All pix: Danny Lahart
Kilkenny’s Business of the Year was unveiled at the Kilkenny Business Awards 2021, held this evening, Saturday 12th March, at the Conference Centre at Lyrath Estate Hotel. (The event was postponed from November due to Covid concern)
Dore Optometrist Independent Opticians in Kilkenny for over 30 years. Family run, personalised service with state of the art equipment, specialising in beautiful eyewear!
There were 450 local business people at the black tie event.
18 category winners, the Presidents Award, Lifetime Achievement Award and then the overall Kilkenny Business of the Year.
The evening began with a Champagne reception, four course dinner and dancing. Music was by The Party Girls.
Full list of winners below:
1. Best Business Pivot of the Pandemic Award
CF Pharma
2. Craft & Design Award
K Kajoux Jewels
3. Culture Heritage and Tourism Award
Shenanigans Walks
4. Customer Service Excellence Award
UPMC Aut Even
5. Emerging New Business Award
Dialize Clothing
6. Employee of the Year Award
CF Pharma (Sarah Deegan)
7. Employer of the Year Award
Hibernian Hotel
8. Environmental Excellence Award
Value Centre
9. Exporter of the Year Award
Modubuild
10. Family Business Award
Dore Optometrist
11. Food and Drink Producer Award
The Fig Tree
12. Hospitality Excellence Award
Mount Juliet Estate
13. Innovation in Business Award
Loanitt
14. Investment in Skills Training & Development Award
Mint MediSpa
15. Retailer of the Year Award
Lily Rose Boutique
16. Small Business of the Year Award
Rafter Gastropub
17. Social Media & Digital Marketing Excellence Award
Newpark Hotel
18. Technology and eCommerce Excellence Award
UPMC Global Technology
President’s Award
Anna O’Sullivan of Butler Gallery
Lifetime Achievement Award
Xavier McAuliffe who built Lyrath Estate
Overall Business of the Year Award
Dore Optometrist
Some special guests:
- Minister for State for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Malcolm Noonan, who gave an address.
- Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, Councillor Fidelis Doherty
- Mayor of Kilkenny, Councillor Andrew McGuinness
- Australian Ambassador to Ireland, Gary Gray
Terry Clune was also attending on behalf of the main event sponsors TransferMate.
The charity partner was Amber Women’s Refuge. A sum of €4,685 was raised in aid of the charity| www.amberwomensrefuge.ie
The 2022 Kilkenny Business Awards will take place on November 19th, at Lyrath Estate Hotel. For more information visit www.kilkennychamber.ie
