40 local businesses and organisations shortlisted for Meath Business and Tourism Awards
It was a case of standing room onlin in AIB Navan last month as 40 company and organisation representatives - finalists in this year’s Meath Business and Tourism Awards gathered to 'pitch' to the judging panel.
Conor Corry and all his team in AIB were the hospitable and generous hosts with Conor acting as MC for the occasion that acts as a great networking event for all the shortlisted firms and groups.
Each company is allocated two minutes to convince the judges that they should win their category and also be considered for Overall Business of the Year or Tourism Business of the Year. No videos or slide presentations are permitted but the participants showed great imagination, passion and enthusiasm for getting their message across.
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22-10-25, Meath Business & Tourism Awards - Pitch Night Judges pictured at the Meath Business & Tourism Awards - Pitch Night: L-R, Catherine Fox, John Keogan and Emma GillPhoto: David Mullen/www.cyberimages.net Photo by David MullenImage 2 of 11
22-10-25, Meath Business & Tourism Awards - Pitch Night Jack Kiernan and his daughter Louise put their pitch during the Meath Business & Tourism Awards - Pitch Night Photo: David Mullen/www.cyberimages.net Photo by David MullenImage 3 of 11
22-10-25, Meath Business & Tourism Awards - Pitch Night Oran Doughty makes his family pitch during the Meath Business & Tourism Awards - Pitch NightPhoto: David Mullen/www.cyberimages.net Photo by David MullenImage 4 of 11
22-10-25, Meath Business & Tourism Awards - Pitch Night Oran Doughty gets his family pitch ready during the Meath Business & Tourism Awards - Pitch NightPhoto: David Mullen/www.cyberimages.net Photo by David MullenImage 5 of 11
22-10-25, Meath Business & Tourism Awards - Pitch Night Ciara Burke from Sage & Stone puts out her pitch during the Meath Business & Tourism Awards - Pitch Night Photo: David Mullen/www.cyberimages.net Photo by David MullenImage 6 of 11
22-10-25, Meath Business & Tourism Awards - Pitch Night Joe McGovern and Hazel Sheridan - Darnley Lodge Hotel make their pitchPhoto: David Mullen/www.cyberimages.net Photo by David MullenImage 7 of 11
22-10-25, Meath Business & Tourism Awards - Pitch Night Sarah O`Rourke - Saraden Designs makes her pitchPhoto: David Mullen/www.cyberimages.net Photo by David MullenImage 8 of 11
22-10-25, Meath Business & Tourism Awards - Pitch Night Judges and the various award applicants Photo: David Mullen/www.cyberimages.net Photo by David MullenImage 9 of 11
22-10-25, Meath Business & Tourism Awards - Pitch Night The crew from High Lube Sales (HLS) make their pitchPhoto: David Mullen/www.cyberimages.net Photo by David MullenImage 10 of 11
22-10-25, Meath Business & Tourism Awards - Pitch Night AIB Hub manager - Conor Corry introduces the speakersPhoto: David Mullen/www.cyberimages.net Photo by David MullenImage 11 of 11
22-10-25, Meath Business & Tourism Awards - Pitch Night General ViewPhoto: David Mullen/www.cyberimages.net Photo by David MullenSome brought chocolate bars, others were dressed in costume, we heard some poetry, saw some beautiful paintings and also embroidered luggage labels and beany hats and so much more. Some stood alone to do their pitch, others had the entire family involved. There were long established family businesses and emerging new businesses less than a year in operation. They left an almost impossible task for the judges who had long deliberations to choose category winners.
Mary McGuigan, Business Manager with Celtic Media Group said it was a fantastic evening with nearly every chosen finalist present and eager to share their stories.
"Thanks to all who entered this year’s awards – in our 17th year we are delighted that the awards are going from strength to strength. The Pitch Night was introduced 10 years ago – an idea from Kevin Stewart, retired Director of Services, Meath County Council. This event has proved to be an integral part of the process and a great ice breaker for the awards event and an important networking event.
"Congratulations to all and the best of luck to all our finalists. we look forward to meeting you all again in Trim Castle on November 14th and rest assured that all our finalists are recognised at the awards ceremony – so we were truly in the company of a room full of winners.
See next week's Meath Chronicle for a special supplement featuring EVERY business and organisation nominated.
Finalists in MBTA’s 2025
Best Family Business:
Darnley Lodge Hotel
Sage and Stone
Headfort Arms Hotel
Townhouse Yarns
Best Training and Development Initiative:
The Johnstown Estate
Brid Fanning Art
Best in Customer Service:
CityNorth Hotel
Procrop t/a HLS
HanaLee Studios
Saraden Designs
Best Emerging New Business
TrakPro
Finvisor Limited
Run-My-Business
Excellence in Style Award
Clare O Connor
Siobhan Daly Designs
L’Avenue Hair and Beauty
Excellence in Retail Award
Doughtys Wilkinstown
Topline Murtagh
Jack Kiernan
Make it Personal Ireland
Best Green Business
Rock Farm Slane
Wildlife Surveys Ireland Ltd
The Studio Coffee Roasters
Meath Local Enterprise Board Award
RYSE Chocolate
URBÓ Milk
Evolve Neuro
Not for Profit Organisation
Blackwater Community First Responders
Meath Film Collective
JFK Community Car at Moylagh
Best Small to Medium Enterprise
European Industrial Coatings
O’Reilly Oakstown
Lydon Farrell Property
Best Small Tourism Experience
An Gobha Iron Works Experience
Siamsa Glas
Shane Holland Design
Cynthia Simonet
Best Tourism Experience or Event
Fairyhouse Easter Festival
Samhain Festival of Food and Culture
Killeen Castle – The Irish Challenge
Royal Meath Show