Meet the Athlone Business Awards finalists
The countdown for this year's Athlone Business Awards is well underway. This year’s gala event will be held on this Saturday, November 9 at Athlone Springs Hotel.
The MC been confirmed as Aonghus McAnally, the presenter, and radio and television producer.
The sold-out black-tie gala event will be attended by the region's leading business and political figures.
The event will be attended by finalists in 20 categories. Below, we profile finalists in ten of the categories.
Profiles of the other ten category finalists are here
The Athlone Business Awards, hosted by Athlone Chamber of Commerce, supported by several large sponsors, seeks out locally and regionally based companies that have demonstrated significant achievement and success over the past year.
Best Online Presence & Social Media
Sponsored by Bus Eireann
Destination Athlone
At Athlone.ie, the team is dedicated to showcasing the rich culture, vibrant community, and stunning attractions of Athlone and its surroundings. As a premier digital platform for tourism, they connect visitors with the best experiences the region has to offer, from breathtaking outdoor activities to unique local events. Their commitment to supporting local businesses ensures a contribution to the economic vitality of the community. With a focus on innovation and collaboration, Athlone.ie takes pride in placing Athlone at the heart of it all.
Grind & Dose
Grind & Dose began as a dream in 2019 when founders Renato and Steven met and bonded over their shared love for speciality coffee. Their journey into the coffee world started with hands-on experience at various coffee shops, where they learned the intricacies of the trade and honed their skills. In 2023, fuelled by a passion for bringing high-quality coffee to new audiences, they established Grind & Dose. While Steven has since moved on to other ventures, Renato continues to lead the café with the same vision and dedication. Under his guidance, Grind & Dose has become a welcoming haven for coffee enthusiasts, offering expertly crafted coffee and fostering a strong sense of community among its patrons.
TAPiTAG
TAPiTAG produces award-winning sustainable digital business cards and proximity marketing tags. Its NFC/QR cards and tags are used globally by leading corporate companies including AIB, Allianz, Deloitte and UEFA. TAPiTAG is helping companies of all sizes move to a paperless and sustainable way of connecting and networking with clients through its cloud-based platform. It has over 30k users on its network and ships to over 70 countries around the world. Its products are proudly made in and shipped from Athlone.
Start Up/Emerging New Business Of The Year
Sponsored by Midlands 103
Beagel
Beagel.com provides a white-label, open API technology that enhances transparency and trust in real estate transactions. By offering real-time notifications and 24/7 digital offer capabilities, Beagel empowers agents, buyers, and sellers with instant updates throughout the bidding process. This seamless integration with existing platforms allows businesses to maintain full control of their branding while benefiting from Beagel’s streamlined, data-driven solutions. With its focus on simplifying the real estate process and removing uncertainty, Beagel adds significant value by ensuring a transparent, efficient, and flexible experience for all users.
FINLA Psychological Services
FINLA Psychological Services is committed to supporting and improving the well-being of its clients. The practice encourages creativity, innovation, and excellence, following the psychology ethics code to ensure client protection and respect. With a focus on open communication and genuine collaboration, FINLA creates a welcoming space where clients feel heard and valued. Guided by core values of respect, compassion, honesty, and professionalism, FINLA Psychological Services strives to enhance the quality of life for everyone it serves.
Ossark
Ossark combines architectural design and web technology to craft engaging online spaces that foster connection and showcase creativity. Specialising in immersive 3D experiences, the company collaborates closely with clients to bring their visions to life, enhancing their online presence in innovative ways. Through a blend of design expertise and cutting-edge technology, Ossark helps clients elevate their creations, offering dynamic and compelling digital experiences.
Customer Service of The Year -
Medium Sized Company
Sponsored by Grovelands Childcare
Athlone & Castlerea Credit Union
Athlone & Castlerea Credit Union is a trusted financial service provider at the heart of the community, dedicated to providing members with financial solutions tailored to their needs. Its mission is to empower members, promote financial well-being, and foster a sense of community. It understands that every member's financial journey is unique, and is there to help them achieve their goals, whether it's saving for a home, funding education, or planning for retirement.
Athlone Regional Sports Centre
Founded in 2002, Athlone Regional Sports Centre is committed to promoting health, fitness, and community wellness. From a 25-metre pool and small gym, the centre has expanded into an 800-square-metre gym, two fitness studios with 100+ weekly classes, and a vibrant pool offering lessons and public sessions. The centre also features an outdoor fitness park with walking tracks, a sensory garden, playground, sports courts, and a full-sized Astro pitch. Athlone RSC continues to support active lifestyles and provides a welcoming environment for the entire community.
