Edmund Cooney of Cooney Kitchens, Coralstown, who won the category ‘James O’Connor Tradesman of the Year', at the awards event with his wife Geraldine and Will Faulkner, MD of Midlands 103.

Customer service excellence celebrated at Midlands 103 awards event in Tullamore

More than 60 businesses across the midlands are celebrating after being honoured at the 2025 Midlands 103 Customer Service Awards in the Tullamore Court Hotel.

The event recognises outstanding service across counties Laois, Offaly, and Westmeath, and 500 guests gathered to applaud the individuals and companies who go above and beyond for their customers every day.

This year’s awards followed weeks of on-air and online promotion, and more than 12,000 listener votes were posted in the 60+ categories. Winners were selected by an independent judging panel, led by renowned architect and Home of the Year star Hugh Wallace.

Among the night’s big winners:

• Beautician of the Year: Casey Connell, Flawless Beauty, Athlone

• Pharmacy of the Year: Quinn’s Pharmacy, Edenderry

• Insurance Broker of the Year: LowQuotes, Portlaoise

James O’Connor Tradesman of the Year: Edmund Cooney, Cooney Kitchens, Coralstown

Other judges included author and money coach Kel Galavan, content creator Andrea Woods and Irish fashion and lifestyle influencer Michelle Fitzpatrick.

The Midlands 103 Customer Service Awards are sponsored by Dovida (formerly Home Instead).

Speaking at the event, Midlands 103 managing director Will Faulkner praised the calibre of this year’s nominees: “The level of talent, care and commitment on display tonight is nothing short of world-class. You don’t have to go to a big city to find excellence – it’s right here in the midlands.

“These winners and nominees are raising the bar for what customer service should look like, and we’re proud to celebrate them. Congratulations to all involved.”

The winners are:

Nail Salon of the Year: Glamorous Athlone

Nail Technician of the Year: Tiddlywinks Nails by Aisling, Tullamore

Hair Stylist of the Year: Shannen Hughes – Colour Republic, Athlone

Hair Salon of the Year: Bella Vida Hair, Athlone

Beautician of the Year: Casey Connell, Flawless Beauty, Athlone

Beauty Salon of the Year – sponsored by Ivy Grace Bridal: Flawless Beauty, Athlone

Barber of the Year: Dapper Shams, Mullingar

Spa of the Year: Midlands Park Spa and Beauty, Portlaoise

Skin Specialist of the Year: Niamh Darcy, Re-Nu Skin and Beauty Clinic, Tullamore

Brow Specialist of the Year: Teresa Ward, Boujee Brows and Beauty, Tullamore

Lash Specialist of the Year: Sanders Wellness and Beauty, Tullamore

Make Up Artist of the Year: Katie Rabbette Makeup Artistry, Clara

Boutique of the Year: Kode Clothing and Footwear, Tullamore

Electrical Store of the Year: Clearys Electrical, Mullingar

Sports Retailer of the Year – sponsored by The Unit Gym Clara: DSsports, Emo

Artisan Food Supplier of the Year: Sugar Plum Sweetery, Mullingar

Menswear Store of the Year – sponsored by Keenan Bauer Motors: Guy Clothing, Tullamore

Crèche of the Year: Memory Lane Preschool, Edenderry

Legal Firm of the Year: Byrne Carolan Cunningham LLP Solicitors, Athlone

Best Pet Service Provider of the Year: Offaly Pet Sitting, Tullamore

James O’Connor Trades-person of the Year Award – sponsored by CL Plant and Tool Hire: Edmund Cooney, Cooney Kitchens, Coralstown

Recruitment Company of the Year: Nuvo Recruitment, Portlaoise

Caring Service of the Year – sponsored by Quinn’s Pharmacy Edenderry: Cherry Blossom Therapy, Killucan

Optician of the Year: Eye Contact, Tullamore

Dental Practice of the Year: Dental Excellence, Athlone

Pharmacy of the Year: Quinn’s Pharmacy, Edenderry

Travel Agent of the Year: Cloud9 Travel, Tullamore

Best Customer Service of the Year – sponsored by Golden Island Shopping Centre: Topline Heavins and Euronics, Athlone

Workplace of the Year – sponsored by Kode Clothing and Footwear: Dental Excellence, Athlone

Accountancy Firm of the Year: ND Audit and Advisory, Portlaoise

Financial Service of the Year: Offaly MABS

Insurance Broker of the Year: LowQuotes, Portlaoise

Florist of the Year: Flowers Unique, Moate

Entertainment / Activity Facility of the Year: Speak Out Drama, Tullamore

Best Online Food Delivery Service: WhatsForDinner.ie

Service Department of the Year: Des Hughes Motors, Portlaoise

Car Dealership of the Year – sponsored by Shishir Indian Restaurant: Hugo Loonam Motors, Cloghan

Car Sales Person of the Year – sponsored by McNamee Tyres: Tom Coffey, Tullamore Motors

Tyre Supplier of the Year sponsored by Sleator Kia: McNamee Tyres, Mullingar

Kitchen Supplier of the Year sponsored by Cleary Electrical: DWK – Direct Wholesale Kitchens, Edenderry

Floor Store of the Year sponsored by Cloud 9 Furniture: Floor Store Direct, Tullamore

Best Security / Safety / Locksmith of the Year: Nolan Locksmiths, Portlaoise

Fuel Supplier of the Year: Lambe Oil, Tullamore

Modular / Log Home Provider of the Year: Shanette Superior Space, Kilbeggan

Best Home Furnishing | Interiors Store of the Year sponsored by Cooney Kitchens and Bedroom: Finline Furniture, Emo

Fitness Facility / Gym of the Yea sponsored by: DS Sport GET FIT, Tullamore

Fitness Class Instructor of the Year: Derinn Byrne, Midlands Park Hotel, Portlaoise

Wellness, Body and Mind Fitness Centre (to include Pilates, Yoga and Wellness) of the Year: Bombshells Pole, Tullamore

Personal Trainer of the Year: Conor Galgey, Galgey Coaching, Tullamore

Fitness Challenge of the Year: The Unit Gym, Clara

Sports Provider of the Year – sponsored by O’Gorman’s Bar: DSsports, Emo

Bridal Wear Store of the Year – sponsored by: Guy Clothing, Tullamore: Smart Brides, Portlaoise

Wedding Photographer / Videographer of the Year – sponsored by: The Heritage Hotel, Killenard: JMB Videos, Tullamore

Groomswear Supplier of the Year – sponsored by Tullamore Credit Union: Guy Clothing, Tullamore

Wedding Accessories and Decor Company of the Year: Ashwood Events, Kinnegad

Auctioneering Firm of the Year – sponsored by Tormeys Solicitors: Midlands Real Estate, Tullamore

Contractor of the Year: FJS Joinery, Edenderry

Architectural / Engineering Firm of the Year: Clonearl Engineering, Daingean

Builder of the Year – sponsored by Direct Wholesale Kitchens, Edenderry: Seamus Foy and Sons Building Contractors, Rhode

Best Agricultural Supplier of the Year – sponsored by Lambe Oil, Tullamore: John Dixon Plant Hire, Killucan

Farm Machinery Supplier of the Year: Casey Agri, Garryhinch