Pictured (L-R): Ian Hyland, Seamus Hand, and the honourees, including Tony O’Reilly’s family, Sir Nick Clegg, and Willie Mullins, gather at the 50th Annual Business & Finance Awards 2024 to celebrate exceptional achievements.
On Thursday 5th December, at the Convention Centre Dublin, the 50th Business & Finance Awards, in association with KPMG, celebrated the leaders shaping Ireland’s future.
The Convention Centre Dublin was teeming with notable talent on Thursday, December 5th, as representatives from the worlds of business, politics and the arts gathered to celebrate business excellence and thoughtful leadership. Minister for Finance, Jack Chambers T.D. opened the Awards ceremony which was co-hosted by Sarah Freeman, Managing Editor, Business & Finance and Pat Kenny, Broadcaster.
Pictured: Minister for Finance, Jack Chambers T.D. opened the Awards ceremony.
TK Whitaker Award
Tony O’Reilly was honoured, posthumously, with the TK Whitaker Award for his outstanding contribution to Ireland and public life. His son, Tony O’Reilly Jr, accepted the award on his behalf.
Tony O’Reilly first captured global attention as a rugby icon, setting an all-time try-scoring record as a British & Irish Lion—a feat that remains unmatched. Representing Ireland, the British & Irish Lions, and the Barbarians, he was celebrated for his exceptional talent and inducted into the International Rugby Board’s Hall of Fame in 1997. Off the pitch, his journey from Dublin’s Belvedere College to University College Dublin, where he studied law, laid the foundation for a career that would see him excel far beyond the rugby field.
Ian Hyland, President & Publisher Business & Finance said of Tony O’Reilly, “He was, quite simply, an Everest amongst the sand dunes and I know that Ken Whitaker would be delighted that his friend will be honoured in his name.”
Sutherland Leadership Award
PIctured (from l-r): Seamus Hand, Sir Nick Clegg, Chair of the Judging Panel, Professor Frances Ruane and Ian Hyland
Sir Nick Clegg, President of Global Affairs at Meta and former UK Deputy Prime Minister, was honoured with the Sutherland Leadership Award.
Seamus Hand, Managing Partner at KPMG, said: “Sir Nick Clegg’s commitment to political and public service throughout the years is exemplary and I am delighted to recognise his achievements with the Sutherland Leadership Award.”
The Sutherland Leadership Award, established in 2018, celebrates outstanding international leaders who embody the values of Peter Sutherland, one of Ireland and Europe’s finest leaders. Previous recipients include Nancy Pelosi, Ursula von der Leyen, and Mario Draghi.
Sir Nick Clegg, born in Buckinghamshire in 1967, grew up in Oxfordshire in a multicultural family with Dutch and Russian heritage. As a politician, Clegg advocated for civil liberties, transparency, and economic reforms.
Outstanding Contribution to Ireland Award
Pictured (from l-r): Seamus Hand, Frances Ruane, Willie Mullins and Ian Hyland.
Champion trainer Willie Mullins received the 2024 Outstanding Contribution to Ireland Award.
Ian Hyland said: “Mullins’ legacy is a testament to passion, perseverance, and excellence at the highest level.”
Mullins joins a distinguished list of past honourees, including Brian O’Driscoll, Katie Taylor, Rachael Blackmore, and Aidan O’Brien, highlighting his exceptional impact on Irish sport and culture.
A native of County Carlow, Mullins has built a legendary career in horse racing over four decades, achieving unparalleled success and global recognition.
Business Person of the Year
Harry Hughes, CEO of Portwest was named Business Person of the Year 2024.
Upon accepting the award, he said: “I am humbled by this recognition, which I see as a tribute to our whole team and culture. With incredible progress and innovation happening across fintech, I’m very proud that our companies have become leading players on the global stage.”
Pictured (from l-r): Ian Hyland, Business & Finance, Harry Hughes, Portwest and Seamus Hand, KPMG.
In association with KPMG Ireland, the Business Person of the Year Award recognises individuals who have demonstrated exceptional career achievements over the past year.
Company of the Year
Pictured (from l-r): Ian Hyland, Martin McVicar, Combilift and Seamus Hand.
Combilift, was named Company of the Year 2024.
In association with KPMG Ireland, the Company of the Year Award recognises Irish businesses who, along with having a significant impact in Ireland, operate with an international focus and have annual revenue exceeding €350 million.
Other Winners
Other winners include:
Lilly – FDI of the Year in association with IDA Ireland
Gas Networks Ireland – Environmental, Social Governance Award in association with Coillte
Workday– Diversity Equality and Inclusion Award
Sculpted by Aimee – Elevation Award in association with Enterprise Ireland
XOCEAN– Innovation of the Year
The Business & Finance Awards
Business & Finance was launched in 1964 as Ireland’s premier business magazine. The Business and Finance Awards Programme was established in 1974. Over the past 50 years, it has become the longest-running and most coveted business awards programme in Ireland. This prestigious awards programme has celebrated the outstanding achievements of some of the most outstanding business leaders of our time.