LIMERICK’S best in the biz were celebrated at Limerick Chamber’s Regional Business Awards at the Strand Hotel on Friday last (November 14).
From global giants to local community groups, some of the top names in the Mid West were presented with the much-coveted awards in front of over 400 of the region’s most influential business and political figures at the annual black-tie gala.
The 2025 President’s Award was presented by Chamber President Mairead Connolly to Professor Vincent Cunnane, President of the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS), for the transformative role he has played throughout his distinguished career spanning academia, regional development, and leadership in higher education.
In a one-to-one conversation with Ms Connolly following the presentation of the award, Professor Cunnane spoke about his lengthy career taking him from the townland of Stranorlar in Donegal to serving as chief executive of Shannon Development and the Mid West Taskforce and his role in the amalgamation of Limerick City and County Council to leading the multi-campus TUS through its evolution from the former Limerick Institute of Technology, his vision for Limerick, and the importance of strategic future planning for Limerick City.
Previous winners of the award include JP McManus, John Kiely, Milford Care Centre, and Dr Ed Walsh, past president of University of Limerick.
Presenting the award, Ms Connolly said that “Professor Cunnane has played a transformative role in shaping the Mid West’s future. His vision for education, innovation, and collaboration has had a profound and lasting impact on our region.”
Speaking at the top of the ceremony, Chamber President Mairead Connolly told the gathered dignitaries, including Canadian Ambassador to Ireland Dennis King, that future government investment is vital to the region’s growth over the coming years, warning that while the region’s economy is thriving, “there is no room for complacency”.
Ms Connolly said that “the Mid West has much to offer but needs more investment”, pointing to ongoing challenges in housing, infrastructure, and healthcare as barriers to continued growth.
“It’s an exciting time to be living and working in the Mid West. But there are headwinds for businesses – rising costs, tariffs, and challenges on infrastructure and housing. Healthcare continues to dominate for the wrong reasons. This region has much to offer but needs more investment,” she said.
She told the audience that “the success of our region is a collective effort”.
“It starts with each of us in the room, working together with our elected representatives locally, nationally, and at a European level. There should be no cap on our ambition.”
Chamber CEO Michelle Gallagher congratulated the winners and nominees on the night, saying that each of them “represents the best of what this region stands for — innovation, collaboration, and community”.
“The success we see here tonight is proof that the Mid West continues to punch above its weight — this region has the people, ideas, and partnerships that enable businesses to thrive.”
The top awards on the night went to:
Best Emerging Business Award: Treaty Software
Best SME Regional Business Excellence Award: Data Storage and Management (DSM)
Best Not for Profit: Our Lady of Lourdes Community Services Group
Sustainability and Environmental Leadership: Johnson & Johnson
Innovation and Digital Transformation: BD Research Centre Ireland
CSR Community Impact: Dell Technologies
Customer Experience Excellence Award for Retail and Hospitality: University Concert Hall
Best Employer, People and Culture Excellence: Cook Medical
Best Overall Business of the Year: BD Research Centre Ireland