Local businesses and individuals celebrated at 2025 Greater Newry Business Awards

The biennial event was attended by over 400 guests in the Canal Court Hotel & Spa, Newry on Friday, September 19 and honoured the achievements of 25 individuals and organisations.

The awards have become the premier celebration of business excellence across the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council area since their inception in 2004. This year, the awards were kindly supported by Principal Sponsors, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and NIE Networks, 24 category sponsors and organised by Newry Chamber.

On the night, a charity raffle also raised over £5,000 for Women’s Aid Armagh Down, the leading agency in tackling domestic/sexual abuse and seeks through its work to promote healthy and non-abusive relationships and the Chamber’s charity partner for 2025.

The headline awards for ‘Outstanding Contribution to the Greater Newry Area’, went to Jacinta Linden, CEO of Bolster Community and the ‘Greater Newry Area Diaspora Award’ went to the Rooney Family, owners of The Pittsburgh Steelers. Sarah McAvoy from The Whistledown Hotel claimed the ‘Best Businesswoman’ award, the ‘Best Businessman’ award went to Colm Gribben from Viltra and there was a Social Enterprise Special Recognition Award presented to the people of Newry to mark 50 years since the formation of Work In Newry (W.I.N.).

Edwina Flynn, President of Newry Chamber commented: “The awards last took place in September 2023 and the 26 months since then, has undoubtedly been an incredibly testing period for local businesses, across the district. However, from the 200+ entries received, we can clearly see the local economy is being driven by many successful, ambitious and talented businesses who call this region home.

“The strength of this year’s awards illustrates a determined, resilient and confident local business community, focused on creating jobs and generating wealth and prosperity for our region. I want to congratulate all the winners, highly commended and finalists and thank everyone who took the time to enter this year's awards.

“The Greater Newry Area is recognised as a place synonymous with entrepreneurship, innovation, excellent service, product quality and customer care. This year’s awards have recognised the very best that this region’s local business community has to offer. As a Chamber, we were delighted to be able to organise these prestigious awards and showcase Greater Newry’s Greatest.”