Longford County Enterprise Awards sees Granard firm scoop the top prize

The vibrancy of Longford's business community was acknowledged last week as the county's Local Enterprise Office hosted their annual awards.

The overall winner for 2025, Willie Monaghan & Sons Limited, was selected to represent Longford at the 25th National Enterprise Awards Final which will take place in the Mansion House, Dublin, on Thursday, May 23, 2025.

Founded in 1985 by Willie Monaghan, Willie Monaghan & Sons Limited is one of Ireland's leading names in truck body building and steel fabrication. The business, located in Coolarty near Granard, has grown considerably in the last three decades.
Specialising in commercial truck and van body building, they serve major fleet operators and businesses, such as Pat The Baker and Kiernan Milling.

Speaking at the ceremony Longford County Council Director of Services with responsibility for Enterprise, Michael Nevin, spoke of the quality of local enterprise: “Each of these businesses are key contributors to the economic growth and development of our county.

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“It's an honour to work with small businesses, hear their stories, and help them work through the issues they have.”
Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council, Mark Casey, said: “It is great to see local industries going so well. That is what this is all about. I have to commend Michael and the LEO for all they do. Longford is one of the leading counties for getting local enterprises off the ground.”

The awards recognise and promote success stories of small business owners from all over the county. The National Finalists will compete for a prize fund of €53,000.

“These awards are an important part of Enterprise Week,” said Council CE Paddy Mahon, “The LEO plays a vital role in helping small business plan, start, sustain and continue to grow. All the businesses here today have proved themselves and are models of sustainability. This is a great opportunity to recognise the excellence in Longford small businesses.”

Aside from the overall winner five local businesses were honoured at the awards. Maguire Hair & Beauty won out in the Lean Champion category; Waterfront Dental were crowned Digital Champion; O'Rourke Windows and Glass received the Green Champion award; Threads by Katie were announced as the Best Young Start Up; while the “Spirit of Longford” award went to PJ and Joan Donnellan of Donnellan Engineering in Lanesboro.

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Established over 25 years ago by Vincent Maguire, Maguire Hair & Beauty is a family-run business that operates two retail stores in Longford and Cavan, along with a thriving online shop. Vincent's two sons Anthony and David also assist in the management of the businesses, which stock a wide range of premium brands and are the exclusive distributor for Mood Hair Care products in Ireland.

Waterfront Dental has been delivering exceptional dental care to the Longford community since 1985. Originally founded by Dr Clem Sullivan, the practice has grown from its first premises on Main Street to a state-of-the-art, purpose-built facility at Fee Court, overlooking the Mall Complex. Now led by Dr Dympra Reynolds the 11 person team has further growth planned.

O'Rourke Windows and Glass is a trusted family-run business in Longford town, specialising in the manufacture and installation of high-quality PVC windows and doors. Originally operating as Fox & O'Rourke Windows, Gerry O Rourke has been in the business, building a strong reputation across the country for delivering bespoke, stylish and functional products.

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Threads by Katie is a startup business founded by Katie McCabe from Aughnacliffe, specialising in retro sportswear and reworked branded clothing. With a passion for fashion and sustainability, Katie identified a gap in the market for unique, affordable and eco-friendly vintage pieces.

PJ and Joan Donnellan are a couple whose unwavering dedication has significantly contributed to both the local economy and community over the years. PJ began his engineering career in 1968 with Donnellan Engineering, a business founded by his