Countdown is on to the Kilkenny Business Awards

Kilkenny Chamber and main sponsors TransferMate have announced that Amber Women’s Refuge has been named as charity partner for the 2021 Kilkenny Business Awards. The black-tie gala event will be held on March 12 at Lyrath Estate Hotel. 

Amber Women’s Refuge provides emergency refuge accommodation, support and information services, community-based outreach and a 24-hour Helpline to local women and children who are victims of domestic violence and abuse.  More information is available on www.amberwomensrefuge.ie

Lisa Morris, Manager, Amber Women’s Refuge, said:

“We are honoured to be selected by Kilkenny Chamber as the charity beneficiaries of the Kilkenny Business Awards 2021.  Kilkenny Chamber plays a leading and vital role in supporting and promoting local businesses. That role is of even greater importance in what has been a challenging time both for the local business community and for services like ours in the not-for-profit sector.  All funds raised on the night will be put to very good use for the local women and children we support and we at Amber will be very grateful for them.

The Kilkenny Business Awards was established to foster entrepreneurship and innovation in Kilkenny over 20 years ago.

Following a call for nominations in September 2021, Kilkenny Chamber received over 150 of nominations and 50 local businesses were shortlisted to go forward for the panel interview round, which was held on October 20th at Pembroke Kilkenny and Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel.

“Whilst most of the award categories are subject to open competition and the winners are selected by an independent panel of adjudicators, there are two special awards that are in the gift of the Chamber," said Colin Ahern.

"The President’s Award and Lifetime Achievement Award. These are presented to people, who in the opinion of the Chamber, have contributed significantly and positively through their careers and lifetime to the Kilkenny Business dynamic. They are people who have added to the greatness of Kilkenny and helped to make it the special place that is to live and work in.

"I would like to take this opportunity to wish all the finalists the best of luck. It is a great achievement to finalise in the Kilkenny Business Awards, especially following the challenges over the last two years. I look forward to meeting everyone at Lyrath Estate Hotel on March 12.” 

Over 400 local businesspeople are expected to attend the event to enjoy a Champagne reception, four-course dinner, dancing, music from The Party Girls and some terrific spot prizes. The Kilkenny Business Awards black-tie event is almost at capacity with limited individual tickets available from www.kilkennychamber.ie.