Line-up of Winners at the 24th Irish Franchise Association Awards 2019.
Representatives from over 35 franchises in Ireland converged on Clontarf Castle Hotel on Friday to discover who had become the 2019 awards winners within the franchise industry. Hosted by the Irish Franchise Association, the line-up included 15 awards in total with the Outstanding Achievement in Franchising Award being presented to Mr. Pat McDonagh of Supermacs Ireland. Accompanied by his wife, Una McDonagh, Pat commented “I am delighted and honoured to receive the award this evening. With over 42 years in the business, the only thing that is constant is change. We have the same obstacles and the same opportunities that we have when we started off and I commend Supermacs management team and franchisees to all their hard work over the last 4 decades. Congratulations to all involved and to the winners tonight.”
The judging panel this year was chaired by Bobby Kerr, ex-Dragon and businessman with John Lane of Holohan Lane Solicitors and Greg Swift, Head of Enterprise for Dublin City LEO. Mr. Swift spoke on the night about what they are looking for in the winners. “Overall the standard was very high, so much so that we introduced a Highly Commended Award to several of our categories this year. We also added a Green Initiative award which allows us to see, and we think it’s important for franchises to use their creativity to bring sustainability into business.”
The 2019 winners are: 1. Care Franchise of the Year – Home Instead Senior Care Ireland 2. Children’s Franchise of the Year – Bricks 4 Kidz – Wexford – Ireland4 Kidz 3. Fitness Franchise of the Year – Énergie Fitness 4. Food Service: Casual Dining Franchise of the Year – Rocket’s 5. Food Service: Delivered Offerings Franchise of the Year – Camile Thai 6. Food Service: Quick Service Restaurant Franchise of the Year – Supermac’sIreland 7. Business Service Franchise of the Year – No-H2O 8. Retail Franchise of the Year – Insomnia Coffee Company 9. Service Franchise of the Year – Synergy Stocktaking Ireland 10. Franchise of the Year – Green Initiatives – Gino’s Gelato 11. Franchisee of the Year – Retail – The Zip Yard Ireland Drogheda / Ranelagh 12. Franchisee of the Year – Service – ActionCOACH – Dublin 13. Best Emerging Franchise of the Year – Junior Einsteins Science Club 14. The ‘One To Watch’ Franchise of the Year – Pet Sitters Ireland 15. Best Irish International Franchise of the Year – Freshly Chopped 16. Outstanding Contribution to Franchising Award – Mr. Pat McDonagh, Supermacs Ireland
The Irish Franchise Association Awards is the only event completely dedicated to those working in franchising in Ireland. Thank you to all our sponsors – AIB, Beauchamps, Chevron Training, Connors and Company, Deliveroo, Elavon, Indeed, Irish Life, Permanent TSB, Rockets and our Media Partner, The Sunday Business Post, who ensure that this event continues to be a fixture on the franchise calendar. As part of the evening, Justyna Drogomirecka, Director of Business Development with Make A Wish Ireland ,the event Charity Partner, shared stories and insights into their work and how businesses across Ireland can help make wishes come true. “Our vision is that every child living with life threatening illness in Ireland is granted a wish as part of their treatment. We found, since 1992 when we were set up, the impact of the wish is helps a child to build their emotional and physical strength to fight the illness. Let them forget about the treatment, the doctors visits, the chemotherapy and the endless days in hospital. A wish is special because it gives a sick child control back into their life. Thank you to the Irish Franchise Association Awards and to all those who have already approached us here tonight for their support.”
David Killeen, Chairperson, Irish Franchise Association thanked all involved for their support and we now look ahead with the 25th Awards in September 2020.
