LIMERICK’S Eventmaster was named as Entrepreneur of the Year 2026 in the Limerick final of the National Enterprise Awards.
Eventmaster was founded by John Cleary who created the ticketing and back-end booking platform used by a significant number of organisations around the country.
The firm is now a thriving business, based out of Arthurs Quay, with its sights on international growth.
Other awards went to FÃor Jewellery – Digital Retail Award; Bandbireland.com – Best Emerging Enterprise Award; Rigneys Farm – Sustainability Award; Ecoaer – Innovation Excellence Award; and Crystal Lean Solutions – Export Award.
The competition is organised by Ireland’s network of local enterprise offices (LEO).
In 2025, 531 new jobs were created in LEO Limerick-supported SME’s, a 31 per cent increase from 2024. There was a net employment gain in Limerick of 259 in 2025 and 310 total small businesses employing 2,289 people supported by LEO Limerick.
Mike O’Byrne of LEO Limerick said the organisation “is proud to serve as the first stop for small and medium businesses throughout Limerick, offering extensive supports at every stage of their journey”.
“These awards shine a spotlight on local entrepreneurs, giving them the opportunity to showcase their achievements beyond their own networks. They recognise the vision and determination of those creating jobs and making a lasting contribution to the economic and social fabric of our communities.”
Eventmaster will now go forward as Limerick’s representative in the National Enterprise Awards on June 18. in Dublin’s Mansion House.
To find out more about the supports available for new or expanding businesses in Limerick, visit localenterprise.ie/Limerick.