Award for Fermoy professor

A Fermoy native has been awarded one of Europe’s most prestigious honours in entrepreneurship education.

Professor of Entrepreneurship at Technological University Dublin Thomas M Cooney has been awarded the European Entrepreneurship Education Award (EEEA) 2026. The award, presented annually by the Sten K Johnson Centre for Entrepreneurship, recognises individuals who have made a significant contribution to advancing entrepreneurship education across Europe. It includes a diploma and a monetary prize of 100,000 SEK.

Originally from Fermoy, where he attended St Colman’s College, Prof. Cooney is also Director of the Centre for Entrepreneurial Behaviour, Inclusion and Innovation (CEBII) at TU Dublin. He was recognised for his leadership in entrepreneurship education, research, and policy, particularly his work on inclusive entrepreneurship and support for marginalised and underrepresented groups.

The award committee highlighted his collaborations with international organisations, including the OECD, the European Commission, and the United Nations Institute for Training and Research, as well as the impact of his work across diverse communities throughout Europe. His teaching has also delivered significant social impact, with undergraduate students at TU Dublin raising approximately €1 million for charitable causes through course-based projects.

The award will be formally presented at the 3E Conference in Bodø, Norway, from 20–22 May.