Ernst And Young Entrepreneur Of The Year 2010

With the Irish economy stalled in deep recession and the Irish public more depressed about the economic state of the nation than ever before, where will hope for the future come from? It's the question on everyone's lips, and this year's Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year series may be a beacon of hope in all the doom and gloom.

For over a decade the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year programme has been celebrating the brightest and best of Ireland's business leaders. Previous winners include Eddie Jordan, Riverdance's Moya Doherty and Aidan Heavey of Tullow Oil.

This year, Pádraig Ó Céidigh takes the reins as the Chair of the Judging Panel. In a year when his own airline, Aer Árann, has faced unprecedented challenges, Pádraig knows all about the highs and lows of running your own business - and he and the judges know exactly what they are looking for in a winner.

For the next three Fridays at 7.30 on RTE1, Pádraig will meet 24 exceptional bosses, all shortlisted for the title of Entrepreneur of the Year 2010, and all of whom are running organisations that are seemingly achieving the impossible in one of the worst recessions in history. Even in the direst circumstances, there are still successful enterprises out there, there are still jobs being created, there are still people doing business - and we will follow Pádraig as he criss-crosses the country, meeting and assessing each of this year's 24 finalists on their home turf.

Episodes

Programme 1: Emerging Businesses Category

In the first programme Pádraig meets 8 entrepreneurs in the Emerging businesses category. These are all young, up-and-coming companies working in a range of areas, from online gaming to hospitality, alternative energy to dentistry, all of whom are taking risks and pushing boundaries.

Programme 2: International Category

The third episode showcases the achievements of the finalists in the International category. Here Padraig will meet the eight visionaries whose companies are competing and winning on the global stage.

Programme 3: Industry Category

In the second programme he meets the nominees in the Industry category. Here Padraig assesses the businesses that are thriving against the odds in construction, pharmaceuticals, sales and distribution. This is a category which includes some serious heavy-hitters.

Programme 4: The Awards

Every week, the judges will meet to discuss the nominees in each category and choose their winners. There will be one winner from each category, and one person will win the overall title of Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2010. The winners will be announced live at a glittering ceremony in Dublin's Citywest Hotel, presented by Mark Little and Claire Byrne, and screened on RTE1 at 10.45 on Thursday 21st October.

Who gets your vote? Follow the journey every Friday on RTE1 at 7.30 - and find out on the 21st October at 10.45 on RTE1!

More information about the competition..

About The Presenter - Pádraig Ó Céidigh

A serial entrepreneur and a fluent Irish speaker, Pádraig Ó Céidigh is the Chair of the Judging Panel for the Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year programme. He himself is a former winner of the competition - scooping the top prize in 2002 and representing Ireland at the World Awards.

Pádraig received his third level education in NUI Galway before going on to have careers in accountancy, teaching and law. Founder of regional airline Aer Arann, he counts the Irish language newspaper Foinse among his many other business interests.

Pádraig is Adjunct Professor of Entreprenurship and Innovation in NUI Galway and was a member of the Judging Panel of Your Country Your Call. Pádraig is also a director of Fáilte Ireland and executive chair of the NUI Galway Masters in Business Program. The President of Ireland, Mary McAleese, appointed Pádraig to the Board of the North-South Business Development round-table in 2003.

Pádraig is passionate about community support; he has led many fundraising events, raising approximately €1.5m for Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children, Temple Street Hospital and various other charities over the years. He is also Patron of Ability West.