GALLERY: Meath Business and Tourism Awards 2024

Slane-based MTM Engineering have been crowned Overall Excellence in Business Award winners for 2024 at the Meath Business and Tourism Awards.

The glittering black-tie event was held in Knightsbrook Hotel last Friday and attended by over 280 guests representing 35 businesses and organisations.

Emerald Park received the coveted Overall Excellence in Tourism Award while there was also an Outstanding Achievement Award for JMB Sportsfield Services.

MTM Engineering was founded in 1997 by Martin and Patricia Mee as a Irish cable installation company. Over the past 27 years, the business has grown into a European leader in power and communication services. Now son Brendan Mee as CEO is continuing his parents’ legacy and now employs over 900 people across 10 countries, with plans to exceed 1,000 employees this year.

The recent headquarters expansion in Slane, reflects its commitment to both the local community and global growth.

“I wasn't expecting this,” were the stunned words of MTM Engineering boss, Brendan Mee after his firm landed the Overall Excellence in Business title on top of winning the Best Family Business award.

CATEGORY WINNERS GALLERY

“I suppose it is the recognition for what's been done in MTM across 10 countries now. We've a lot of dedicated people and also its recognition from our peers in the business community, we're absolutely delighted.”

Emerald Park, which landed the overall tourism title, has had the Irish nation screaming with excitement since Ray Coyle first opened the Kilbrew, Ashbourne theme park's doors in 2010.

Spread over 50 acres with 40 attractions and 250 animal species, each year Emerald Park hires on average 600 seasonal and 130 full time staff members. Emerald Park also won the Best Tourism Experience award.

The guest speaker for the evening, which was MC’d by Blathnaid Ni Chofaigh, was EU Commissioner for European Commissioner for Financial Stability, Financial Services and Capital Markets, Mairead McGuinness while there was a very special moment for much-loved Trim estate agent and undertaker, Aidan Heffernan who was flanked by his family as he collected a Life Achievement Award to a standing ovation.

The event hosted by Meath Chronicle alongside partners Meath Co Council and Boyne Valley Tourism as well awards sponsors: AIB, Meta, Dunboyne College of Further Education, Alltech, Bective Stud & Tea Room, Sheridan Insurance and Knightsbrook Hotel and Golf Resort.

Gavan Becton, Editor with Meath Chronicle said the shortlisted enterprises and organisations were among the most diverse, eclectic and unique ever to feature at the awards which have been running since 2007.

“The categories reflect the changing landscape and dynamics of business with focus on the green energy, training and development and innovation while also retaining the firm favourites of Best Family Business and Best Customer Service awards.

Selecting the winners from all these fiercely contested categories was no mean task but our judges got to see firsthand the passion, drive and determination that has made these businesses and organisations the outstanding success stories they are.”

“Congratulations to all our nominated businesses and winners and to all who made the 2024 Meath Business and Tourism awards a wonderful success.”