The Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Awards are part of a global recognition programme to identify, acclaim and support entrepreneurs.

Now in its 11th year in Ireland, the programme is supported by Enterprise Ireland, InterTradeIreland, Invest Northern Ireland, The Irish Times, RTÉ and Digicel.

The winners were chosen from a total of 24 finalists shortlisted by a judging panel from more than 150 entries.

The panel, which is chaired by Denis O'Brien, looks at criteria including growth in turnover and employee numbers, together with factors such as vision, degree of innovation, creativity in production and marketing, and performance in local and international markets. John Flaherty will now go on to represent Ireland at the World Entrepreneur of the Year Awards in Monte Carlo in June 2009, where more than 10,000 entrepreneurs will vie for the worldwide title.