The IRD Duhallow Business Awards 2026 take place tonight, bringing together businesses from across the region for an evening recognising local enterprise, innovation and achievement.
The awards celebrate businesses operating across a wide range of sectors, with finalists representing everything from food and hospitality to manufacturing, construction, creative industries and professional services.
Alan Shortt will act as master of ceremonies for the evening, with organisers wishing all finalists the very best of luck and acknowledging the support of the event’s sponsors and judges.
Among the businesses shortlisted for Best Emerging Business, sponsored by Ashgrove Renewables, are Yoga Le Chéile, MTMN Digital Ltd and Tigh Laitiaráin.
For Yoga Le Chéile, founded by Denise Fitzpatrick in 2024, the response from students has been a particular source of pride. The business said: “The variety of responses is heartening, but what truly fuels my passion is their enthusiastic participation in my events.”
MTMN Digital Ltd, founded in 2026 by Alan Brosnan and David Walsh, has also enjoyed rapid early growth. The company identified its LinkedIn marketing strategy and the relationships developed with clients and partners as key factors in its progress.
The Best Small Established Business category, sponsored by AIB, features Burke’s Homevalue in Kanturk, D&F Tyres and Servicing in Millstreet, and MSB Contractors.
For Burke’s Homevalue, which recently celebrated 20 years in business, its achievements include receiving recognition for its customer service and winning the title of Best Tile Shop in a Hardware Setting in both 2024 and 2025.
D&F Tyres and Servicing, established by mechanics Dylan and Fraser in January 2025, highlighted the growth of its customer base in its first year. The business said: “Seeing customers return to us and recommend us to others has been particularly rewarding.”
In the Best Large Established Business category, sponsored by Kanturk Printers, the finalists are Murphy’s New Homes, SolarSmart Energy Ltd, MCP Group and Munters.
SolarSmart Energy, which has its Munster operations centred around its Macroom depot, highlighted a solar and battery installation at Smugglers Inn in Waterville as one of its proudest projects. Completed in under two weeks, the company said the project demonstrated its “expertise, innovation and customer-focused approach”.
Munters, which employs 47 people at its Newmarket facility, represents the region’s international manufacturing presence. The company has more than 40 years of local manufacturing experience and is part of the global Munters Group.
The Best Food Business award, sponsored by McCarthy Insurance Group, will see Pickled Deli, Rowan Hill Farm and Duhallow Organics compete for the title.
Pickled Deli, founded by Katy Walsh and Keely Buckley in 2021, has grown from an idea developed during Covid into a popular Macroom takeaway. The owners said they remain grateful to see “a queue of people waiting outside” on Saturday mornings.
Rowan Hill Farm in Lombardstown has built a following through its range of locally produced food, including fruit and vegetables, fresh baking and raw Jersey milk. The business highlighted the importance of adapting as it has grown, while balancing business and family life.
The creative sector is represented in the Best in the Creative Industry category, sponsored by Kanturk Mart. Its finalists are Nature Connection Cork, Janusz Trzesicki Photography and The Glen Theatre in Banteer.
Janusz and Justyna Trzesicki said they were proud to have built their photography business from the ground up into a recognised and trusted wedding photography business in Ireland.
The Glen Theatre, which began life as a derelict schoolhouse, has grown into an important cultural and community venue for the region, supported by the dedication of local volunteers.
Meanwhile, the Best in the Hair and Beauty Industry category, sponsored by SE Systems, features Nails by Margaret in Kanturk, Sheehan’s Traditional Barber Shop in Boherbue and Eurostyles Hair Salon in Millstreet.
Sheehan’s Traditional Barber Shop has built a strong customer base since opening in Boherbue. Noel Sheehan said: “Our biggest achievement are our customers. Our customers are just amazing and we are so grateful for their support and for recommending us to others.”
Eurostyles Hair Salon has served the Millstreet community for more than three decades, with Martina also providing specialist hair, scalp and wig therapy services. She highlighted the importance of supporting clients experiencing hair loss, particularly those undergoing cancer treatment.
The shortlist reflects the variety of businesses contributing to the Duhallow region, including family-run enterprises, new ventures, established local employers and organisations with customers well beyond the area.