Eamon named Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur

A 28-year-old from Dublin has been named Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur for his new parcel tracking company.

Xpreso co-founder Eamon Keane won the title and an investment of €50,000 at an awards ceremony yesterday. He also beat more than 1,000 other entries to win the best start-up award.

Dean Gammell from Co Westmeath won the best established business with add-on category, securing an investment of €30,000 for The Group System, which provides software to the hotel industry.

Philip Martin from Co Tipperary took home the award for best new idea, winning a €20,000 investment for Blanco Nino, a corn tortilla production company.

Each finalist also won a place at the Google Adopt a Start-Up programme, while Google’s award for best online promotion of a business went to Padraig O’Scanaill from Fund Recs in Co Waterford.

Minister for Jobs, Enterpris,e and Innovation Richard Bruton said he was massively inspired by the quality of the finalists.

“We are relying on these young entrepreneurs to create the jobs of tomorrow, and I am determined to ensure Government supports them in every way possible,” he said.

Over 1,000 young entrepreneurs aged 18 to 30 applied for the inaugural Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur competition, run by Local Enterprise Offices.

Vincent Reynolds, chair of the national network of Local Enterprise Offices said the organisation is committed to supporting new start-ups.

The competition was launched earlier this year and forms part of the Action Plan for Jobs 2014.