Pictures: Domnick Walsh
The chairman of the Kerry Tourism Industry Federation and former managing director of Liebherr Container Cranes has been honoured for business excellence.
Pat O’Leary, from Killarney, was honoured at the Business Leaders Awards which have returned after a two-year absence forced by the pandemic.
Honouring the entrepreneurial spirit and achievements of Kerry-based business leaders, the event brought together established and emerging business entrepreneurs with the purpose of celebrating inspiring other business owners.
Over 180 of Kerry’s business, enterprise and public representatives attended at The Rose Hotel to award and honour three deserving business champions.
Pat O’Leary was presented with the prestigious lifetime achievement award, Ned Harty, the founder of Dairymaster, received the business leader of the year accolade while Ogie Sheehy and Kathleen Wall, founders of ViClarity, were presented with the emerging business leader award.
Brid McElligott, chair of the Kerry Innovation Centre, who was master of ceremonies, said: “We are delighted to be able to recognise the achievements of our award recipients this evening and thank them in person for their role in creating meaningful employment and opportunities for the people of the county”.
She added: “Each of these leaders has demonstrated incredible entrepreneurial drive, determination and ability as they spearheaded the growth of a global business from Kerry.”
Former Taoiseach Enda Kenny congratulated the winners as he delivered the after-dinner speech.
Previous recipients include Donie Ring, Tomas Garvey, Brian McCarthy, and the Stack family of Killarney company Tricel.
The event is supported and sponsored by the Kerry Innovation Centre, Kerry County Council and EY.
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