Shortlist for Athlone Business Awards
The shortlist for this year’s Athlone Business Awards has been announced. This year’s gala event will be held on Saturday, November 7, at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Athlone. The awards recognise outstanding achievements across a wide range of sectors, from small family-run enterprises to largescale organisations driving growth and creating employment in the region. Here we profile the finalists in the first ten categories, and later this week we will showcase the remaining nine categories.
Community Group of the Year
Sponsor: Midlands 103
*Connaught Street & Environs Community Group
Connaught Street & Environs Community Group is a volunteer-led initiative dedicated to revitalising Athlone’s historic west side. Through heritage projects, community markets, family events and festivals, the group brings people together while enhancing local public spaces. Its work has earned recognition from the Westmeath Independent, Heritage Week Awards and Tidy Towns, reflecting its commitment to community spirit, local heritage and regeneration.
*An Cór Lár Tíre Community Choir
Established in September 2023 by Giselle Foley, An Cór Lár Tíre is a welcoming community choir with more than 90 members aged between 18 and 85. Through weekly rehearsals, performances and fundraising initiatives, the choir brings people together through music while supporting charities and community organisations. It has raised more than €30,000 for causes including Embrace, South Westmeath Hospice, the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust, Athlone Meals on Wheels and Down Syndrome Ireland.
*Heartlands Pride Athlone
Heartlands Pride Athlone works to promote visibility, inclusion and connection for the LGBTQ+ community in Athlone, Monksland and the surrounding region. The group organises Summer and Winter Pride celebrations, regular community events and walks, while providing platforms for LGBTQ+ artists and performers. Its work has received recognition through awards and nominations, including an Athlone St Patrick’s Day award.
Best Online Presence & Social Media
Sponsor: AIB
*SkinShop
SkinShop.ie is an Irish independent skincare retailer founded in the Midlands in 2017 by sisters Emma and Anna Gunning. Based in Athlone, the business combines specialist skincare knowledge with a carefully selected range of advanced, clinical and Korean skincare products. With more than 20 years of combined expertise, SkinShop has built a strong digital presence connecting customers with products and advice suited to their skincare needs.
*Biddy O’Dowd’s
Biddy O’Dowd’s is a traditional Irish pub on Mardyke Street in Athlone, known for its welcoming atmosphere, live music and community events. From its popular pub quiz to regular entertainment, the pub uses its social media channels to keep customers informed, promote events and connect with both locals and visitors.
*Kadee Bride
Kadee Bride is an established bridal boutique on the west side of Athlone, with 24 years of experience helping customers find their wedding attire. Welcoming brides from across Ireland, the business combines personal service with an active digital presence that showcases its collections, shares inspiration and connects with its audience.
Professional/Service Provider –Small Business
Sponsor: KO Financial
*TAPiTAG
TAPiTAG is an Athlone-based technology company developing NFC and QR solutions supported by a cloud platform. Its products include digital business cards, review management tools, staff check-in systems and smart displays for hospitality and enterprise. Founded in 2021, the self-funded company has grown to a team of 10 and more than 60,000 users across 95 countries, serving clients including Airbus, UEFA, AIB, Red Bull, Johnson & Johnson and Accor.
Incorpro
Incorpro is an Athlone-based chartered accountancy firm supporting businesses with accounting, taxation, company formation and corporate compliance. Led by Andrew Doherty FCA, the firm combines professional expertise with technology-led solutions and transparent pricing to make business support more accessible. Its MyIncorpro dashboard and digital tools help clients manage their financial responsibilities efficiently. Incorpro has received recognition at the Irish Accountancy Awards and the Athlone Business Awards.
*Reynolds Commercials Ltd
Founded in 1993 by Paul Reynolds, Reynolds Commercials is a family-run commercial vehicle business serving customers across Ireland. The company specialises in vehicle sales, servicing, repairs and parts, with particular expertise in Renault Trucks. As a SIMI member, RSA-authorised CVRT centre and official Renault Trucks dealer, Reynolds Commercials combines technical expertise with a strong commitment to reliability, customer service and local employment.
