Irish Family Business Awards 2025: Winners announced

With excitement and pride, the winners of the 2025 Irish Family Business Awards were revealed at a special lunchtime gala on October 30th, at The Johnstown Estate, where over 300 guests gathered to honour the very best of family-run enterprises across Ireland.

Hosted by broadcaster Matt Cooper, the ceremony was a truly memorable occasion that celebrated the dedication, resilience and enduring legacy of Ireland’s family businesses. Across families, generations and colleagues, people gathered to celebrate hard work, outstanding achievements and a shared sense of community and innovation.

Jill Thornton, head of events, Family Business Awards, said: “What an incredible day it’s been, bringing together family businesses from all over Ireland and celebrating what makes each one special. You can really feel the hard work, creativity, and sense of community behind every story. This is what these awards are about – shining a light on the legacy these families have built. Congratulations to all the winners and finalists, you’ve truly inspired us all.”

Throughout the event, the calibre of entries showcased the powerful contribution of family businesses to the Irish economy, from local champions to international leaders. The judging panel faced tough choices in every category, highlighting just how exceptional each finalist and winner truly was.

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Keogh’s Crisps ULC took home the top honour as overall family business of the year and it’s easy to see why this win really reflects the company’s inventive spirit, close connection to community and genuine dedication that capture the essence of family businesses across Ireland. Audiences also showed their enthusiasm, with Water Babies earning the overall people’s choice award, a testament to the strong support and love they inspire.

A heartfelt thank you goes to our generous sponsors including Business Post, Family Business Network Ireland, Family Business Ireland, Local Enterprise Office, Enterprise Ireland, Skillnet Ireland, Select Experiences and Today FM, whose support made this year’s awards possible. Their ongoing commitment continues to strengthen the future of Irish family businesses. We are also deeply grateful to our accomplished panel of judges – Angela Canavan, Colette O’Connor, David Donegan, David O’Reilly, JJ O’Connell, John Kenny, John Punch, Jonathan Carroll, Lucía Garces, Pat Lynch, Sharon O’Donoghue, Siobhan Killion and Tomás Sercovich – whose insight and dedication brought thoughtful consideration to every decision. Together, they helped us celebrate and shine a light on the achievements and innovation of families across Ireland.

After the event, Evan Higgins, assistant executive - leadership, talent and skills at Enterprise Ireland said: “It was a pleasure to attend yesterday’s Family Business Awards – a fantastic celebration of the innovation and ingenuity of Irish family businesses. Enterprise Ireland sponsored the International Family Business of the Year Award at this year’s event and it was great to connect with some of the many companies taking part. Congratulations to all nominees and award winners who attended and well done to the event organisers on carrying out another successful event.”

Across the afternoon, it became clear just how much Irish family businesses have to offer. With more than 20 categories ranging from agriculture to technology, hospitality and sustainability, the event truly celebrated the remarkable range and depth that these family enterprises bring to communities everywhere. Together, they demonstrate why family businesses remain at the heart of every Irish community.

Irish Family Business Awards 2025 winners

Overall family business award

Keogh’s Crisps ULC, Co Dublin

Matt Cooper, MC of the awards; Tom Keogh, founder and managing director at Keogh’s; Ross Keogh, director; Peter Keogh, director; Sinead Lee, head of finance; Emilly Reilly, assistant brand manager; Fergus Ryan, project manager; Jessica Prendergast, brand manager; Audrey Madden, head of marketing; Colm Storey, sales and business development manager. Photograph: Paul Sherwood

Agri family business of the year

Gold: McAuliffe Pig Farms, Co Kerry

Silver: Codd Mushrooms Ltd., Co Carlow

Bronze: Clonfert Pet Farm, Co Kildare

Best in customer service

Gold: Castle Leslie Estate, Co Monaghan

Silver: CD Environmental, Co Clare

Bronze: The Avoca Clinic, Co Louth

Best small family business of the year