Last weekend saw some 300 business people attend the MidlandsIreland.ie Gateway awards, held in the Mullingar Park Hotel.
President of the Midlands Gateway Chamber, Paul O’Reilly spoke at the event about the work of the Midlands Gateway Chamber and in particular the positive changes the gateway status has had on the Midlands region.
He praised the chamber for securing funding for a number of key projects. “One of the key issues for us in the Midlands Gateway Chamber was the formulation and launch of the new brand for the Midlands, which was completed in partnership with the MRA with the launch of MidlandsIreland.ie ”
Awards on the night went for environmental responsibility, international trade, business person, and outstanding business. The Environmental Responsibility Award, sponsored by Bord na Mona was won by Molloy PreCast Products Ltd. The awards was presented by Gabriel D’Arcy the current Midlands Gateway Chamber Ambassador of the Year and CEO of Bord na Mona.
The Emerging New Business Award, sponsored by the Celtic Media Group went to The Flat Bread Company. The Best International Trade Award was sponsored by Eirgrid and went to Trend Technologies. Business Person of the Year Award was sponsored by MidlandsIreland.ie and was presented to Tom Doyle, Cuisine Royale. While the Outstanding Business Award, which was sponsored by Stevens Cooke & Associates and Blackhall Financial Services was presented to Belvedere House Gardens and Park.
The Life Time Achievement Award, sponsored by the Mullingar Park Hotel, went to Christy Maye. Christy’s dedication to his many businesses is unparalleled. Chraity is an entrepreneur, retailer, publican, farmer, DJ, racehorse owner and historian. He has made a significant and longstanding contribution to business and the community in the Midlands.
The Ambassador of the Year Award was sponsored by Bord na Mona and went to John Teeling of Kilbeggan Whiskey and Cooley Distillery. John is now the Midlands Gateway Chamber Ambassador for 2011-2012, a role he felt privileged to have.
The Mullingar Chamber president, Julie Magan, awarded Mary Hamill the special recognition award. Mary Hamill, a Parkinson’s disease sufferer raised funds for research into Parkinson’s diseases by playing one hole of golf on 18 golf courses in 18 counties in one day.
Mr O’Reilly also reminded guests that the Midlands Gateway Chamber is currently seeking more patrons. He noted that anyone interested in becoming a patron can contact Angela Rigney.
