The very best of Waterford’s business community was celebrated at the Waterford Business Awards, which took place on Friday night, November 14th, at the Tower Hotel, before an audience that included Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke, Mayor of Waterford City & County Cllr Séamus Ryan, and close to 400 business leaders from across the city and county.
The gala evening, hosted by WLR’s Mary O’Neill and organised by Waterford Chamber, with the support of Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber, Waterford City & County Council and WLR, recognised excellence and innovation across a range of sectors, from start-ups and SMEs to global enterprises.
Mayor Ryan took to the stage at the end of the evening to announce the Overall Waterford Business of the Year for 2025 goes to Dave Barry Plastics. Based in Dungarvan, the company is a trusted leader in the design and manufacturing of high-quality plastic solutions for the pharmaceutical, biopharma, and technological industries.
Excellence in Business
Speaking at the event, Mayor of Waterford City & County, Cllr Séamus Ryan, congratulated all the finalists and paid tribute to the energy and ambition of Waterford’s business community.
“Tonight, we come together to celebrate the very best of enterprise, innovation, and community spirit, the qualities that define Waterford and the South East as a place to do business, to invest, and to live.
“These awards are not just about recognising success stories, but about honouring the people behind them, the entrepreneurs, employers, and teams who continue to drive growth, create opportunity, and strengthen our local economy. Your determination, creativity, and resilience are what make Waterford thrive.”
Minister Burke also paid tribute to Waterford’s hard-working and dynamic business community. “Waterford’s business community represent yet another fantastic example of the vibrant enterprise communities that exist right across all regions of our country and which form the backbone of our economy and communities. Events such as this showcase what can be achieved through meaningful interaction between our Chambers of Commerce, Local Government, Enterprise support offices and agencies, and my Department’s Regional Enterprise Plans – ensuring that our economy remains resilient and Ireland remains a leading location to work, live and do business in.”
Award Winners 2025
This year’s category winners reflected the strength, creativity, and diversity of enterprise across Waterford:
- New Business of the Year: Euryka AI
- Business of the Year (up to 20 employees): Liberty Blue Estate Agents
- Business of the Year (up to 100 employees): Dave Barry Plastics
- Business of the Year (100+ employees): Eirgen Pharma
- Environmental & Sustainability Award: Granville Hotel
- Excellence in Innovation: Ashleigh Farms
- Retailer of the Year: Fitzgeralds Menswear
- Marketing Excellence: The TEFL Institute of Ireland
- Visit Waterford Award: Dunmore Adventure Centre
- Workplace Excellence: Fitzwilton Hotel
- Customer Service Excellence: Klearcom
- Food, Beverage & Hospitality: The Railway Cottage
Seamus Kilgannon was recognised for his exceptional leadership, innovation, and sustained investment in Waterford, as he received the Entrepreneur of the Year Award, while the Judges’ Special Recognition Award went to TV Honan, founder of Spraoi, for his lifelong contribution to the arts, culture, and tourism in Waterford.
The new Think Waterford First Award went to Paul Dower of Waterford In Your Pocket. Paul was honoured for his tireless efforts in promoting Waterford to a global audience and supporting local business and community ventures.
Meanwhile, the WLR Radio Campaign of the Year Award went to Faithlegg for their creative multi-media campaign, praised for its compelling storytelling that captured the essence of the Faithlegg experience.
The night’s top honour went to Dave Barry Plastics, recognised for its innovation, strong growth, and contribution to local employment.
Celebrating Local Enterprise
The Waterford Business Awards shine a spotlight on the companies and individuals who are shaping Waterford’s economic future. Businesses were nominated by the public and through self-entry, with an independent judging panel chaired by Martin Freyne, alongside a team of respected local business leaders.
Eadaoin Carrick, President of Waterford Chamber, congratulated all finalists and winners, saying: “The Waterford Business Awards are a true celebration of resilience and excellence. Every finalist here tonight plays a vital role in the strength of our local economy and the continued success of Waterford as a thriving regional capital.”
Oren Byrne, President of Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber, added: “These awards highlight the innovation, collaboration, and community spirit that define Waterford business. It’s an honour to celebrate such remarkable achievements.”
Michael Byrne, CEO of WLR, commended the winners and thanked the partners and sponsors who made the evening possible: “The Waterford Business Awards are a reflection of what makes this city and county so special, world-class businesses, creative people, and a strong sense of community.”
