Cavan company wins at National Enterprise Awards
Virginia-based firm Fire Doors Ireland were winners at this year’s National Enterprise Awards, which took place at the Round Room in the Mansion House in Dublin on Thursday, 22nd May. The awards are in their 25th year and run annually by the Local Enterprise Offices.
Fire Doors Ireland, owned by Declan and Amanda Sharkey, are supported by Local Enterprise Office Cavan, and took home the North-East Regional Award. The company is a certified manufacturer, installer, and maintainer of fire-rated doors, catering for the growing demand in fire safety compliance in Ireland and the UK. Fire Doors Ireland pride themselves on delivering high-quality certified fire doors, in line with industry best practices.
Managing Director of Fire Doors Ireland, Declan Sharkey, said all at the company were delighted with the win and highlighted the support provided by Local Enterprise Office, Cavan, saying "They mentored us through every stage of our business development because they have the expertise. It's only when we got to this stage can we look back and see everything Local Enterprise Office, Cavan has done for us."
Hailing the success of the Virginia-based company, Cllr. Niall Smith, Leas-Chathaoirleach of Cavan County Council, said, “I’d like to commend Declan and Amanda for their efforts in building this business. Tonight’s success, while well-deserved, is more than the product of one evening. They have worked tirelessly to build a strong business, ably supported by the team at Local Enterprise Office, Cavan and I am thrilled that they have been recognized with this award win”.
Eoin Doyle, Chief Executive of Cavan County Council said, “Cavan County Council is immensely proud, through Local Enterprise Office Cavan, to support Fire Doors Ireland, and we are delighted with their well-deserved success at the National Enterprise Awards. I would like to congratulate Declan and Amanda on building such a great business ‒ their success is a true reflection of their own great vision, industry, and entrepreneurial spirit, and indeed the ongoing commitment and dedication of the staff of the Local Enterprise Office, Cavan to support and develop new and existing enterprises across the County through a suite of enterprise supports”.
Conor Craven, Head of Enterprise, Cavan Local Enterprise Office congratulated Declan and Amanda commenting, “Declan and Amanda have shown that hard work really does pay off. They have really demonstrated the entrepreneurial spirit of County Cavan and have made the county proud this evening. They have continually engaged with Local Enterprise Office Cavan and really made the most of the supports available to them. Fire Doors Ireland really show that with the right support you can grow and scale your business in County Cavan, and I hope they inspire other enterprises in the county with their win here this evening”.
Announcing the award winners at the Mansion House, Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment Alan Dillon said, “The National Enterprise Awards are a celebration of the innovation, resilience, and ambition that define Ireland’s business community. Each year, the calibre of finalists continues to rise, reflecting the extraordinary talent and determination of entrepreneurs across the country. These businesses are not only creating jobs—they are shaping the future of our local economies and communities.
“Tonight’s winners represent the very best of what Irish enterprise has to offer, and we remain committed to supporting them as they grow, compete, and thrive on both a national and global stage. These businesses are at the core of every town, village and community and are vital to our economy. We will ensure businesses continue to get the support they need to grow, prosper, and remain competitive,” Minister Dillon continued.
Carol Gibbons, Head of Entrepreneurship and Local Enterprise, Enterprise Ireland, said: “The high calibre of businesses in today’s final highlights the vibrant entrepreneurial spirit and innovation within Irish enterprise. The solutions these businesses have developed are impressive, and I am encouraged by their ambition and determination to develop products and services with a positive impact on our society. Established in 2014, the Local Enterprise Offices are the essential resource for any entrepreneur looking to start a business or any small business that is looking for support or advice to help them grow. Since their inception eight years ago, the Local Enterprise Offices have helped create over 75,000 jobs across the country. The LEOs work with thousands of client companies across Ireland in a diverse range of sectors offering mentoring, training, expert advice and financial supports to small businesses. For more information see www.LocalEnterprise.ie