Inspirational night as local business leaders recognised
The local business community honoured outstanding achievements and contributions at the Mullingar Chamber Awards 2023, an “unforgettable evening of celebration”, in the Mullingar Park Hotel, on Friday last, November 3.
The evening began at with a warm welcome from Mullingar Chamber president, Allyson English, who set the tone for the night. It continued with a speech by Minister Peter Burke that was a stirring testament to the role that the local business community plays in the economic and social fabric of Mullingar.
He underscored how businesses, large and small, are the backbone of the community, driving economic growth, providing employment, and contributing to the overall prosperity and wellbeing of the region.
Shane Barkey, as master of ceremonies, brought his unique energy and charm to the proceedings. He introduced the award categories and the respective sponsors and announced the finalists. The anticipation in the room reached its peak as Shane declared, “and the winner is…” Throughout the evening, 17 awards were presented, showcasing the diverse talents and contributions of Mullingar’s business community.
The winners are:
Outstanding Small Business of the Year (1-50), sponsored by North Midlands Credit Union: Juice Zone.
Outstanding Large Business of the Year (50+), sponsored by INET Computer Solutions: Writech.
Best Social Media Content Creator, sponsored by Apache Pizza Mullingar: 2210 Patisserie.
Excellence in Sustainability and Climate Action, sponsored by ORS: Thomas Flynn.
Bar of the Year, sponsored by Ecolab: Crossed Keys.
Restaurant of the Year, sponsored by Stephens Cooke and Associates: Wholesome Kitchen.
Excellence in Retail, sponsored by Pharmed: Buckley’s SuperValu.
Excellence in Tourism, sponsored by PTSB: Westmeath Bachelor Festival.
Spirit of Mullingar Kinnegad Municipal District: Ray Dolan, #From Mullingar in Mullingar.
Community or Volunteer Person/Group Champion, sponsored by Home Instead: Mullingar Fleadh Committee.
Business Representative Organisation Of The Year, sponsored by Writech: ATiM.
Excellence in Customer Service, sponsored by Wholesome Kitchen: Abbey Blooms.
Health and Wellness Leader, sponsored by Pita Pit: Whelehans Pharmacy.
Emerging Business Person of the Year, sponsored by Jigsaw Better Business: Eoghan Murray.
Established Business Person of the Year (difficult decision), sponsored by AIB: Berty Dunne.
Fleadh Award – Most Supportive Business/Person of the Year, sponsored by Blackhall Financial Services: North Midlands Credit Union.
Lifetime Achievement/Contribution Award, sponsored by Bevcraft: Millie Walshe.
As the awards concluded Shane delivered his closing remarks, commending the winners and acknowledging the collective effort that makes Mullingar’s business community thrive.
The evening continued with the transformation of the venue, making way for a performance by the Emerald Lake Academy of Irish Dance, followed by the dynamic sounds of the band ‘Good Man Sheila’ until the late hours of the night.
Aisling Coleman, manager, Mullingar Chamber, congratulated all the winners, and offered special thanks to the judges, sponsors, and everyone who contributed to making the event a success.
“The Mullingar Chamber Awards 2023 was a great night of competition and achievements. Witnessing the winners’ well-deserved recognition was inspiring. The judges faced some tough decisions, a testament to the high calibre of nominees. Congratulations to all the winners.”
The Mullingar Chamber team would like to thank: Shane Barkey, Mullingar Park Hotel, Minister Peter Burke, Good Man Sheila, Emerald Lake Academy of Irish Dance, Nolan Sound, photographers Barry Monaghan and Gary McGivney, reception musicians Andrew Yau and Niall Mannion, all the sponsors, Minds-I and Midland Trophies.