Gorey town was awarded The Bank of Ireland National Enterprise Award “Regional Category Winner” 2019 at a gala dinner in Lyrath Estate Hotel in Kilkenny last night. The awards aim to recognise the spirit of enterprise in local areas across Ireland, bringing business and community groups together to showcase their efforts to build an economically sustainable community.

In September Gorey town welcomed three nominated judges to the town to showcase all that Gorey has to offer and explain how it has grown from a traditional market town into a vibrant multi-cultural community with a dynamic business sector that is enhanced by a nationwide retail reputation and tourism offering making Gorey truly a destination town like no other!

A committee was formed to ensure Gorey showcased every aspect of its strong enterprise ethos and all working together to compile the best representation of the town.  The aim for the judging day was to demonstrate the vast range of enterprise that exists in Gorey and also the ever-increasing range of accomplishments and accolades awarded to the many sectors that operate in the town including business, tourism, food producers, lifestyle, social integration and community.

The judging day began with a presentation in The Hatch Lab presented by Michael Drea, District Manager, Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council, Norma Quinsey of Love Gorey, Deirdre O’Flynn of The Women’s Smart Network, Paddy Redmond of The Ashdown Park Hotel and Amber Springs Hotel with video presentations prepared by Flash Studio Gorey. Jim Hughes, President of Gorey Chamber of Commerce participated in a question and answer session while Cllr Malcolm Byrne acted as master of ceremonies.

The judging panel then were given a guided tour of the town showcasing the range of business in Gorey Business Park and the environs of the town on a walking tour of the town. The foot tour offered an insight not only into the community aspect to the town but also to the vibrant and bustling town that is Gorey. Several businesses and shops were visited, including Peg Gibbons Florist, The Wine Buff, Gorey Visitor Centre, Fifth Avenue, Ruby Rouge, Eoin O’Connor Gallery and La Crème Boutique.

An Expo was the final part of the presentation to the panel which was held in Gorey Library where several of the key business displayed the wide range of industry and community groups such as Tweed in the Valley,  Green’s Berry Farm, Springmount Garden Centre, Wild About, Blaithin Ennis, Robert O’Connor, Isle of Crackers, WWETB, Grainne Kenny, Sound Out Rhythm, Wells House and Gardens along with Brennan’s Brewery, Seal Rescue Ireland, Whizzy Internet, members of Gorey’s American Football team and Gorey Tidy Towns. The judges and members of the Gorey committee formed for the event then enjoyed lunch in Hungry Bear.

It was evident on the night the high standard of entries to each of the categories but the hard work and commitment to the entry & judging day saw Gorey receive the top prize in the “Regional Category” for 2019. What a boost to the town at its busiest trading time of the year!