Business awards celebrate Cork's passion and drive
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Taoiseach Micheál Martin and his wife Mary Martin; Dave O’Brien, President of the Cork Business Association; Michael McGrath, TD; and Nicola and Paul from Wobbly Circus.Image 2 of 7
Dave O’Driscoll of TS Events with daughter Emily at the CBA President’s Dinner and Cork Business of the Year Awards at Cork’s in Vienna Woods.Image 3 of 7
Dara O’Shea and Louise O’Brien of RHEA, a company specializing in crafting and delivering meaningful funerals, memorials, and celebrations of life.Image 4 of 7
Kilkenny Design, winners of Business of the Year.Image 5 of 7
Luciana Altoni of Potteria, and Ruairi Domican and Jean Domican of Ruairi’s Kitchen, pictured at the CBA President’s Dinner and Cork Business of the Year Awards at Cork’s Vienna Woods. For more, see CorkBusiness.ie Photos: Joleen croninImage 6 of 7
Behind the scenes in the kitchen at 2025 CBA President’s Dinner.Image 7 of 7
Milly Staniforth of Wobbly Circus at the CBA President’s Dinner.It was a night of glamour and celebration for the winners of this year’s Cork Business of the Year Awards.
There were 13 awards handed out in total on Saturday night at the Cork Business Association (CBA) President's Dinner at Cork's Vienna Woods.
Kilkenny Design took home the top honour of the evening with 12 additional awards presented, celebrating the outstanding contributions of businesses and organisations that drive Cork's commercial, cultural, and community spirit.
On the night, Taoiseach Micheál Martin and European Commissioner Michael McGrath made keynote speeches to more than 350 people in Cork's business community.
The event was emceed by Matt Cooper and the charity partner was Parentline.
The main goal of the Cork Business of the Year Awards is to shine a spotlight on innovation, customer service, employee commitment, community engagement, sustainability, and growth while honouring the owner/managers and teams who make Cork city a dynamic and vibrant hub for business.
Winners were independently judged by a panel of Cork city business and civic leaders, including Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Dan Boyle; Deirdre Cole of Fáilte Ireland; Dr Niall O'Keeffe of the Local Enterprise Office Cork City; Evelyn O'Sullivan of Visit Cork; Alan Healy of The Irish Examiner; Martin O'Brien of JCD Group; Terence McSweeney of Elis; and CBA President Dave O'Brien of Xeinadin.
Addressing guests at the event, Taoiseach Micheál Martin, said: “These awards showcase the passion and dedication of Cork city's thriving business community, recognising businesses that demonstrate outstanding leadership, customer service, and innovation. I would like to congratulate all the winners and nominees for their achievements.”
CBA President, Dave O'Brien, said: “The winners were selected through a rigorous evaluation process, ensuring they meet the highest standards of excellence in their respective fields. From long-established businesses to emerging enterprises, each winner represents the very best of what our city has to offer. We are proud to celebrate their contributions to Cork's economy and culture.”
The winners on the night were Kilkenny Design (Cork Business of the Year); Dino Cregan (Business Champion of Cork); Costigan's Pub (Best VFI Pub); Hayfield Manor (Best Cork Hotel); Healy Communications (Best Professional Services); Cork on a Fork Fest (Best Festival or Event); Cork Opera House (Best in Culture, Arts & Tourism); K O'Connell Fishmongers (Best in Retail); Ruairí's Kitchen (Best Café); Farmgate Café (Best Restaurant); Neville Jewellers (Best Family Business); RHEA Funeral Care (Best New Business); and The Old Oak (Sustainable Business Innovation).