the Kylie Minogue range and the Sara Jessica Parker range amongst many others, the family business has developed from its 1982 founding by Michael and Kathleen Barry to the large national business that it is today. Congratulations Michael and Kathleen
We are delighted to honour Demesne Electrical in Little Island as they celebrate their 45th Anniversary this year. They are Ireland’s leading independent distributor, importer of industrial electrical components. They have put customer service at the heart of our business, put faith in our people and been rewarded with over four decades of consistent business growth. Congratulations on your 45th anniversary Demesne Electrical
We are delighted to honour CADA Performing Arts and it’s founder Catherine Mahon Buckley and her husband Ted and their team as they celebrate their 35th Anniversary this year. With so many international starts of stage and screen having passed through CADA and with Catherine as the Grand Dame of Panto in Cork with the Christmas Panto each year in The Everyman, Catherine and Ted can be hugely proud of all their have achieved in CADA. Congratulations CADA on your 35th anniversary
This firm was founded by its female owner on a philosophy of expertise delivered through simplicity for its clients. With an impressive client base of businesses of all sizes, its personal service and diverse range of skills of its team has led it to receive many awards for its services and attention to detail for its clients. Ladies & Gentlemen The Rémy Martin Cork Accountancy Firm of 2022 is AG Associates
We are delighted to honour Horner Ireland this evening on their 25th anniversary in Ireland. Horner are global leaders in the design and manufacture of factory automation control solutions and are part of the world-wide Horner Electric Group that was founded 73 years ago in 1949 and have been designing PLC’s, Communication Products, HMI’s and their related products since the early 1980’s. Horner Ireland is the European Headquarters of the Group and is led by a team and its management that is hugely supportive of Cork. Congratulations Horner Ireland and Brenda Cooper
We are delighted to recognise CyberColloids this evening which is a Carrigaline based company that was developed in 2002 from a vision to form a global centre of excellence for hydrocolloids. CyberColloids is a unique organisation devoted to bringing hydrocolloid innovation to industry with a view to enable companies to cost effectively add value through research and development and through its own dedicated laboratory facilities. The company has a global client base that reaches across Europe, USA, South America, India and South East Asia. Congratulations Ross Campbell and CyberColloids on your 20th anniversary.
Our next winner was nominated by her employer for her utter dedication to her customers and colleagues. She is described as 100 percent loyal, conscientious and committed to the business and has delivered on every single aspect of her role continuously. Ladies and Gentlemen the Remy Martin Cork Customer Care Award 2022 goes to Anne Sloane from Clonakilty Pharmacy
Our next winner is a Cork business which has seen a massive growth in recent years , and has seen the clinical lead open eight further clinics all over Ireland. Specialising in non invasive aesthetic treatments with the highest standards in training and patient care, Ladies and Gentlemen the The Remy Martin Cork Aesthetic Clinic of the Year 2022 is Eden Medical
Our next anniversary business recipient is herself an icon in great hairdressing. She is one of Ireland’s most respected stylists and she has trained with some of the leading brands and people ,but keeps her feet firmly behind the chair in her own salon, where her ethos is fabulous hair, memorable service and long lasting friendships. A dedicated professional and a genuinely phenomenal woman, Ladies and Gentlemen please welcome Valerie Finnegan of Ikon Hair to the stage to collect her award for 25 years in business.
