Carlow’s best businesses honoured at gala awards ceremony in Visual
Ken Tucker of Douglas Jewellers pictured at last Thursday's County Carlow Chamber Business Awards with his son Ivan and daughter Wendy and staff members Mairead Moore, Helen Cooney, Becky Hughes, Ellie Kelly and Veronica Graham Photos: michaelorourkephotography.ie
CARLOW was sparkling on Thursday night as hundreds gathered in Visual to celebrate excellence in local business.
Twenty-six winners were announced at the glitzy Carlow Business Awards ceremony, one of the highlights of the business community’s year. More than 400 people attended across two venues within Visual, which were connected by a live link. MCs for the night were broadcaster and journalist Eimear Ní Bhraonáin and KCLR presenter Shannon Redmond.
The winners came from businesses of all shapes, sizes and sectors throughout the county.
Nicola Doran, CEO of County Carlow Chamber of Commerce, told that: “Awards like these enable businesses to take a step back and examine what they do well and to recognise progress and success. They also enable the wider community to gain insight into their achievements – shining a light on their success.
We would like to congratulate all of our finalists and in particular our winners – the future is bright for Carlow.”
This was Nicola’s first experience of the annual awards since taking on the role of CEO earlier this year and she said she was incredibly impressed by the sense of camaraderie and support.
Caredoc was selected as the overall Carlow Business of the Year for 2024. Their trophy was presented to Margaret Curran and the Caredoc team by Ultan Ryan of Carlow Credit Union. This, like many of the categories, was very competitive, a testament to the dynamic and thriving Carlow business ecosystem.
Established with the mission to providing first-class medical services, Caredoc has grown over the last 25 years to become an indispensable part of the healthcare system across Ireland. In society where health and wellbeing are paramount, Caredoc stood out for its growth, senior leadership, commitment, knowledgeable workforce and its world-class innovation in providing medical care. The judges were also extremely impressed with the level of employment, competence and genuine passion shown by the panel during their comprehensive presentation on judging day.
Record-breaking and ‘Supreme world ploughing champion’ Eamonn Tracey was named as Carlow Ambassador of the Year, honouring his tremendous success at both national and international level.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to Aileen Broderick, special needs champion and advocate, who has been involved with St Lazerian’s School and the Delta Centre for over 40 years.
Shane Fitzharris of Infinium Spirits received the accolade for his outstanding contribution to business, sponsored by .
Shane sent a video message from his home in San Diego, California. His award was accepted by his proud mum Joan Fitzharris, sister Sheena McCanny, aunt Eileen Dalton and cousin cllr Andrea Dalton.
The President’s Award went to Carlow Toolmaking Services.
“Carlow Toolmaking Services is a niche market company which produces high-quality innovative precision components in the medical, pharmaceutical, oral healthcare, automotive and metrology sectors. It has continuously pushed the boundaries of what is possible in the toolmaking industry,” said Chamber president Michael Quinn.
“By investing heavily in research and development, they have created bespoke solutions for several multinational clients from their base in Carlow.
"Their success since they were founded in 1994 is what has led to them being presented with the President's Award,” he said.