Athlone Springs Hotel
Athlone Springs Hotel is a contemporary four-star destination in the Midlands, perfect for exploring Athlone and its surroundings. It features 68 modern rooms, a leisure club, and an indoor swimming pool for a relaxing stay. With versatile event spaces, the hotel is ideal for weddings, conferences, and special occasions. Guests can enjoy a diverse dining experience at the award-winning Cedar Restaurant and stylish bar.
Customer Service Of The Year -
Small Sized Company
Sponsored by Baysports
Radiant by Hannah Kelly
RADIANT is a duo of Beauty Clinics based in the Midlands. The RADIANT brand specialises in a vast array of beauty and body treatments carried out, by highly qualified therapists, to the highest standard. Its exceptional team is continuously training and dducating in the newest make up trends andtreatments, in order to maintain its modern clinics.
King of Decor
Since 2020, King of Decor has become a trusted name in Athlone, delivering high-quality décor that transforms events into unforgettable experiences. Specialising in balloon artistry and event styling, it prides itself on exceptional service, consistently going above and beyond—even with last-minute requests. Built on the support and loyalty of customers, its trust has driven growth and success. It has seen the joy and relief in clients’ eyes when we turn their visions into reality, no matter how challenging. Its dedication fuels its passion to elevate every event.
Pilates Boutique
Established in 2019, Pilates Boutique offers daily Reformer Pilates classes in Athlone. Led by Nichola Ryan, a STOTT Pilates Trainer with over 15 years of experience, the studio focuses on improving core strength, flexibility, and overall well-being. Nichola and her team of six instructors provide a supportive environment, where clients leave feeling better both physically and mentally.
With an easy-to-use online booking system, classes fill quickly, reflecting the studio’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.
Excellence In Sustainability and Climate Action
Sponsored by Tormeys Solicitors
Bus Eireann
As Ireland’s national bus company, Bus Éireann helps over 107 million people make journeys each year. With a commitment to safety and customer-first service, we provide high-quality, reliable transport across the country. Established in 1987, its roots date back to the Irish Omnibus Company of 1926, and it proudly continues this tradition of service. Its 3,100-strong team is dedicated to connecting people sustainably and making life better, one journey at a time.
DPD
DPD provides customers with one united delivery partner throughout Europe and beyond. In late 2016, DPD expanded further, doubling its hub size in Athlone and trebling the sortation capacity from 7,000 parcels per hour, to 21,000 parcels per hour. The new Beumer cross belt sorter combined with the existing Van der Lande shoe sorter means that DPD has the most technologically advanced and efficient sortation system in Ireland.
Jazz Pharmaceuticals
Jazz Pharmaceuticals is dedicated to transforming the lives of patients and their families through innovative therapies. Focused on serious diseases with few or no treatment options, the company develops life-changing medicines that help patients live more fully. With a diverse portfolio of therapies for sleep disorders, epilepsy, and cancer, Jazz Pharmaceuticals is driven by a patient-centered and science-based approach. Its pioneering research and development efforts continue to advance oncology and neuroscience therapeutics, offering new possibilities for patients worldwide.
Retailer Of The Year
Sponsored by Athlone Extrusions
The Athlone Bookshop
The Athlone Bookshop is an independent bookshop, located on Lloyd’s Lane off Church Street within The Village@Burgess. Offering a traditional browsing experience, the shop features a diverse selection of children’s books, fiction, non-fiction, and greeting cards. Passionate about recommending books, the team is dedicated to helping customers find the perfect read. If a title isn’t in stock, they will do their best to order it and often have it within a few days.
Wines Direct
Wines Direct are an Irish family owned and operated wine importer. The wines they offer represent a 33-year labour of love. They are uncompromising in their mission to source independently made wines directly from growers around the world and apply strict selection criteria to each and every wine on their list, from the everyday to the extraordinary.
Carraig Donn
Established in 1965, Carraig Donn is Ireland's premier retailer of fashion, jewellery and giftware products. At Carraig Donn, they are inspired by a long history as an Irish retailer and draw on their heritage as they consistently innovate and evolve. Their team of experienced buyers strive to bring our customers quality products that are unique and exclusive to Carraig Donn stores. The Carraig Donn customer is central to their success and they pride themselves on providing genuine, honest customer service and an excellent retail experience.
Family Business Of The Year
Sponsored by PTSB
Sheffield Jewellers
Sheffield Jewellers in Athlone is a family-owned business, passed through generations of the Sheffield family since 1850. Since opening its doors over 170 years ago, it has continued to build on its excellent reputation and is now synonymous with quality and friendly service.
Seery’s Cash & Carry
Family-run since 1985, Seery’s Cash & Carry is an independent, 100% Irish-owned wholesale and retail business founded by Oliver and Eileen Seery, now including their daughter Emily. Based in a 30,000 square foot facility in Athlone, the business serves a growing customer base and employs over forty local staff. Committed to strong customer relationships, Seery’s has held ISO Quality Management System (ISO:9001:2015) accreditation since 2000. The company supports local communities by sourcing Irish products and promoting the Buy Local Athlone initiative. Seery’s also sponsors local sports clubs and charities, including the Midlands Simon Community’s Christmas campaign.
