'You're only as good as your last bag of chips': Dino Cregan named Cork Business Champion

Kilkenny Design named Cork Business of the Year

Sun, 30 Mar, 2025 - 16:06

Alan Healy

Kilkenny Designs has won the Cork Business of the Year award, while Dino Cregan was recognised as Business Champion of Cork for his impact on the city's economy.

The Cork Business Association (CBA) President's Dinner was held in the Vienna Woods on Saturday evening, where 12 businesses were recognised, celebrating the contribution of businesses and organisations that drive Cork’s commercial, cultural and community spirit.

Virginia Foley of Up She Rises, Orla McAndrew and Aoife Quinn of Orla McAndrew Catering, and Andrea Ambrose of Orla McAndrew Catering pictured at the CBA President’s Dinner and Cork Business of the Year Awards at Cork’s Vienna Woods. For more, see CorkBusiness.ie Photo: Joleen Cronin

Taoiseach Michéal Martin and European Commissioner Michael McGrath made keynote speeches. The event was MC’d by Matt Cooper with charity partner Parentline.

Kilkenny Design was recognised as Business of the Year, positioning itself at the cornerstone of Irish design and gifting and a champion of innovation. The business has been at the heart of promoting and supporting Irish makers for more than 60 years. It has flourished into a thriving national and international brand under the leadership of Marian O’Gorman, her family and CEO Evelyn Moynihan.

A former Lord Mayor of Cork and Senator, Dino Cregan, was recognised at the awards for his decades in the Cork business community through his chain of chip shops. He established the business from humble beginnings in his back garden to a cherished local business with multiple locations across Cork.

Dave O’Brien, President of Cork Business Association (CBA), Dino and Mary Creegan of Dinos Fish and Chips, and Micheál Martin, Taoiseach, pictured at the CBA President’s Dinner and Cork Business of the Year Awards at Cork’s Vienna Woods. For more, see CorkBusiness.ie Photo: Joleen Cronin

Under his leadership, the multi-generational family business not only expanded to seven locations, with an eighth soon opening in Midleton, but also innovated with Ireland’s first traditional chip shop drive-thru, biodegradable packaging, and a central food production facility.

Accepting the award, he acknowledged the work of his family and said the motto he lived by was: "You're only as good as your last bag of chips."

The winners were:

Cork Business of the Year: Kilkenny Design
Business Champion of Cork: Dino Cregan
Best VFI Pub: Costigan’s Pub Best Cork Hotel: Hayfield Manor
Best Professional Services: Healy Communications
Best Festival or Event: Cork on a Fork Fest, a Cork City Council Festival
Best in Culture, Arts & Tourism: Cork Opera House
Best in Retail: K O’Connell Fishmongers
Best Cafe: Ruairí’s Kitchen
Best Restaurant: Farmgate Cafe
Best Family Business: Neville Jewellers
Best New Business: RHEA Funeral Care
Sustainable Business Innovation: Old Oak

The CBA incoming President Dave O’Brien said the winners were selected through a rigorous evaluation process. "From long-established businesses to emerging enterprises, each winner represents the very best of what our city has to offer. We are proud to celebrate their contributions to Cork’s economy and culture”

Taoiseach Michéal Martin said: “These awards showcase the passion and dedication of Cork City’s business community. They recognise businesses that demonstrate outstanding leadership, customer service, and innovation. I would like to congratulate all the winners and nominees for their achievements.”