*ICPPD
The International College for Personal and Professional Development (ICPPD) was founded by Christine and Tom Moran in 2009. With its roots in Athlone and a growing presence in Dublin and Galway, the college has expanded from fewer than 10 learners to more than 350 in 2026. Its programmes include QQI-validated Level 8 qualifications, IACP-accredited diplomas and continuing professional development, supporting learners and professionals in their personal and career development.
Professional/Service Provider –Medium to Large Business
Sponsor: PTSB
*Zinkworks
Zinkworks is a technology partner specialising in telecommunications and financial services. The company helps organisations modernise complex systems through software engineering, cloud technologies, artificial intelligence and automation. Working across European, UK and US markets, Zinkworks combines technical expertise with a focus on collaboration, innovation and delivering practical solutions for its clients.
*RBK Chartered Accountants
RBK is an Irish professional services firm headquartered in Athlone, with offices in Dublin, Roscommon and Castlebar. With more than 270 professionals and 23 partners, the firm provides audit, taxation, advisory and business support services to organisations across a wide range of sectors. Its regional roots and broad expertise allow RBK to support businesses at every stage of their development.
*Longford and Westmeath Education and Training Board
Longford and Westmeath Education and Training Board supports employers and employees through a range of education, training and skills development programmes. Its enterprise team works with businesses to identify skills needs and access initiatives such as Skills to Advance, apprenticeships, eCollege and tailored training. During 2025, LWETB supported 1,569 employed learners across 40 organisations, alongside hundreds of learners accessing online programmes.
Customer Service of the Year – Small Business
Sponsor: Athlone Extrusions
*Kadee Bride
Kadee Bride is an established bridal boutique on the west side of Athlone, with 24 years of experience helping brides find their wedding attire. The team focuses on personal attention and a welcoming experience, supporting customers throughout an important milestone. Its reputation for individual service has attracted brides from across Ireland.
*King of Decor
Founded in 2020, King of Decor is a family-run event décor business based in the Midlands. The company provides balloon décor, bespoke props, branded installations and complete event styling for private celebrations and corporate occasions. Known for its creative approach and attention to detail, King of Decor works with clients and venues across Ireland. Its achievements include placing second in a table-centrepiece competition in the Netherlands in 2025 and being named a finalist in the Best Corporate Decor category at the 2026 Balloon Awards in Belfast.
*The Misneach Centre
The Misneach Centre in Moate is a multidisciplinary mental health and wellbeing centre founded by Anita Lynch. Bringing together more than 30 independent professionals, the centre offers counselling, psychotherapy, assessments, play therapy, support groups, training and mentoring. It also provides low-cost counselling and a free survivor support group, helping make services more accessible to the community. The name “Misneach” means courage, reflecting the centre’s commitment to compassion and support.
Customer Service of the Year – Medium to Large Business
Sponsor: Westmeath Independent
*West-Midlands Credit Union
West-Midlands Credit Union is a member-owned financial cooperative serving communities throughout the Midlands. Alongside its range of financial services, the organisation supports members through community initiatives, financial wellbeing programmes and local partnerships. Its sustainability work includes the Community Support Fund, Green Schools Sustainability Awards, home and transport initiatives and energy-efficiency projects.
*Wineport Lodge
Wineport Lodge is a lakeside retreat overlooking Lough Ree, known for its relaxed approach to luxury and personal hospitality. The team focuses on creating a calm and welcoming experience, with thoughtful details that allow guests to unwind and enjoy their surroundings. Combining the natural setting with attentive service, Wineport Lodge offers a distinctive experience for visitors to the Midlands.
*Quinn Transport
Quinn Transport is a second-generation, family-owned transport and logistics company established by Tony Quinn in 1970. Now led by Mark Quinn, the business operates more than 30 vehicles. Its services include groupage, pallet distribution, refrigerated transport, warehousing and haulage. With the capacity to handle up to 500 pallets a day, the company combines established experience with a commitment to dependable service.
