By Business & Finance 
Pictured from left to right: Sarah Freeman, Editor Business & Finance and Terence O’Rourke, Chairman, Enterprise Ireland. Photo Credit: Andres Poveda
The Business & Finance Awards, in association with KPMG Ireland, celebrated a ‘New Era of Excellence’ at Dublin’s Convention Centre on 12th April, with 1,000 of Ireland’s business, political and social leaders in attendance at the celebrations.
Enterprise Ireland was honoured with the Outstanding Contribution to Irish Business award at the Business & Finance Awards on April 12th. Terence O’Rourke accepted the award presented by Sarah Freeman, editor of Business & Finance Magazine.
“It’s an honour to accept this award on behalf of Enterprise Ireland tonight,” said Mr. O’Rourke upon receiving the prize.
“It’s a testament to the work of our colleagues across the agency. Everyone involved in Irish business knows the immense challenges we face, especially over the last two years. Against that background, I’m delighted to say that the companies supported by Enterprise Ireland created a record number of net jobs last year. The highest ever in the 24-year history of our agency.”
Mr. O’Rourke also spoke about the future of Enterprise Ireland and said they want to work with entrepreneurs across Ireland to help “great Irish businesses.”
He referenced how things have changed at the firm since those present at the event had last met. Julie Sinnamon has stepped down at EI and moved on to Balance for Better Business. “Julie did a great job,” he said in praise of the former CEO.
Mr. O’Rourke lauded the work of new CEO, Leo Clancy and the rest of the agency’s team:
“I’d like to thank the entire EI leadership team, the board, colleagues across the agency and colleagues of The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment who are key partners in supporting the growth and development of Irish enterprise and we’re really delighted to get this recognition tonight.”
The awards were the first to be hosted since 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The night was a huge success with several familiar faces in attendance such as former Taoiseach Enda Kenny. The Business & Finance Awards celebrated its 47th year this year.
Business & Finance was launched in 1964 as Ireland’s first business magazine with the Awards programme established a decade later. The Business & Finance Awards is Ireland’s premier business awards programme and includes among its previous honorees outstanding leaders of our time across business, politics and wider society.This includes former United States President Bill Clinton, former British Prime Minister Sir John Major, former President of Ireland Mary Robinson, former Secretary-General of the United Nations Kofi Annan, President Michael D. Higgins, former ECB President Mario Draghi, former Taoiseach Enda Kenny, Senator George Mitchell, and Sir Bob Geldof, among others.
