Cork businesses recognised for their resilience in the face of Covid

Kilkenny Group and Diana O'Mahony Jewellers secure top awards

Izzedeen and Eman Alkarajeh, owners of IZZ Cafe winners of the Best Cafe award in the Cork Business Association awards with Eoin O'Sullivan, president CBA. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

Kilkenny Design and Diana O’Mahony Jewellers claimed the top awards at the Cork Business Association’s, Business of the Year Awards, which were held virtually for the first time since the annual event began 64 years ago.

Evelyn Moynihan, (left) CEO and Marion O'Gorman, chairperson Kilkenny Design winners Cork business of the year (large) and best in retail in the Cork Business Association awards with Eoin O'Sullivan, president CBA. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

Kilkenny not only won the overall Large Cork Business of the Year prize, but they also picked up Best in Retail, while Diana O’Mahony was recognised as the overall SME Cork Business.

Ronan, Mary and Shane Kennedy , Diana O'Mahony jewellers, winner of Cork Business of the year (SME) in the Cork Business Association awards

Professor Mary Horgan, named Champion of Cork in the Cork Business Association awards with Eoin O'Sullivan, president CBA.

Physician Professor Mary Horgan, President of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland was also named the Champion of Cork at the awards for her outstanding contribution to health care, in particular for her role in the Covid-19 pandemic, while Event Plan picked up a special award for demonstrating resilience and innovation in one of the most difficult trading years in Cork’s history.

Jenny O'Flynn, (left) MD and Margaret O'Regan, operations manager Event Plan winner resilience & Innovation award in the Cork Business Association awards

Michael Magner, Vienna Wood's hotel, winner of best family business in the Cork Business Association Awards.

Michael O'Sullivan, Paul Montgomery and Graham Barrett of Clancy's winner of Best VFI Cork pub.

Mark Flynn of The Imperial Hotel prepares items for collection by sisters Alison and Anna O'Sullivan of Clancy's Bar collecting dine-at-home dinner items at The Imperial Hotel, South Mall, Cork on Saturday afternoon. Pic; Larry Cummins

Michael Magner and family accepted Cork’s Vienna Woods Best Family Business Award, while the Princes Street, Eat on the Street initiative won Best in Tourism Arts and Events.

Best Cork VFI Pub went to Clancys Cork, Best Cork Restaurant was picked up by The Glass Curtin, Best Hotel was presented to The Montenotte, and Palestinian Izz Cafe won in their category for epitomising spirit in the face of adversity.

Brian Bowler, The Montenotte hotel winner Best hotel in the Cork Business Association Awards

Orla Dolan, CEO Breakthrough Cancer Research, winner of Best professional service in the Cork Business Association awards with Eoin O'Sullivan, President CBA.

Finola Twomey and John Harnett, Fota Island Resort, winner of Best Cork Digital business in the Cork Business Association awards.

Breakthrough Cancer Research was recognised as Best Professional Services Business for their outstanding contribution to creating new treatments for cancer patients, while Fota Island Resort picked up the Best in Digital award for their creativity online over the past year.

The region’s first design-led boutique hotel, The Dean, won the Best New Business Award.

In recent years the event has been a showcase for local food producers. With Covid restrictions moving the awards event online, attendees were provided with a Taste of the City at Home culinary experience through a collaboration between The Kingsley, The Imperial, The Metropole, Cork’s Vienna Woods, Cork International and Nash19. It was paired with champagne sponsored by Centra, Heineken beer and wine.

President of the Cork Business Association Eoin O’Sullivan said it was a night of many firsts. "It was the first time that hotel chefs in Cork collaborated on an At Home dining experience, it was the first time that we opened the awards up to public vote, and it was the first time in 64 years that the CBA celebrated virtually. I am very proud to follow in my father’s footsteps as President of the CBA, an organisation that plays a vital role for businesses in the greater Cork City region."

Colette Walsh, head of sales and Shane Fitzpatrick, general manager The Dean winner Best new business in the Cork Business Association awards.

The awards, which are run in partnership with JCD, Peninsula, Centra and media partner The Irish Examiner, recognise the outstanding contribution of businesses and individuals working diligently across a variety of business sectors in Cork City and suburbs.

Marian O’Gorman chair of Kilkenny Design said: “We are blown away by our win in the Best Retailer category, and winning the overall large business award. The last 12 months has been very challenging for our business, yet I’m so proud of how the Kilkenny team adapted, and maximised the opportunity to grow our online business, and launch Champion Green."

Mary Kennedy of Diana O'Mahony said they were honoured and elated to receive their award. "It was made possible by our amazing team, fabulous customers, and the outstanding support over the years from CBA and Cork LEO."