Two of westmeaths finest young entrepreneurs destined for national awards

Two of Westmeath’s finest young entrepreneurs, Rebecca Butler from Streete and Dean Gammell from Kinnegad, are destined for greater things in the world of business.

They were selected in the categories of Best Business Idea and Best Established Business in the Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur regional final on Friday at Westmeath County Buildings, beating 10 others entrants, from Laois, Offaly and Kildare.

Joining them in the national finals will be Emma Rose Conroy from Offaly in the category of Best Business Start Up.

The cathaoirleach of Westmeath County Council, Cllr Paddy Hill, said he has witnessed first hand the hard work it takes to cultivate the entrepreneurial spirit, having been a member of Westmeath County Enterprise Board.

“Those here today provide valuable employment, they come with enterprising spirit, hard work, risk-taking abilities, and I’m sure, work well into the night,” said Cllr Hill.

Chief executive of Westmeath County Council Pat Gallagher congratulated the young business people on their strength and determination in reaching the regional final, emphasising that it was great to see people of any age having the courage to set up on their own.

“I would encourage young people in any part of the country who are considering starting a business to contact your Local Enterprise Office. “Get involved, pitch your ideas and take advantage of the supports available and maybe aim to become Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur, if not this year, certainly next,” he said.

Noel O’Farrell, independent radio producer and presenter, and MC for the event, said: “It’s a fantastic achievement for the people who are nominated. It’s lovely to see young people being recognised for the work they do in the area of entrepreneurship.”