Waterford’s business community was celebrated on Friday night at the Waterford Business Awards in the Tower Hotel. Organised by Waterford Chamber, with the support of Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber, Waterford City & County Council and WLR, the event brought together almost 400 people to honour outstanding enterprise across the city and county.
The biggest moment of the night belonged to Dungarvan, as Dave Barry Plastics was named Overall Waterford Business of the Year 2025. The company, a long-established employer in the town, was recognised for its continued innovation and its impact across pharmaceutical, biopharma and technology sectors.
Local and county representatives, including Minister Peter Burke and Mayor Séamus Ryan, praised the strength and ambition of Waterford businesses and acknowledged the contribution they make to employment, investment, and community life.
Category winners included:
• New Business: Euryka AI
• Up to 20 Employees: Liberty Blue Estate Agents
• Up to 100 Employees: Dave Barry Plastics
• 100+ Employees: Eirgen Pharma
• Sustainability: Granville Hotel
• Innovation: Ashleigh Farms
• Retailer of the Year: Fitzgeralds Menswear
• Marketing: TEFL Institute of Ireland
• Visit Waterford: Dunmore Adventure Centre
• Workplace Excellence: Fitzwilton Hotel
• Customer Service: Klearcom
• Food, Beverage & Hospitality: The Railway Cottage
Special honours went to Seamus Kilgannon, Entrepreneur of the Year; TV Honan of Spraoi for his contribution to arts and culture; Paul Dower (Waterford In Your Pocket) for the new Think Waterford First Award; and Faithlegg, winners of the WLR Radio Campaign of the Year.
Speaking on the night, Chamber Presidents Eadaoin Carrick and Oren Byrne highlighted the innovation and collaboration at the heart of Waterford’s business community, while WLR CEO Michael Byrne thanked partners and sponsors for supporting an event that continues to champion local talent.
The evening was a strong showcase of the businesses, people and ideas driving Waterford forward — with Dungarvan playing a leading role in this year’s success.
