EY Entrepreneur of the Year Awards 2026: Finalists Announced

EY Ireland has revealed the shortlist for its 2026 Entrepreneur of the Year awards, featuring 31 finalists from 24 companies across the island. These entrepreneurs collectively employ approximately 3,000 individuals and generate nearly €1 billion in revenue. The awards program, organized by EY, will span nine months and culminate in an awards ceremony scheduled for late November.

The Irish Times

The finalists are divided into three categories: emerging, established, and international. In the emerging category, notable finalists include Bobby Healy of Manna Air Delivery, Jennifer Rock of Skingredients, and Aoife Matthews of Sisterly. The established category features entrepreneurs such as Tommy Kearns of Xtremepush and John Corley of Spanish Point Technologies. The international category includes Brian Moloney of StormHarvester and Dermot O’Shea of Taoglas, among others.

The Irish Times

The selection of finalists was conducted by a panel of previous winners, chaired by Harry Hughes, CEO of Portwest. Hughes emphasized the rapid changes in the entrepreneurial landscape, noting that the environment has evolved significantly even in the past 18 months. This year's finalists will participate in a weeklong retreat for chief executives in Toronto, Canada, in May, aimed at fostering collaboration and innovation.

The Irish Times

Roger Wallace, head of assurance and EY Entrepreneur of the Year, remarked on the shifting nature of entrepreneurship in 2026, highlighting the influence of geopolitical instability, advancements in artificial intelligence, and economic uncertainty. These factors necessitate a blend of creativity and resilience among entrepreneurs.

The Irish Times

Roger Wallace stated, “Entrepreneurship in 2026 looks very different to even a few years ago,” reflecting the evolving challenges faced by business leaders today. Harry Hughes added that the judging process showcased the dynamic environment in which entrepreneurs operate, underscoring the need for adaptability.

The Irish Times

The finalists will engage in various activities throughout the program, including the aforementioned retreat in Toronto. The culmination of their efforts will be recognized at the awards ceremony in November, where winners will be announced in each category, along with an overall winner selected from the category champions.

The Irish Times

• “Entrepreneurship in 2026 looks very different to even a few years ago.” — Roger Wallace, Head of Assurance, EY Ireland

The Irish Times

• “This year’s judging process reminded us just how rapidly the world is changing for entrepreneurs and the environment they are operating in, which has changed even in the past 18 months alone,” — Harry Hughes, CEO, Portwest

The Irish Times

The 2026 EY Entrepreneur of the Year awards highlight the resilience and innovation of Irish entrepreneurs in a rapidly changing global landscape.

The Irish Times