Sharon Cunningham, CEO of Tipperary-based Shorla Oncology and Orlaith Ryan, CTO of Shorla Oncology, have been named the 2024 EY Entrepreneurs of the Year.
Sharon and Orlaith were also named as winners in the emerging category at this year's awards.
Headquartered in Clonmel, Co Tipperary, Shorla Oncology is a specialty pharmaceutical company that develops and commercialises innovative oncology drugs for orphan and paediatric cancers.
The company's growing portfolio (including four products which are approved by the US Food and Drug Administration and currently on the US market) brings accessible, affordable and life-saving treatments to patients.
John Mackey (CEO), Ruth Mackey (CSO/COO), and David Mackey (CTO) of Mbryonics Limited were named 2024 EY Established Entrepreneurs of the Year.
Siblings John, Ruth and David Mackey are co-founders of Mbryonics - a deep technology company specialising in space laser systems for extremely high bandwidth satellite communication networks.
Ivor Queally, CEO of the QK Group South Africa was named 2024 EY International Entrepreneur of the Year.
Ivor is a director of one of Ireland’s largest privately owned agri-businesses, with multi-disciplined food manufacturing facilities located throughout Ireland, the UK Europe and Southern Africa.
Duncan O’Toole, founder of Captured Carbon Ltd, was the recipient of the 2024 EY Entrepreneur of the Year Sustainability award.
Captured Carbon Ltd is a renewable energy trading and consulting company committed to accelerating the decarbonisation of the energy market.
The EY Entrepreneur of the year programme is a global recognition programme run in 145 cities in more than 60 countries.
Now in its 27th year in Ireland, the programme works to recognise, promote and build a supportive community around the country's high-growth entrepreneurs.
Roger Wallace, Partner Lead for the EY Entrepreneur of the Year programme, said the inspiring business leaders embody true entrepreneurial spirit in their daily endeavours - from pioneering innovative concepts to demonstrating unwavering passion and commitment in their remarkable businesses.
"This year's finalists are an extraordinary group of entrepreneurs achieving phenomenal success both domestically and internationally," he said.
"Entrepreneurs are the backbone of the economy, serving as a vital source of employment and wealth creation. They challenge us to think differently, innovate, and seize opportunities where others may see obstacles," he said.
"In Ireland, we are incredibly fortunate to have a wealth of entrepreneurial talent that significantly contributes to our economy and communities every day," he said.
"The EY Entrepreneur of the Year alumni community generates revenues of €25 billion and employs over 250,000 people across the island of Ireland. Their success is our collective success, and EY is committed to supporting them on their journey to realising their full potential and helping to shape the future with confidence," Mr Wallace added.
