‘2027 is going to be a strong year’: Overall winner of Limerick Chamber Regional Business Awards crowned
Croom Medical named overall winner at Limerick Chamber Regional Business Awards
A CROOM firm whose staff manufacture implants used in orthopaedic surgery has been named the overall winner at the 2026 Limerick Chamber Regional Business awards.
Croom Medical won the award at the black-tie ceremony, held in the Limerick Strand Hotel on Friday night.
It’s the second time in recent years the company has won the top chamber prize, having also tasted victory in 2021.
Chief executive Patrick Byrnes said: “I did not expect this at all. I think it’s a good checkpoint for the team, especially in Croom, as we have been working incredibly hard on industrialising new manufacturing technologies. Some of this technology is a first within western Europe. It serves as a checkpoint for the team that we are doing the right things. Even though we’re in the minutiae Monday to Friday, it’s definitely strong winds in our back going into next year which we are really looking forward to.”
He predicted that 2027 will be a strong year for the company, founded by his father Paddy Byrnes in 1984, outlining how Croom Medical has just received the keys to its new 38,000 square foot facility in the town, which will open as its advanced centre for orthopaedic technologies.
Already, around 170 people work for Croom Medical, but Mr Byrnes says he hopes to grow this by another 100 to 150 staff.
It was a particularly special moment for him to be able to celebrate the award alongside his father Paddy.
“This all started with him. I’m standing on his shoulders,” the businessman added.
Paddy Byrnes dedidcated the award to management and staff in Croom Medical, saying: “You can have all the technology in the world, but unless you hjae the right staff and the right peoplem you won’t get there.”
It was the second award the Croom company won on the night, also winning the small-to-medium sized enterprise title.
The guest speaker at the ceremony was Tanaiste and Finance Minister Simon Harris, who said: “The Mid-West has a thriving economy, supported by a strong enterprise sector, a highly skilled workforce and an impressive track record in attracting investment. From innovative indigenous businesses to leading multinationals, the region continues to make a significant contribution to Ireland’s economic success.”
A special lifetime achievement award was given from Chamber president Maria Gleeson to Catherine Duffy of Northern Trust in recognition of her contribution to Limerick’s economic development.
Among the other winners were Fíor Jewellery, which received the best emerging business award; BD RCI, recognised for best employer: people and culture excellence and Narrative 4, which won the best not-for-profit title.
Ennis company CD Environmental secured the sustainability and environmental leadership award, while WrxFlo won the innovation and digital transformation award. University Concert Hall Limerick received the customer experience excellence award (retail and hospitality), and Conack Construction was recognised for its community contribution with the CSR: community impact award.