ISME ended its business year on a positive note yesterday - by honouring the commitment and endeavour of three individuals working in different areas of business. The small firms lobby group gave its lifetime achievement award to Mr Paddy Dooley of Paddy Dooley Catering Ltd. Mr Dooley is 77 years old, looks 20 years younger and started his latest business venture just under 10 years ago, in the mid-west region.

The young entrepreneur award went to Ms Annie Gribbon of Make Up Forever. She is eight years in business and ISME said she represents "the determination, commitment and refusal to accept failure which is necessarily endemic in the entrepreneurial community".

The Public Sector Award went to Mr Noel Monaghan. He heads up the Competition and Employment Protect in Unit in the Department of Enterprise and Employment.