Excellence in Sustainability
Sponsor: TapiTag
*Lidan
Lidan Limited specialises in offsite construction using mass engineered timber. Its approach supports lower embodied carbon and faster construction timelines for public buildings, while helping projects meet Nearly Zero Energy Building standards and achieve high Building Energy Ratings. Through engineered timber solutions, the company aims to contribute to more efficient and sustainable construction.
*Almac Sciences
Almac Sciences is the drug substance division of Almac Group, with more than 50 years of experience supporting pharmaceutical development and manufacturing. Its Athlone operations produce chemical building blocks and active ingredients, contributing to the development of medicines for global markets. With manufacturing capacity of 90 cubic metres, the business supports projects from development through to commercial production.
*Technological University of the Shannon
Technological University of the Shannon serves the Midlands and Midwest, with more than 15,000 students and 2,000 staff. Its Athlone campus is home to approximately 6,500 students and supports education, research and innovation across a range of disciplines. Through collaboration with industry and a focus on sustainability, TUS contributes to regional development and future skills.
Best Tourism Experience/Event of the Year
Sponsor: Lynam Tours
*Connaught Street & Environs Community Group
Connaught Street & Environs Community Group is a volunteer-led initiative focused on revitalising Athlone’s historic west side. Through community markets, family events, festivals and heritage projects, the group creates opportunities for people to come together while promoting local history and improving public spaces. Its work has received recognition at local and national level.
*Dome Experiences
Based on a working farm in Glasson, Dome Experiences creates distinctive group experiences inspired by wellbeing, connection and the natural environment. Its offering includes corporate sessions, private celebrations, women’s circles and outdoor wellbeing activities. The business provides a setting where guests can step away from their usual routines and enjoy meaningful shared experiences.
*Heartlands Pride Athlone
Heartlands Pride Athlone brings people together through Pride celebrations and inclusive community events. Its Summer and Winter Pride programmes, regular gatherings and walks help create visibility and connection for LGBTQ+ people across Athlone and the surrounding region. The group also provides opportunities for local artists and performers to participate in Pride events.
Retail Experience of the Year
Sponsor: Hodson Bay Group
*Fernhill Garden Centre
Fernhill Garden Centre is a family business established in 1978. Its nine-acre site combines a garden centre, retail offering and Savoury Fare restaurant, creating a destination for customers from across the region.
The business supports Irish and local suppliers, hosts events and continues to develop its customer offering through sustainability initiatives and digital loyalty services.
*Howdens Joinery Athlone
Howdens Joinery opened its Athlone branch in May 2026, supplying kitchens, joinery and related products to trade professionals and homeowners.
Its local team supports customers with product selection and practical project requirements. As a supporter of the local community, the branch is building relationships with businesses and organisations across Athlone.
*SkinShop
SkinShop is an independent Irish skincare retailer founded in the Midlands in 2017. Based in Athlone, it offers a curated range of advanced, clinical and Korean skincare products, supported by specialist knowledge and customer guidance. The business combines an online retail platform with a focus on helping customers make informed skincare choices.
Family Business of the Year
Sponsor: Grovelands
*Mahon Windows Ltd
Mahon Windows and Doors is an Irish family-owned business based in Athlone, specialising in the supply, manufacture and installation of windows and doors for domestic and commercial customers. The company combines German-engineered profiles with energy-efficient solutions and offers a 10-year guarantee on its products.
Its Olympus Collection reflects an ongoing focus on quality, performance and long-term value.
*Quinn Transport
Quinn Transport is a second-generation family-owned transport and logistics company founded by Tony Quinn in 1970. The business provides pallet distribution, groupage, refrigerated transport, warehousing and haulage services. With a growing fleet, the company continues to build on its family heritage while serving customers throughout Ireland.
*Reynolds Commercials Ltd
Reynolds Commercials is a family-run commercial vehicle business founded in 1993 by Paul Reynolds.
The company provides commercial vehicle sales, repairs, servicing and parts, with particular expertise in Renault Trucks. Its growth from a small operation into an established industry provider reflects a long-standing commitment to quality, reliability and customer care.