DOONBEG businessman, Hugh McNally has been presented with the One to Watch accolade at the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) Startup Awards.
High potential, innovation-led businesses from across the Mid-West region are showcased through the awards. They marked the culmination of the Enterprise Ireland New Frontiers programme at TUS, which supports founders to develop scalable businesses with regional and international impact.
Hugh who co-founded CarPal received the One to Watch Award. CarPal is a platform designed to transform how car dealers connect with buyers, it is a demand-led automotive platform that gives dealers access to verified, high-intent customers, reducing wasted enquiries and improving conversion and stock turnover.
McNally was the fourth generation of his family to run Morrissey’s Bar and Restaurant in Doonbeg, he took over running the business in 2000 while still studying for a degree in business management. He is the youngest of four siblings and the only non-practicing accountant. A decade ago, he completed his final taxation exams. Hugh is a distant cousin of former US Vice President, Mike Pence.
Calm & Free, the paediatrician-led skincare venture co-founded by Dr Rachel Power was named Startup of the Year, while the Best Innovation Award went to Fastwave, a platform developed by Tipperary entrepreneur Sarah Hayes to streamline competitive swimming event entry.
The event featured a keynote from John Cleary, founder and CEO of Eventmaster, who shared insights from building and scaling a technology company across Ireland and Europe.
More than 100 investors, business leaders and representatives from support agencies and higher education institutions attended the event, where startups pitched their ideas and outlined their growth plans. The programme is delivered through the TUS Hartnett Enterprise Acceleration Centre, in collaboration with UL Nexus, and supported by the Local Enterprise Offices in Clare, Limerick and Tipperary, alongside AxisBIC, Propelor BIC and Limerick Chamber Skillnet.
Professor Vincent Cunnane, President of TUS, said, “What we are seeing here is a cohort of founders who have moved beyond early ideas and are now building businesses with real potential to scale. Programmes like New Frontiers are critical in strengthening Ireland’s pipeline of innovation-led, export-focused companies”
Ciara Concannon, National Programme Manager for New Frontiers at Enterprise Ireland, said, “The programme plays a vital role in supporting early-stage entrepreneurs, giving them the skills, guidance and confidence to grow. It is particularly encouraging to see strong regional representation, including founders from Clare, progressing through the programme”.
Applications for the next New Frontiers programme at TUS are now open.
