Guinness Jazz Festival named Cork Business of the Year

Fiona Collins and Colin Kenny of Guinness Cork Jazz Festival receiving the overall Business of The Year Award from sponsors Sandra Carey of the Irish Examiner, and Auriol Kelly of PTSB, along with Cliona Barnes and Dave O'Brien, CBA. Pictures: Michael O'Sullivan / OSM PHOTO

The Guinness Cork Jazz Festival was named overall Business of the Year at the Cork Business Awards.

More than 350 people attended the 69th business awards at the Vienna Woods Hotel on Saturday night.

Sponsored by PTSB and the Irish Examiner, the CBA awards honour the city’s most outstanding enterprises, with the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival taking home the top honour as the overall winner.

The judges said the overall winner Guinness Cork Jazz Festival was chosen because it is a cornerstone of Cork’s cultural identity and has incredible scale and impact. Drawing more than 100,000 visitors annually and contributing over €45 million to the local economy, it transforms Cork into an international stage each October. Originating at the Metropole Hotel, the festival has become one of Europe’s premier music events and gives the whole city a jazz uplift, filling venues, streets, shops and more with jazz, energy, and business vibrancy.

The evening was hosted by Marty Morrissey with An Taoiseach Micheál Martin and European Commissioner Michael McGrath delivering the keynote address.

CBA President Dave O’Brien praised this year’s winners for their ambition and resilience. “The ambition and energy within Cork’s business community is extraordinary. These awards celebrate not just success, but the passion and resilience that drive it."

"The Guinness Cork Jazz Festival embodies everything that makes Cork unique - creativity, collaboration, and a global outlook. Well done to all the winners .” 

Speaking at the event, Micheál Martin said: “This is a testament to the vibrancy and strength of Cork’s business community. The Guinness Cork Jazz Festival’s recognition as overall winner further cements Cork’s reputation as a leading festival city. While we are proud to host many outstanding festivals, the Jazz Festival has consistently led the way, particularly at times when it was needed most.”

The night also paid tribute to Lawrence Owens, a former chairman, board member, chief executive and President of CBA, acknowledged for his decades of leadership, dedication, and service to the organisation, and to Cork City.

The individual category winners on the night were:

Best VFI Pub – The Welcome Inn 

One of Cork’s oldest pubs, The Welcome Inn blends tradition and charm, offering authentic hospitality, live music, and the warm atmosphere that defines the city’s pub culture.

Paraic O'Regan and Christy Walsh, The Welcome Inn, pictured receiving the award for Best VFI Pub from Cliona Barnes and Dave O'Brien, CBA, and sponsor Finbarr Kelleher of VFI.

Best Cork Hotel – Vienna Woods Hotel 

Vienna Woods is an 18th-century building that offers four-star comfort. Its service and consistent excellence make it one of Cork’s most admired hotels.

Michael Magner and Seamus Healy, Vienna Woods Hotel, pictured receiving the award for Best Cork Hotel from Dave O'Brien, and Cliona Barnes, CBA, and sponsor Eoghan Murphy of IHF Cork.

Best Services Business – AbilityWise 

A trailblazer in disability, equality, and inclusion training, AbilityWise empowers workplaces through lived-experience learning and meaningful, measurable change.

Deirdre O'Grady of AbilityWise pictured receiving the award for Best Services Business, from sponsor Katelyn Scanlon of B2B Signs, and Cliona Barnes and Dave O'Brien, CBA.

Best Festival or Event – Open Streets by Cork City Council 

Reimagining roads as shared spaces for people, culture, and sustainability, Open Streets brings life, colour, and community to Cork City and drives footfall to businesses.

David Joyce and Paul McGuirk of Open Streets, Cork City Council, pictured receiving the award for Best Festival or Event from sponsor Adam Kelly of Cork Airport, and Cliona Barnes and Dave O'Brien, CBA.

Best in Tourism, Culture & Arts – The Everyman 

The Everyman, a jewel of Victorian architecture, continues to be a beating heart of Cork’s arts scene, drawing over 80,000 visitors a year with world-class productions.

Louise Murray and Des Kennedy, The Everyman, pictured receiving the award for Best in Culture, Arts & Tourism from sponsor Deirdre Cole of Failte Ireland, and Cliona Barnes and Dave O'Brien, CBA.

Best Retail Business – Pinocchios 

A beloved Cork toy store for more than four decades, Pinocchios delights generations with timeless toys, expert advice, and enchanting window displays.

Wyon Stansfield and Jan Miller, Pinocchio's Toys & Gifts, pictured receiving the Best in Retail award from sponsor Julie Evans of Opera Lane, and Cliona Barnes and Dave O'Brien, CBA.

Best Café – Dukes Café 

Marking 20 years in business, Dukes Café remains a Cork favourite, renowned for its expertly crafted coffee, welcoming vibe, and deep community ties.

Aidan and Thelma Duke, Dukes Coffee Company, pictured receiving the Best Cafe award, sponsored by Barry's Tea, from Cliona Barnes and Dave O'Brien, CBA.

Best Restaurant – Cornstore Cork 

A leader in the city’s dining scene, Cornstore Cork combines modern Irish cuisine, top-quality local produce, and polished service in a refined atmosphere.

Mags O'Connor and Clodagh O'Donovan, Cornstore Cork, pictured receiving the Best Restaurant award from sponsor Brendan Walsh of The English Market, and Cliona Barnes and Dave O'Brien.

Best Family Business – St Luke’s Wine Tavern 

Run by two generations, St Luke’s Wine Tavern offers authentic Spanish-inspired dining and genuine Cork hospitality rooted in family and community.

Tara Buckley, Valerie Barry and Ian Clarke, St Luke's Wine Tavern, receiving the Best Family Business Award from sponsor Noreen Walsh of AIB, with Cliona Barnes and Dave O'Brien, CBA.

Best New Business – Paynt 

This Cork-founded fintech innovator transforms how SMEs handle cashless payments, standing out for its creativity, speed, and global reach.

Andrew Graer and Kia Morris of Paynt, pictured receiving the Best New Business Award from sponsor Niall O'Keeffe of Cork LEO, along with Cliona Barnes and Dave O'Brien.

Sustainable Business Innovation – Orla McAndrew Food 

Orla McAndrew Food is redefining catering with zero-waste principles, seasonal produce, and a beautiful commitment to sustainability and local sourcing.

Orla McAndrew and Andrea Ambrose of Orla McAndrew Food, pictured receiving the Sustainable Business Innovation award from sponsor Prof. Maggie Cusack of MTU, with Cliona Barnes and Dave O'Brien, CBA.

Best Content Creator – Marina Market 

Through dynamic storytelling and engaging visual content, Marina Market showcases Cork’s food, culture, and spirit, driving visitors online and on site.

Aoife Traynor, Floyd Cooper, Isaac Hurley and Shauna Murray from Marina Market, pictured receiving the Best Content Creator Award from sponsor Niamh Murphy of ETC, with Cliona Barnes and Dave O'Brien, CBA.