MBTA Special: Clann Mór take the biggest cheer on a night of celebration

MBTA CATEGORY

WINNERS

On a night of celebration and recognition of local enterprise and organisations, one of the biggest cheers at the 14th Meath Business & Tourism Awards, came for the winners of the Not for Profit category - Clann Mór.

The community-based residential, respite and outreach support service for adults with mild and moderate intellectual disabilities, enables people to live in community-based homes or avail of breaks in Clann Mór’s respite service centres based in Navan, Ashbourne and Kells.

Clann Mor Director of Service, Martine Healy was joined on stage by some of the service users and said they were thrilled with the award and that it would take pride of place with the residents who use their services. Clann Mór has a dedicated team of 60 staff members working to deliver person-centred, quality and inclusive care.

"We enable people with intellectual disabilities to live the best and most meaningful life, of their choosing, with the emphasis on safe, happy and quality service provision. We aim to give people the best life possible," said Martine.

Service user Anne Marie said she had lived with Clann Mor for 30 "very happy" years. The Not for Profit Category was once again proudly sponsored by Benny and Miriam Sheridan and Sheridan Insurances.

Harp Renewables success would top and tail the evening, winning the final and Overall Business award of the night but by also opening the awards ceremony at Knightsbrook Hotel by claiming the Best Family Business title.

A delighted Olivia and Vincent Duff were beaming after scooping the Meath Co Council sponsored Local Enterprise Office award for their distinctive Kells Gin brand.

Asked by host Blathnáid Ni Chofaigh what the secret ingredient was to the 42 per cent botanical-infused tipple, Olivia remained tight-lipped suggesting the host would have to sample the special spirit herself.

In the Emerging New Business category kindly sponsored by AIB, Elmgrove Flower Farm took the honours. The Gormanston-based enterprise has created a unique retail experience by offering customers not only a unique range of Irish grown flowers 365 days a year, but also an opportunity to see first-hand how sustainable its farm is. The award was picked up by a delighted Ruth Gallagher and Darragh McCullough

An emotional Linda Murray, flanked by husband Finbarr and the team from the Zone Activity Centre in Navan were worthy winners of the Investment in Employee Development and Training award, sponsored by Dunboyne College of Further Education. Linda told the 250-strong audience that their staff at the Mullaghboy Industrial Estate-based Zone were everything to them and that was why “none of them want to leave."

A new award this year, The Digital Trailblazer, sponsored by eComm was hotly contested by The Central Bar & Restuarant in Navan, VRXAD and Bellinter House Hotel and Spa, with Bellinter taking the title. A delighted general manager at Bellinter, Denise O'Brien said she was thrilled with the award as they embarked on a journey of modernisation for this venerable Georgian estate and "elevate our client offerings, all the while remaining devoted to our 18th-century heritage and cultural essence."

It was another hospitality sector win in the Best Customer Experience category with Johnstown Estate Hotel claiming the Meath Chronicle sponsored award with Cassandra Conway and Ciaran Reidy from the Enfield retreat on hand for the presentation.

The last two awards of the evening were tourism focused. Newbarn Farm were the Boyne Valley Tourism sponsored Small Tourism section winners with Andrew Ruiter collecting the award. The 33-acre farm just outside Ashbourne sells homegrown and locally sourced farm produce with the Donkey Shed Restaurant serving delicious seasonal meals. On the small open farm visitors can meet the animals and a talented team of 25 Newbarn Farmers bringing produce from the field to the kitchen.

Navan Adventure Centre claimed the Best Tourism Experience, also sponsored by Boyne Valley Tourism with founder Darren Nelson on hand to collect the award.