Cork institutions honoured

Two Cork institutions were recognised over the weekend for their outstanding contribution to business in the city and received due acclaim at the Cork Business Association annual awards.

University College Cork and Mick Murphy’s Mens-wear picked up the Cork Business of the Year awards at a gala dinner hosted by RTÉ’s Paschal Sheehy on Saturday evening.

UCC landed the top honour in the large business category and Mick Murphy’s secured the small-to-medium business accolade.

The awards identify, honour, and acknowledge businesses that have contributed to or promoted the enhancement of the commercial, cultural, or civic life in Cork City.

Others shortlisted included the Fota Collection, Gresham Metropole, and Topshop in the large business category, and Jacques, Cornstore, and Phelan’s Pharmacy in the small to medium size category.

Cork Business Association chief executive Lawrence Owens said: “I would like to sincerely congratulate both UCC and Mick Murphy’s Menswear.

“The 170-year-old University College Cork is one of Ireland’s most prestigious universities and the country’s first five-star university. This year they celebrate the bicentenary of George Boole, mathematical genius and the first professor of mathematics at UCC. The university has over 20,000 students, a first-class teaching and learning environment, and a constant output of world-class research, all of which have a huge contribution to the economy of Cork City.

“Mick Murphy’s Menswear has been a Cork institution since 1959. The store, considered one of Cork’s most respected men and boy’s outfitters, relies on traditional values and has continued to trade strongly despite difficult economic circumstances over the past few years. Their vision for the future is undoubtedly a positive one as they continue to strive for continued success.”

Association president Claire Nash spoke of the returning vibrancy of the business sector in Cork and the resiliency of its people.