Ireland's Top 24 Entrepreneurs Vie for Prestigious EY Entrepreneur of the Year Award

This year's EY Entrepreneur of the Year programme, launched in January 2024, saw a record-breaking number of nominations—over 200, highlighting the vibrant and dynamic entrepreneurial spirit flourishing across Ireland. The awards ceremony, a significant event in the Irish business calendar, promises to be a thrilling showcase of innovation and achievement. The finalists represent a diverse range of sectors, including technology, energy, healthcare, hospitality, consumer products, engineering, and gaming, collectively generating annual revenues exceeding €700 million and employing over 4,000 people. The awards will be presented across three categories: Emerging, Established, and International, with one overall winner claiming the coveted title of EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2024.

Meet the Finalists: A Diverse Cohort of Business Leaders

Among the 24 finalists are remarkable individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and business acumen. Liam McMahon and Kasper Weber Anderson of Beyond Creative, a Limerick-based company specializing in tailor-made computer games using Fortnite software, will represent Limerick in the competition. Their innovative approach to game development has clearly impressed the judges. Meanwhile, representing Longford are Andrea Reynolds of Swoop and Padraic O’Kane of Corporate.ie. Reynolds, CEO of the fintech company Swoop, recently won the 2023 Deloitte Fast 50 award for fastest-growing technology companies. O'Kane, a seasoned business leader, brings his experience to the competition. From Cork, Rosaleen Hyde and Maxine Hyde of Ballymaloe Foods will compete in the International category. Their contributions to the food industry exemplify success on a global scale. Brendan Mee, CEO of MTM Engineering, will carry the flag for Meath, showcasing the strength of Irish engineering. Clare Hughes, CEO of CF Pharma Group, a Kilkenny-based pharmaceutical lab, embodies the innovation in the healthcare sector. These exceptional individuals demonstrate the breadth and depth of entrepreneurial talent in Ireland.

A Glimpse into the Finalists' Journeys

Many finalists shared their experiences in the programme, describing it as transformative. Padraic O’Kane of Corporate.ie recounted his experience at the CEO Retreat in Cape Town, highlighting the transformative nature of the workshops and the invaluable connections forged with fellow innovators. Brendan Mee of MTM Engineering spoke about the 'world-class' nature of the programme, emphasizing the peer support and camaraderie, stressing that these relationships will continue long after the awards. Clare Hughes expressed her honor at being named a finalist, recognizing the dedication of her team at CF Pharma. These sentiments echo the shared experience of many finalists, highlighting the profound impact of the EY Entrepreneur of the Year programme.

The Special Recognition Award: Honoring Enda Kenny

This year’s awards will also feature a Special Recognition Award, presented to former Taoiseach Enda Kenny. This award acknowledges his illustrious career in government, spanning over four decades, and his instrumental role in stabilizing Ireland's economy after the financial crisis. His leadership in restoring confidence and pride in the nation significantly contributed to creating a thriving environment for businesses. Mr. Kenny himself expressed gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing the importance of supporting Ireland's entrepreneurial community for economic prosperity.

Beyond the Awards: A Legacy of Success

The EY Entrepreneur of the Year programme extends far beyond the annual awards ceremony. It fosters a strong and connected community of entrepreneurs, now numbering over 600 alumni. This network boasts collective annual revenues of €23 billion and employs over 250,000 people. The overall winner of the 2024 award will receive the honor of representing Ireland at the EY World Entrepreneur of the Year 2025 awards in Monaco. This global recognition further amplifies the success of Irish entrepreneurship on the world stage.

A Celebration of Irish Ingenuity

The 2024 EY Entrepreneur of the Year Awards is not just a competition but a celebration of Ireland's vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem. The finalists represent the country's brightest minds, driving innovation across multiple sectors and contributing significantly to the nation's economic growth. The awards ceremony, to be held at the Powerscourt Hotel in Wicklow on Thursday, November 28th, will be broadcast on YouTube and RTÉ television, ensuring that this inspiring event reaches a wide audience. The programme's legacy extends beyond individual awards, forging lasting connections and creating a supportive environment for entrepreneurs to thrive, creating a truly remarkable and impactful community.