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05 Sept 2025
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05 Sept 2025
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Brian Bergin VHI, Cathaoirleach Mary Hilda Cavanagh, Lar Power, CEO KCC, Catherine Callaghan TD, Anne Barber, Chamber President, John Hurley, Chamber CEO, Lisa Walsh VHI, Mayor John Coonan. PIC: V Com
Calling all Kilkenny businesses and their customers - the nomination portal for this year's Kilkenny Business Awards is now open!
This is a very special year for the awards, organised by Kilkenny Chamber - not only is it the 25th year of the awards but it also marks 25 years in Kilkenny for the awards sponsor, VHI!
Anne Barber, President of Kilkenny Chamber, described the awards as "a phenomenal celebration of business in Kilkenny." Not only do you learn about local businesses, but the awards night itself is a brilliant night out, she told the gathering at the Pembroke hotel for the launch.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE KILKENNY BUSINESS NEWS
"It's important we celebrate the work and innovation that's going on in Kilkenny," she said, pointing out that businesses don't have to wait to be nominated by someone else, they can, and are encouraged to, nominate themselves.
Anne revealed at the launch that popular presenter Marty Whelan is coming back to compere this year's awards ceremony.
Lisa Walsh, from VHI, remarked that both the company and the awards have an amazing legacy in Kilkenny. VHI are honoured to sponsor the awards, which is an opportunity to recognise the resilience of Kilkenny businesses.
Last year's overall Business of the Year winner was Michael Lyng Motors. Padraig McCluskey, General Manager at Michael Lyng Motors, said the company had a wonderful experience as winners. Encouraging businesses to enter, he said the application process made them look at their business through a different lens.
He liked that the judges are from Kilkenny, he said, and his company found the process professionally run and independent. In fact, he praised the process for being able to keep secret who the winners are right up to their announcement! "We were completely gobsmacked and delighted," he said of Michael Lyng Motors being announced as winners of the Family Business Award as well as the overall title.
CEO of Kilkenny Chamber, John Hurley, officially declared the awards 'launched.' To anyone thinking 'why should I put my business in?' he said it offers brand awareness that can't be got anywhere else. "Now it's over to the businesses and the public - get nominating!"
The closing date for nominations is September 19. See https://www.kilkennychamber.ie/kilkenny-businessawards/
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