Edward McCloskey, the founder of WaterWipes, was named the overall EY Entrepreneur of the year 2025 at the 28th annual awards gala last night.
Mr McCloskey also took home the International category award. As well as WaterWipes, he owns and leads Boyne Valley Group, a portfolio of brands including household names such as Chivers, McDonnell's and Kinetica Sports Nutrition.
His businesses employ more than 650 people and continue to expand internationally, while maintaining a strong commitment to quality, innovation and sustainability.
He will go on to represent Ireland at the EY World Entrepreneur of the year awards in Monaco in June 2026.
Áine Kennedy, founder of The Smooth Company, was named winner of the Emerging category. Áine launched her business in 2022 from her attic to revolutionise haircare with products designed to simplify routines and deliver salon-quality results at home. Her brand now has customers in 70 countries.
Derek Foley Butler, CEO of GRID Finance, received the award for the Established category. The fintech platform aims to improve the financial health of SMEs and is the only platform in Ireland where businesses can access their credit score and the first financial services B-Corp in the country.
The Sustainability award was presented to David Corcoran of Soltec Ireland, a company at the forefront of environmental services and waste management. For 30 years, Soltec has been recovering and recycling hazardous waste, and has positioned itself as a key player in the country's transition to a circular economy.
Each year, EY also presents a Special Recognition Award to individuals who have made a significant contribution to life on the island of Ireland through their vision, innovation, and commitment to excellence. This year, the honour was presented to Denis O'Brien.
Now in its 28th year, the EY Entrepreneur of the year programme supports, promotes and connects a community of more than 680 entrepreneurs who collectively generate revenues of €28 billion and employ over 275,000 people across the island of Ireland.
