Record-breaking night as Louth Business Awards celebrate local success

A record crowd attended the Louth Business Awards organised by Dundalk Chamber of Commerce in the Carrickdale Hotel on Saturday the 18^th October.

Speaking after the successful awards night, Chamber President Hanna McDonnell said: “This year’s awards marks a truly record-breaking moment for the Louth Business Awards. With over 200 applications, the highest number we’ve ever received, reflects the strength, innovation, and determination that define our local business community. We also made a special presentation to Kate O’Connor for her amazing win in Tokyo this year. Her father and mother Michael and Valerie O’Connor accepted the gift on her behalf from the Chamber.”

Protection & Prosperity Financial Services Sponsored the Lifetime Achievement Award and the 2025 winner was Gemma Hiney from Center Travel.  The Award was presented to Gemma in recognition of her contribution to the Dundalk Business community since the early 1970’s.

Gemma outlined the story of her and her late husband Eamonn’s business career from their Market Fresh shops to Center Travel. She noted that they would never have been able to do any of it without their dedicated and committed staff over the years.

Aidan Callan of Dundalk Skillnet said “As main sponsor, we’re proud to celebrate businesses that turn ideas into impact. The spirit of people, innovation and community is what makes Louth special. By supporting this event, we’re backing the skills that help local firms grow.”

Dundalk Chamber CEO John McGahon said “There are few occasions where you can bring so many members of our business community together under one roof, and the Chamber Business Awards provide exactly that. Every organisation here tonight has a proven track record, and this event is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate their success and contribution. We were delighted to have Dundalk Skillnet as our main sponsor who provide a substantial amount of training to companies and employees right across County Louth.”

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The winners in the various categories for the Louth Business Awards 2025 were as follows:

Best Customer Service sponsored by Dundalk Chamber Skillnet was won by Digiweb.

Best Customer Service Hair & Beauty  sponsored by L’Oreal was won by Le Salon by Thomas Hynes.

Best Customer Service Hospitality sponsored by Dundalk Chamber was won by Skypark.

Best Customer Service Retail sponsored by Shop Local Dundalk was won by KT Travel.

Best Digital Presence sponsored by AV Direct was won by Irish Whiskey Auctions.

Best Dining Experience sponsored by Value Centre Cash & Carry was won by Rocksalt Café Blackrock.

Best Established Small Business sponsored by AIB Bank was won by Spoonful Botanical.

Best Family Run Business sponsored by Prometric was won by  The Carrickdale Hotel.

Best Licensed Premises sponsored by Diageo was won by The Rum House.

Best Outstanding Medium Business sponsored by Dundalk Stadium was won by Controlsoft Automation Systems

Best Professional Services sponsored by Pernanent TSB  was won by Irish Life Customer Service Centre

Best Voluntary Community Group sponsored by Dundalk Credit Union was won by Vision Ireland Dundalk Community

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion and Workplace Excellence sponsored by Servisource Recruitment was won by UHY Farrelly Dawe White

Export & Global Impact Award sponsored by Enterprise Ireland was won by Controlsoft Automation Systems

Green Champion Award sponsored by The Carrickdale Hotel was won by WuXi Biologics.

Innovation Award sponsored by The Regional Development Centre was won by Bunadh/SafeShel.

Large Business of the Year sponsored by Bank of Ireland was won by Suretank

New Business of the Year sponsored by Local Enterprise Office Louth was won by Bunadh/SafeShel

Retailer of the Year sponsored by Kelleher Insurances was won by Value Centre Cash & Carry

Training & Development Award sponsored by Dundalk Skillnet was won by The Gateway Hotel.

Visit Louth Tourism Experience sponsored by The Argus was won by Dundalk Stadium.

Young Entrepreneur of the Year sponsored by Oriel Hub was won by SLB Digital Solutions.

Overall Business of the Year sponsored by Vhi Healthcare was won by Suretank

Best Dressed Lady sponsored by Mizu Health and Beauty was won by Sheila McCaul.

Best Dressed Gent sponsored by Tony McDonnell Menswear was won by Curtis Morris.

 The Lifetime Award for contribution to Louth sponsored by Protection & Prosperity Financial Services was awarded to Gemma Hiney of Centre Travel.