The Carlow business community came out in huge numbers to celebrate excellence at the annual Carlow business awards on 28th September 2023. The event which was held in the George Bernard Shaw theatre, saw record numbers attend what has now become the key highlight of the business community’s calendar each year. Over the course of the ceremony itself, 26 awards were presented to local businesses from right across the county.

The winners were selected following a rigorous application, shortlisting and judging process with some categories also including a mystery shop. With over 130 companies shortlisted the 17 judges certainly had a difficult job. We would like to extend a big thank you to our Title Sponsor Bank of Ireland and all our other category sponsors on the night, many of whom have been supporting the awards for several years and without their contribution and continued assistance the awards wouldn’t be possible. We also would like to thank Walsh Whiskey and O’Haras for the fabulous refreshments they provided in the pre-awards reception.

Seamus Byrne Electrical were the big winners on the night taking home the accolade of overall Carlow Business of the Year 2023. There was a huge team from SBE in attendance, all of whom were thrilled with the win. Carroll Estimating Ltd and Kellys of Borris were named Outstanding Small Business and Outstanding Medium Business respectively. For the first time, a Carlow alumni was recognised in the brand new category of Outstanding Contribution to Business. Carlovian Lorraine Twohill was the inaugural winner of this award, the former St Leo’s student has built an exceptional career and is now Chief Marketing Officer for Google. Seery’s took home the much coveted President’s Award with Carlow business stalworth Michael Doyle being recognised in the Lifetime Achievement Award. Carlow Weather’s Alan O’ Reilly was crowned Carlow Ambassador of the Year in recognition of all the great work he does not just on a local but a national stage also.The wonderful Eimear Ní Bhraonáin did an exceptional job hosting the show as always and was delighted to join the Carlow Weatherman for his winners photo.  Overall the event was a great success and the Chamber would like to thank everyone involved in celebrating our thriving business community in Carlow.