EOY Ireland announce 24 finalists for this year’s EY Entrepreneur of the Year award

Tony Cuddihy

There are some massive names on the list for the biggest prize in Irish business.

EOY Ireland have announced the finalists for this year’s coveted EY Entrepreneur of the Year award, with 24 business owners competing for the business world’s highest honour in this country.

The 24 finalists were culled from more 110 nominations across Ireland, with eight competitors in each of the three categories – ‘Emerging’, ‘Industry’ and ‘International’.

The awards are entering their 21st year, and look to champion entrepreneurship and connect emerging business people throughout the country.

This year’s group of finalists employs more than 2,700 people across the country, and generate a combined revenue of €150m.

We are delighted to announce our 24 Finalists for 2018's EY Entrepreneur Of The Year programme! Our independent judges panel has carefully selected the island's 24 top entrepreneurs to compete in what is sure to be our most exciting year ever #EOYambition https://t.co/tX7M39bTrh

— EOY Ireland (@EOYIreland) April 23, 2018

“Every year the calibre of nominees intensifies, and this year has been no exception,” said chair Anne Heraty, CEO of CPL Resources and winner of the 2006 award.

“We as judges take enormous pride in supporting the backbone of the Irish economy by highlighting Ireland’s most innovative, brave, and ambitious entrepreneurs.”

Those chosen among the 24 candidates will spend a week in London and Oxford in May at a specialised ‘CEO retreat’ along with 70 EOY alumni – it is this country largest unofficial trade mission, and plays a massive role in boosting Ireland’s business profile on the world stage.

“Without doubt the greatest strength of the community is the incredible opportunity that we have to learn from each other’s experiences.

“I am delighted to welcome this year’s 24 finalists into the EY Entrepreneur of The Year community and wish them the very best at the beginning of an unforgettable journey through the programme and beyond.’’