An entrepreneurial spirit with a good head for innovation makes our next winner a force to be reckoned with. Already a seasoned marketer with eight solid years of working internationally with prestigious brands under her belt, her recent return to Ireland saw her take up the reins of one of Cork’s most prolific businesses as director of Sales and Marketing. Since then she has reimagined their digital strategy and managed to get the brand s portfolio of businesses recognised front and centre in the global digital space Ladies and Gentlemen The Rémy Martin Cork Business Influencer of 2022 is Saoirse McCabe of Cork Heritage pubs
A stunning seascape is the backdrop to our next winners property. Delicious Food, an incredible wine selection and an enviable Ballroom are just some of the advantages of hosting a wedding in our next winners hotel. A multi award winning wedding team, as well as an experienced group of hospitality staff in front of house is why so many couples entrust this property with their biggest and most special day. Ladies and Gentlemen The Rémy Martin Cork Wedding Hotel of 2022 is Garryvoe Hotel
Our award this evening goes to a new business in this sector and yet it brings almost 90 years of experience and expertise to its new operation on Cork City’s business boulevard of South Mall, and to add to its credentials, it now has not just one estate agency office but two for the one firm in our city, and with offices in Cork, Dublin, and Belfast, it also confirmed it has just become the exclusive Irish affiliate of one of the world’s most prestigious brands in property for its residential arm, which is a brand first founded 278 years ago in 1744 in London and is today a multinational corporation headquartered in New York City and with 1000 offices in 40 countries, which Ireland and Cork is now part of. Its experienced team is now led by its Director who is well known in Cork property circles as he takes on the role of director and head of residential at the firm. Ladies & Gentlemen, The Rémy Martin Cork Estate Agents of 2022 are Lisney Sotheby’s International Realty
Congratulations to Francis and Mary Lennox on their 15th anniversary of Lennox Hearing Care Centre. Francis celebrates 35 years in the healthcare sector and 15 years in private practice with his wife Mary leading their team in their family run business that provides hearing aids, free hearing tests and deals with hearing aid grants for the people of Cork. With an outstanding reputation for care of their patients, they are based at 27 Patrick’s Quay, Cork and they also run a range of clinics across Cork, Kerry and Waterford. Congratulations Mary and Francis Lennox
We are delighted this evening to honour Cork company Post Formed Systems which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. A family owned company. It was founded in 1982 by Eddie Connolly. Based in a dedicated facility in Ballincollig it has grown to serve the major construction companies and smaller customers across Ireland and the UK. It is a leading supplier of washroom suites and serves the specialised medical market as well as the high-end office, industrial and public building markets. Its products are plumbing ducts, cubicles and vanity units and it also makes shower rooms and changing rooms for commercial and industrial buildings. Ladies & Gentlemen, congratulations to Post Formed Systems on their 40th anniversary
Amy Michelle Our next winner is a thriving city salon with a growing team and a phenomenal woman at the helm. An expert in retailing, extensions and with a new business launching soon Ladies and Gentlemen our Remy Martin Cork City salon of the year 2022 is Amy Michelle Hairdressing.
A leap of faith in business to open solo has really paid off for our next winner. Already an award winning young entrepreneur, her reputation and skills behind the chair are both creative and noteworthy Ladies and Gentlemen our winner of the Remy Martin Cork County Salon of 2022 is Salon 28
A smart location with classes, a commercial gym and personal training our next winner excels in keeping their members engaged and their gym a place of welcome as well as workouts. Already an award winning team and business they have renovated and reimagined the gym over the last few years and adapted to the ever changing fitness landscape. Ladies and Gentlemen our winners The Remy Martin Corks Best Gym 2022 is Studio Fitness
Our next winner is a multi-site health,fitness and wellness business. With 50 employees from personal trainers, to a dedicated front of house team and physiotherapists, their core focus is their clients. Their business has grown exponentially over the number of years and yet they maintain standards and keep that family feel we all like in a gym. Ladies and Gentlemen the winner of the Remy Martin Best Multi Site Health, Wellness and Fitness business 2022 is Dennehys Health & Fitness
Celebrating its 10th anniversary as Cork’s leading security company with clients all over Ireland, this company has an impressive standard across its range of services and work with some of the biggest names in multiple sectors as well as the SME sector where its services are always in demand. Congratulations to Crime Stoppers on your 10th anniversary
We are delighted to recognise Brook Foods tonight for their 15th anniversary. Ireland’s leading contract catering company with a presence in some of the biggest companies in the country operating their modern canteens and restaurants and with external catering contracts for some of the biggest events in the country and now as part of the billion pound Baxter Storey group, Brook Foods continues to develop and expand. Congratulations Kieran Callinan and your team on 15 great years in business.
We are delighted to honour a West Cork based business tonight on their 50th anniversary. Dunmanway to be precise and Murray Brothers has been serving the needs of local authorities and building contractors for 50 years as one of Ireland’s leading Tarmacadam manufacturers. With a reputation for exceptional materials and quality of workmanship, this father to son business continues to develop. Congratulations Noel Murray and Murray Brothers on your 50th anniversary
Our winner specialises in new builds, renovations, remodelling and upgrading and restyling of your home, with style, precision on delivery and attention to detail that they are renowned for and carried effectively through their exceptional media model. Ladies & Gentlemen, The Rémy Martin Cork Construction Company of the Year 2022 is Sigma Homes
