Lifetime achievement award for long-time Kells businesswoman

The winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Kells Business Awards at the weekend was Mrs Ina Fitzgerald, managing director of Fitzgerald's Furniture Manufacturers of Kells. The firm has been in business for 50 years and was recently awarded the fit-out of the new Terminal 2 at Dublin Airport in the face of major European competition. Mrs Fitzgerald accepted the award on behalf of her family and late husband, Des. The Kells Business Awards were announced on Saturday night at the annual Kells Chamber of Commerce Ball, which was a very glamorous occasion wiith an 'Oscars' theme. Members of the Navan Camera Club were the paparazzi with flashbulbs at the ready as the nominees arrived and walked up the red carpet for the champagne reception. MC for the night was 2FM DJ Damien Farrelly and Chamber president, Jess Olohan, presented the awards. The award for best contribituion to business in Kells went to Royal Drive Developments, the company that have built the business park at Loyd. The award for the best shopfront went to Kenlis Pharmacy, jointly with KWRS. Cooper Insulations won the most outstanding business award while the prize for the best innovative business went to Best o'Matz, the children's play centre in business park. The award for the most contemporary design went to SuperValu, while the community spirit award went to the Kells Pink Ribbon Walk. The winners each received a specially commissioned piece of artwork by local artist Beth Campbell. Ms Olohan urged members to engage in more 'member-to-member networking' to help each other out in the recession. The black-tie event kicked off with a champagne reception, followed by a four-course gourmet dinner. The renowned party band, The Moog 69s, who were asked to play at singer Mundy's wedding, provided the music and this was followed by a disco.