Former president Mary Robinson has been honoured at this year's EY Entrepreneur of the Year Awards.
Mrs Robinson was chosen as the recipient of this year’s special recognition award for “her dedication to addressing the global climate crisis, her ability to bring about huge positive change, and her track record of revolutionising every role she has taken on.”
“We have chosen Mary Robinson for this award as she displays many key characteristics that are shared by successful entrepreneurs, including her ability to see no challenge as impossible,” said Roger Wallace, partner lead for the awards.
“Her kind intelligence, tenacity and resilience truly make her an unstoppable force for positive change in the world and we are delighted to honour her in this way.”
Winners in on the night were Brian O'Sullivan of Zeus Packaging who was named EY Entrepreneur of the Year and international entrepreneur; Aimee Connolly, founder of Sculptured by Aimee, who was named emerging entrepreneurof the year; and David Henderson, managing director of Tobermore Concrete Limited, who took home theindustry entrepreneur award.
As with last year, the 2021 EY Entrepreneur of the Year awards are taking place virtually this year, with an in-person event only involving each of the finallists and a guest.
Now in its 24th year, the awards programme works to recognise, promote and build a supportive community around Ireland’s high-growth entrepreneurs.
Some 24 finalists have been selected to compete across three categories - emerging, industry and international - at this year’s event. The shortlisted entrepreneurs represent a large number of sectors, including retail, consumer, technology, health and leisure. Collectively, their companies generate annual revenues in excess of €1.325 billion. The overall winner, Mr O’Sullivan of Zeus Packaging will go on to represent Ireland at the World Entrepreneur of the Year finals in June 2022.
