Former taoiseach Enda Kenny will be presented with the Special Recognition Award at the EY Entrepreneur of the year awards ceremony, which takes place tomorrow at the Powerscourt Hotel in Co Wicklow.
This year marks 27 years of the EY Entrepreneur of the year programme in Ireland, which works to recognise, promote and build a supportive community around the country's high-growth entrepreneurs.
From Co Mayo, the former taoiseach career in Government had spanned more than four decades. He was leader of Fine Gael from 2002 to 2017 and served as Taoiseach from 2011 to 2017.
Mr Kenny entered politics in the 1970s, becoming the youngest member of the 20th Dáil at the age of 24. Over the years, he held a number of roles, including TD for Mayo West and Mayo, Minister of State at the Department of Labour and Department of Education with responsibility for Youth Affairs, Minister for Tourism and Trade, and Minister for Defence.
He made history as the first Fine Gael member to be elected Taoiseach for a second consecutive term in 2016 and became the longest-serving Fine Gael Taoiseach.
Roger Wallace, EY Entrepreneur of the year Partner Lead said the awards celebrate transformative leaders who leave a lasting legacy.
"That's why our decision to award former Taoiseach Enda Kenny is fitting for so many reasons," he stated.
Mr Kenny joins a long list of distinguished recipients of the special recognition award.
Previous recipients include David McRedmond, CEO of An Post, Mary Davis, CEO Special Olympics International (2022), Mary Robinson (2021), members of An Garda Síochana and the HSE for their work during COVID-19 (2020),Joe Schmidt, Irish Rugby (2019), Sean O'Sullivan of SOSV (2018), Aoibheann O'Brien and Iseult Ward of Foodcloud (2017), Susan McKenna-Lawlor, MD of Space Technology Ireland (2016), Fr Peter McVerry (2015), Peter Sutherland(2014), Denis Brosnan, Kerry Group (2013), Martin Naughton, Glen Dimplex Group (2012) Anna May McHugh, MD of the National Ploughing Championship (2011) and Senator Martin McAleese (2010).
Enda Kenny said he was honoured to receive the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Special Recognition Award.
"Entrepreneurship is something we excel at in Ireland and I am truly grateful to be recognised amongst this esteemed group. Supporting and cultivating our business and entrepreneurial community is incredibly important for a robust and thriving economy," he said.
"It is brilliant to see the EY Entrepreneur of the Year programme shine a light on the many fantastic Irish entrepreneurs that are having a positive impact on Ireland's economy and society," he added.