We are delighted to honour Colbert & Co Estate Agents in Midleton and Carrigtwohill as they celebrate their 20th Anniversary this year and having expanded their business over the past two decades they are now the leading Estate Agents in East Cork. Congratulations Colbert & Co
Living Dreamz Home is where the heart is and our next winner is a company that adds style comfort all wrapped in excellent customer service. A true family business with experience and a passion for their trade. Ladies and Gentlemen our winner of the Remy Martin Cork Family Business of the Year 2022 is Living Dreamz and please welcome the owners Louise and Kieran Barry
A central location in Cork city is where our next winner is located. Providing the best environment for students to learn with the most experienced tutors has always been this college’s ethos. As a result they are the oldest remaining school of its type in Ireland, yes they have evolved into a proactive modern teaching hub. Ladies and gentlemen the Remy Martin Cork Education Centre of 2022 is ACET
Our next winner is a Cork location that is synonymous with great food and classy cocktails. As well as having an innovative menu, the restaurant hosts events and occasions over its sumptuous two floors. Excellent customer service and located in one of Corks most well known historic areas ladies and gentlemen the winner of the Remy Martin Cork Restaurant of the Year 2022 is The Cornstore
Situated in East Cork our next winner is in a class of its own. Guests are treated to the best five star experience from the moment they enter the magical property. Guests can also choose to take a stroll around the beautiful formal gardens or a walk through the adjacent wood or engage in many activities at the resort. In recent years the resort has been renovated and reimagined Ladies and Gentlemen the winner of The Rémy Martin Cork Hotel Resort 2022 is Castlemartyr Resort
The importance of professionally designed external space cannot be overemphasised, whether it is for business or pleasure. Our next winner has over 25 years of industry experience in both Landscape Design & Landscape construction. Already a multi award winner this business recently scooped a gold medal in Bord Bia Bloom 2022. Ladies and gentlemen our winner of the Remy Martin Cork Landscaping Contractor 2022 is Russell Landscaping
Our winner this evening has developed his business to offer a truly unique and stylish services for homes. With his personal attention to detail for all of his clients, his impressive work is in stately homes, hotels and homes all over Cork and beyond. Offering a carpet and binding service that is exceptionally stylish and much sought after, Ladies & Gentlemen, The Rémy Martin Cork Home Services Business of 2022 is SOS Binding
Skilled trades people and superior customer service is what makes our next business shine. Bespoke fitted furniture, kitchens, counters and everything you could possibly need for a home or business, our next winner provides it using the best materials and craftsmanship. Ladies and gentlemen the winner of The Remy Martin Cork Small Business of 2022 is Slide Systems
Having recently been launched in Cork with 50 new jobs announced and ambitious plans for the future with a really interesting offering in the delivery of energy efficiency homes and offices by reducing energy costs and by dramatically cutting carbon emissions, this company offers products to improve the warmth, comfort, and efficiency of your home. They provides all the solutions for managing your environment affordably and in an environment-friendly way. Their plans for the Irish, UK and European markets have their foundations here in Cork. Ladies & Gentlemen, The Rémy Martin Green Energy Business of 2022 is E-Volv and please welcome the founders Jim McCoy and Mike Cody
Set up in 2018 when the owner recognised a gap in the market for a high quality service for domestic and commercial customers our next winner has expanded and diversified his business to be an even more invaluable service. Constant upskilling and innovation is the makings of a truly fantastic business model. Ladies and Gentlemen The Remy Martin Cork SME of 2022 is Foley’s Plumbing & Electrical
70 years ago this business was started and we have honoured them already tonight for their anniversary. With 200 employees, 16 offices and ongoing expansion plans for the business and the independence and impartial role that they hold in the insurance market for their clients and the support that they give to so many Cork people and organisations, the Judges are delighted to announce that The Rémy Martin Cork Large Business of 2022 is McCarthy Insurance Group and we welcome the Chairman Charles McCarthy and the Executive Director Paul Kavanagh
THE EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE TO RADIO BROADCASTING AWARD 2022
The first radio appearance by this man was on RTE when he was interviewed for “Children Talking”, aged about eleven! Following that he began broadcasting on pirate radio and he turned a hobby into a full time job and went working on pirate radio by day and playing five nights a week in the nightclubs of Cork. He worked on a series of pirate stations including South Coast, WBEN, ERI and Radio Caroline Cork before joining RTE in 1987. In 1989, Independent local radio arrived and he joined Radio South from its inception and Radio South is known today as Cork’s 96FM.
In the early days of Radio South, he presented the breakfast show, before moving to the Newsroom in 1991. He went on to hold the positions of Deputy Editor and Chief News Reporter for over twenty years. In 2014, left the Newsroom to become the presenter of 96FM’s mid morning talk show, “The Opinion Line”. He is the winner of six PPI and IMRO Radio awards, including in 2018, the winner of the inaugural IMRO Regional Speech Broadcaster of the Year award. He is the winner of a 2021 Mental Health Media Award and a 2022 IMRO Award.
As a proud Dad of a young man with Autism, he is an outspoken advocate for better services for people with Autism and their families and uses his radio programme to constantly drive the message that services should be awarded quickly and efficiently to any family that needs them. His wife Jill and twins James and Jemma are his life.
In September, he passed a significant milestone, this being forty years since that first programme on Radio Caroline Cork, and Business Cork is delighted to honour PJ Coogan with The Exceptional Service to Radio Award 2022 to mark this great milestone.
