The first Irish Sponsorship Awards took place in Dublin yesterday and there was recognition for Electric Ireland’s support of Team Ireland at the Olympics and the Carlsberg campaign in support of Ireland at Euro 2012, both of whom won two awards.
There was a good turnout from the sporting and business community with plenty of names there from the worlds of GAA, Soccer, Rugby and many more.
An Post landed an award for its support of Cycling and the Rás while Leinster Rugby and Bank of Ireland were also among those to collect a gong.
Sport for Business came a short head second to CSL Events who managed the popular ‘Three on the Quay’ event around the Euro’s in the category of Consultancy of the Year.  We were very honoured to make it to the final three in our first year of operation and will go back in training straight away for next year.
There are a host of awards at this time of year and it is a popular way to reward those who have made an effort.
One small piece of constructive criticism about yesterday though, shared by many in the room, was the rushed presentation of host Richard Curran.  It is true that some ceremonies can go on a little but from the start Curran declared that ‘there was no need for speeches thanking your team, your family and all that,’ and at various points during his whistle stop presentation he encouraged us to ‘stay with it, we were nearly there, and that it would all be over soon.’
Bearing in mind those in attendance had paid good money to come celebrate the achievements of their peers, this side of the event could and really should be done better, as I am sure it will be.
Congratulations to all those who were shortlisted, all those who won and those who judged the many entries in this important intersection between sport, the arts and business.
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