Jazz festival hits the high notes at business awards
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Deirdre O’Grady receiving the award for Best Services Business, from sponsor Katelyn Scanlon of B2B Signs, and Cliona Barnes and Dave O’Brien, CBA. Michael O'SullivanImage 2 of 15
Wyon Stansfield and Jan Miller from Pinocchio’s Toys & Gifts receiving the Best in Retail award from sponsor Julie Evans of Opera Lane, and Cliona Barnes and Dave O’Brien, CBA. Michael O'SullivanImage 3 of 15
Orla McAndrew & Andrea Ambrose of Orla McAndrew Food receiving the Sustainable Business Innovation award from sponsor Prof. Maggie Cusack of MTU, with Cliona Barnes and Dave O’Brien, CBA. Michael O'SullivanImage 4 of 15
The Here’s Health team.Image 5 of 15
Lynn English and Sarah Casey, Water Technology Limited.Image 6 of 15
Lauren Ferreira, Drury Halpin, Sheila Madden, Ciara Coveney, Halpin Wealth Management.Image 7 of 15
Dave O’Brien, President, Cork Business Association; Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr Fergal Dennehy, Lady Mayoress of Cork Karen Brennan, Minister Jerry Buttimer.Image 8 of 15
Members of the Marina Market team.Image 9 of 15
Breeda O’Connell and Paula Price.Image 10 of 15
Members of AIB team.Image 11 of 15
Rebekah O’Mara and Rory Murphy, Dwyers of Cork and Seventy Seven.Image 12 of 15
Tianna Savage and Sophia Kirwan from Cork School of Dance.Image 13 of 15
Paul Staniforth, and Clara Belle, Wobbly Circus with Maura Mackey, Maura Mackey Design, Elena Canty, Ballyvolane and Margaret O’Regan, O’Regan Events.Image 14 of 15
Marie O’Donovan and Angela Newman, Historical Histories Cork.Image 15 of 15
Hannah Falvey, Marketing Institute Ireland Cork, Jen Sheehan, Blarney Woollen Mills and Maressa Mills, Marketing Institute Ireland Cork.The ambition and energy within Cork’s business community was hailed as extraordinary during a recent business awards event honouring the city’s most outstanding enterprises.
More than 350 people from Cork City’s business community came together at the 69th Cork Business Association (CBA) Cork Business of the Year with the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival taking home the top honour as the overall winner.
Held at Vienna Woods Hotel, the glittering black tie event celebrated innovation, community spirit, and excellence across Cork city’s business landscape. The evening was hosted by Marty Morrissey with An Taoiseach Micheál Martin and European Commissioner Michael McGrath delivering the keynote address.
CBA President Dave O’Brien praised this year’s winners for their ambition and resilience. “These awards celebrate not just success, but the passion and resilience that drive it. The Guinness Cork Jazz Festival embodies everything that makes Cork unique - creativity, collaboration, and a global outlook.”
The judges said the overall winner Guinness Cork Jazz Festival was chosen because it is a cornerstone of Cork’s cultural identity and has incredible scale and impact. Drawing more than 100,000 visitors annually and contributing more than €45 million to the local economy, it transforms Cork into an international stage each October.
An Taoiseach Micheál Martin said: “Congratulations to all those nominated and to the winners. This is a testament to the vibrancy and strength of Cork’s business community.
“The Guinness Cork Jazz Festival’s recognition as overall winner further cements Cork’s reputation as a leading festival city. While we are proud to host many outstanding festivals, the jazz festival has consistently led the way, particularly at times when it was needed most.”
Awards
Best VFI Pub – The Welcome Inn
Best Cork Hotel – Vienna Woods Hotel
Best Services Business – AbilityWise
Best Festival or Event – Open Streets by Cork City Council
Best in Tourism, Culture & Arts – The Everyman
Best Retail Business – Pinocchios
Best Café – Dukes Café
Best Restaurant – Cornstore Cork
Best Family Business – St Luke’s Wine Tavern
Best New Business – Paynt
Sustainable Business Innovation – Orla McAndrew Food
Best Content Creator – Marina Market