*Mike Carroll of Tierney’s presents the New Business Award to members of Beo at The Well. Photograph: Mike Mulcaire
CLARE’s premier business awards have been handed out for 2025 with twenty accolades on offer.
There wasn’t a seat to be had at Clare Business Excellence Awards 2025 Gala Ceremony at the Inn at Dromoland last Thursday hosted by Ennis Chamber in partnership with Clare County Council.
This year’s event marked the 15th running of these prestigious local awards. Big winners on the night included O’Connor’s Bakery, for ‘Best Family Business’ and the overall award for ‘Clare Business of the Year’.
Mick Guinee was the very worthy recipient of the inaugural Ennis Chamber President’s Award for Lifetime Achievement. He received a standing ovation for his contribution to the region as an engineer, employer, entrepreneur, innovator and philanthropist.
Relative newcomers BEO -The Well scooped two category awards for ‘Best Café’ and ‘Best New Business’. Zimmer Biomet took the honours for ‘Best Manufacturer’ while Lahinch Coast Hotel won what is traditionally considered the hardest fought category – ‘Customer Service Excellence’.
MC for the Gala Dinner & Awards Ceremony was comedian and author Colm O’Regan, who brought professionalism and a lot of laughter to the room.
Ennis Chamber President Diarmuid McMahon said, “Clare Business Excellence Awards 2025 culminated in what was a fantastic night of celebration and entertainment. I’d like to congratulate the winners and all the finalists. The quality of the businesses represented in the room, from micro to multi-nationals was a proud testament to the calibre of businesses operating across County Clare.
“This event has deservedly gained a reputation as the premier annual event in the business calendar of County Clare and it lived up to that billing this year. I would like to congratulate the hard-working team at Ennis Chamber, led by CEO Margaret O’Brien on producing such a well-organised and fun event. It was a special night of celebration.”
Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Cllr. Paul Murphy (FG) said, “Clare County Council was once again delighted to partner Ennis Chamber in presenting the Clare Business Excellence Awards. It was a pleasure to welcome so many Clare based businesses to the awards ceremony. The diversity and innovation of the businesses present was a positive reflection of a vibrant and sustainable local economy, and their success a testament to the resilience and determination they have demonstrated in recent years by overcoming many challenges”.
Clare Business Excellence Award winners 2025:
‘CLARE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR 2025’
Sponsored by Clare County Council
Winner: O’Connor’s Bakery
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES EXCELLENCE
Sponsored by Bank of Ireland
Winner: Ciara Petty Design Studio
BEST CAFE/BISTRO
Sponsored by AIB
Winner: BEO – The Well
BEST RESTAURANT
Sponsored by AIB
Winner: The Harbour Restaurant (Kilrush)
RETAILER OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by Clean Ireland Recycling
Winner: Holly’s Haven Pharmacy
BEST MICRO BUSINESS (employing 10 people or less)
Sponsored by Clare Local Enterprise Office
Winner: People & Place
BEST FAMILY BUSINESS
Sponsored by MHP Sellors
Winner: O’Connor’s Bakery
BEST USE OF DIGITAL MARKETING & SOCIAL MEDIA
Sponsored by the Clare Echo
Winner: Doolin Ferry Company
BEST GREEN & SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES
Sponsored by Rengen Power
Winner: Dromoland Castle Resort
BEST TOURISM EXPERIENCE
Sponsored by TUS
Winner: Caherconnell Fort & Sheepdog Demonstrations
BEST HOSPITALITY IN CLARE
Sponsored by The Shannon Airport Group
Winner: Shannon Springs Hotel
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Sponsored by Ennis Chamber
Awarded to: Mick Guinee, founder and long-serving CEO of Ei Electronics who was honoured for his immense legacy to County Clare and the Mid-West region, as an employer, entrepreneur, innovator and philanthropist.
BEST SME (10 – 200 employees)
Sponsored by Cup Print
Winner: Cahir Environmental Services
BEST NEW BUSINESS (UP TO 5 YEARS OLD)
Sponsored by Tierney’s
Winner: BEO – The Well
BEST MANUFACTURER
Sponsored by Ei Electronics
Winner: Zimmer Biomet
INNOVATION IN BUSINESS
Sponsored by PTSB
Winner: Óir Tonics
CUSTOMER SERVICE EXCELLENCE
Sponsored by Xeinadin
Winner: Lahinch Coast Hotel
BUSINESS FOR SOCIAL IMPACT
Sponsored by Essilor Luxottica
Winner: Common Knowledge
BEST VOLUNTARY/COMMUNITY GROUP
Sponsored by Vitalograph
Winner: Scariff Bay Community Radio (who also receive €500)
