By Business & Finance 
Winner of the EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2015, John Collison from Stripe
Currently in its 18th year, the EOY Ireland programme has evolved into an exclusive development programme for Ireland’s most impressive entrepreneurs.
Each year the programme culminates with the Awards Gala where the winners are announced to an audience of over 1,500 business leaders from across the island of Ireland and around the world who come together to celebrate the achievements of the 24 finalists who, collectively employ over 5,000 people and last year generated revenues exceeding €1.4bn.
John and Patrick Collison, founders of Stripe were named the EY Entrepreneur of the Year for 2015 at the televised awards ceremony held in Dublin on October 22nd. Stripe were also named The EY International Entrepreneur of the Year. Jack Dobson of Dunbia, the largest meat processing company in UK and Ireland was named EY Industry Entrepreneur of the Year. Padraig McBride and Donald Fitzmaurice, of Brandtone picked up the award for EY Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year. All winners were acknowledged for their visionary and innovative approach to business.
Each year, outside of the 24 finalists, EY Entrepreneur of the Year presents a Special Award to an individual who has made a significant contribution to Ireland through their entrepreneurial vision, innovation and commitment to excellence. This year, the prestigious honour was awarded to Fr Peter McVerry, founder of the Peter McVerry Trust, which seeks to reduce homelessness and the harm caused by drug misuse and social disadvantage.
