Meet the judges

DR. NIALL O’KEEFFE

Dr Niall O’Keeffe is Head of Enterprise, Local Enterprise Office, Cork City Council. Niall has over 12 years of CEO experience across a range of sectors including four years as the Chief Executive for Economic Development on the island of St Helena. He has developed award winning organisations and led significant change management programmes. With a Doctorate in Business Administration (Business Economics) and an MBA from University College Cork, Niall continues to seek out best practice in organisational development. His interests include entrepreneurship, music, film and sport.

MARTIN O’BRIEN

Martin O’Brien is a Director of JCD Group, one of Ireland’s leading commercial property development companies. Headquartered in Cork, JCD have completed over 1.6 million sq.ft of Grade A Office, Industrial/Logistics, Healthcare, Retail and Data Centre property where over 4,500 people are employed by both national and multinational companies. As one of the most active property developers in Cork over recent years, JCD have completed a number of city centre projects in Cork including the development of One Albert Quay, The Capitol, 85 South Mall and most recently Penrose Dock. They have also completed the Citygate Developments in Mahon and Northpoint Business Park and are currently developing Blarney Business Park on the northside of Cork.

DEIRDRE COLE

Deirdre is Fáilte Ireland’s representative, working on the Ireland’s Ancient Team, in Cork City. Deirdre has gained a wealth of experience, working in Ireland and abroad in business development, destination development and stakeholder engagement. Her focus is now centred on Cork City, working with stakeholders and businesses to deliver the five-year destination and experience development plan for Cork City and East Cork. Deirdre has a keen interest in sustainability and often opts for the two-wheeled commute.

ALAN HEALY

Alan Healy has worked as a journalist for almost 20 years with a range of news media outlets including the Western People and The Kingdom regional titles before becoming a senior reporter and deputy News Editor of The Echo. He joined the Irish Examiner in January 2020 as the editor of the newly formed Munster Business Hub which covers property, home, farming and Munster business content.

EVELYN O’SULLIVAN

Evelyn’s experience in the conference, meetings and incentive industry spans from 1999 to present. Her career has progressed in a very fluid way from Operations, Project Management and Client Relations to Destination Marketing. In 2010, when Evelyn returned to Cork, she secured the role of General Manager of Cork Convention Bureau (CCB). CCB is a public-private, stakeholder driven, Destination Management Organisation (DMO), tasked with promoting the Cork region as an international meetings and events destination.

TERENCE McSWEENEY

Terence McSweeney is the General Manager of Elis’s Glanmire ICS plant, which services over 2,000 businesses across the Munster, Connaught, and Leinster provinces. A native of Co. Waterford, Terence has been an integral part of the Cork business community for over 20 years, holding key roles at Coca-Cola Bottlers and Shamrock Foods before joining Elis as a Customer Service Manager. His leadership and commitment to operational excellence led to his appointment as General Manager in 2021. With a strong background in customer service, logistics, and business operations, Terence is passionate about fostering growth and innovation in the local business landscape. He is honoured to serve as a judge for the Cork Business Awards, supporting and recognising businesses that drive excellence and sustainability in Cork and beyond.

DAVE O’BRIEN

Dave has extensive experience serving Ireland’s largest privately owned businesses across key sectors. As Xeinadin’s Head of Tax Ireland, he supports major private and fast-growth businesses. Dave leads Xeinadin’s Ireland Tax Team, specializing in company reorganizations, corporate and personal tax planning, VAT advisory, revenue audits, and estate planning. He has successfully guided many businesses through exits. A member of an EU VAT group, Dave helps independent firms compete with Big 4 providers on EU-wide services. He is highly respected by Irish Revenue for his technical expertise and results-driven approach. Recently, Dave joined the Praxity Group on behalf of Xeinadin, expanding its global tax services. He is also set to become President of the Cork Business Association.

LORD MAYOR CORK CITY, CLLR DAN BOYLE

Dan Boyle, born in Chicago to Irish parents, moved to Cork, Ireland, at eight, settling in Turners Cross. He attended local schools and studied at Cork Regional Technical College (now MTU), later earning an MBS in Government from University College Cork in 2015. Elected to Cork City Council in 1991 as the first Green Party member, he won a Dáil Éireann seat in 2002. In 2007, he was nominated to Seanad Éireann, serving as Deputy Leader, and chaired the Green Party from 2007 to 2011. Re-elected to Cork City Council in 2019, he is active in environmental, arts, and social justice causes and serves on the Irish Council for Social Housing board. He has one daughter, Saoirse, and three grandchildren. In 2011, he released the album Third Adolescence and has authored three books.

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