Magico Bakery
Magico Bakery is a family-owned artisan bakery based in Athlone, renowned for its handcrafted bread, pastries, artisan coffee and sweet treats. Founded on the values of tradition, quality, and community, it prides itself on using locally sourced ingredients and time-honored recipes passed down through generations. Since opening, it has become a beloved fixture in the local community, known for warm customer service and commitment to sustainability. Its mission is to bring people together through delicious, fresh products, while also supporting the local economy and giving back to those in need through charitable partnerships.
Sustainable Impact by an SME
Sponsored by DPD Ireland
Athlone & Castlerea Credit Union
Athlone & Castlerea Credit Union offers services such as Loans, Savings, a full-service Current Account with a globally accepted debit card, Mortgages, and Foreign Exchange. We maintain affiliation with the Irish League of Credit Unions and operate under the regulation of the Central Bank of Ireland.
Waldron Meats
Waldron Meats are a family run business based in the heart of the countryside in Brideswell, Co. Roscommon. They cure, produce and distribute a wide range of tasty products, including pork, bacon, sausages, puddings and cooked meats across Ireland. Perfecting their craft for over three decades, they have won several prestigious awards including Blas na hEireann and Great Taste Awards.
TAPiTAG
TAPiTAG manufactures and sells an award-winning range of sustainable digital business cards and proximity marketing tags from Athlone. Used globally by leading corporations such as AIB, Allianz, Deloitte, and UEFA, TAPiTAG enables companies of all sizes to adopt a paperless and sustainable approach to connecting and networking through its cloud-based platform. With over 30,000 users on its network and shipping to over 70 countries, TAPiTAG proudly produces its products in Athlone.
SME Of The Year
Sponsored by LEO – Longford Westmeath
Hot Yoga Athlone
Hot Yoga Athlone is a purpose-built hot yoga studio founded by Tricia Fleming in 2011 and centrally located in Athlone. Open seven days a week, the studio offers a variety of classes aimed at promoting peak mental and physical well-being. Inspired by her own positive experiences with hot yoga, Tricia created a space accessible to everyone, guided by the motto, "Yoga is for Every Body, but we Bend it For You."
Hot Yoga Athlone is committed to delivering the highest standard of yoga while upholding core values of reliability, respect, and commitment.
Athlone Care Clinic
Athlone Care Clinic offers comprehensive wellness support for mental, physical, and emotional health challenges. Its specialised team provides life coaching, Children’s Play Therapy, trauma therapy, hypnosis, mediation, and medical massage. It helps clients understand their challenges and offers therapeutic toys and tools for managing anxiety, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Its ancient medical massage relieves muscle pain, stress, and digestive issues. Its mission is to empower individuals to manage their wellbeing and ensure access to counselling services and supportive tools.
TAPiTAG
TAPiTAG produce award-winning sustainable digital business cards and proximity marketing tags. Their NFC/QR cards and tags are used globally by leading corporate companies including AIB, Allianz, Deloitte and UEFA. TAPiTAG is helping companies of all sizes move to a paperless and sustainable way of connecting and networking with clients through its cloud-based platform. It has over 30k users on its network and ships to over 70 countries around the world. Its products are proudly made in and shipped from Athlone.
Employer Of The Year
Sponsored by KO Financial
Tormeys Solicitors
Based in Athlone, Tormeys Solicitors is one of the largest and most respected firms in the Midlands. Its central location provides an excellent base to offer legal services to clients nationwide. It prides itself on delivering quality service backed by knowledge, experience, and value, working collaboratively with clients.
Situated in a historic townhouse near Athlone Castle and the main town bridge, Tormeys Solicitors was recognised in the Sunday Independent's Ireland’s Best Law Firms 2023 Special Report and awarded Legal Firm of the Year at the Midlands 103 Customer Service Awards 2024
Hodson Bay Group
Hodson Bay Group is an Irish family-owned business comprising of four luxury hotels. Hodson Bay Hotel on the shores of Lough Ree, Sheraton Athlone Hotel in the heart of Athlone, Galway Bay Hotel on the Wild Atlantic Way and the Hyatt Centric in The Liberties, Dublin.
DPD
DPD provides customers with one united delivery partner throughout Europe and beyond.
In late 2016, DPD expanded further, doubling its hub sizein Athlone and trebling the sortation capacity from 7,000 parcels per hour, to 21,000 parcels per hour.
The new Beumer cross belt sorter combined with the existing Van der Lande shoe sorter means that DPD has the most technologically advanced and efficient sortation system in Ireland.