Dial a Chef Catering Longford Ltd takes top prize at County Longford Enterprise Awards 2026

Ballinamuck business will go on to represent Longford at the National Enterprise Awards in June 

Press Release: Monday, 9 March 2026 

The County Longford Enterprise Awards 2026 took place in PVs on Thursday, 5 March as part of Local Enterprise Week 2026. Contract and Event Catering specialists, Dial a Chef Catering Longford Ltd took home the top prize and will go on to represent Longford at the National Enterprise Awards in Dublin in June this year. Well known journalist and broadcaster, Carole Coleman acted as MC on the day. 

Also at the event, Norman Hall was crowned this year's winners of the 'Spirit of Longford' award. Norman Hall is a long-standing North Longford entrepreneur whose company, Hall Transport, has been a major local employer for decades and who has further strengthened the region through continued investment, rural business revitalisation and major fundraising initiatives. Other winners at County Longford Enterprise Awards 2026 were:

• Longford Signs: Longford Signs is a well-established family run Longford-based signage and printing company, in operation for over 20 years, providing a full range of signage, graphics and large-format printing services to major national clients and local businesses
• Cassidy Blinds: Cassidy Blinds is a long-established, family-run Longford business known for made-to-measure blinds and bespoke window solutions, offering expert craftsmanship and a personalised service that has been trusted by customers for generations 
• Janni Bars: Janni Bars, is a Drumlish based business founded by Swedish native Janni Sjöstrand. The business has grown into an acclaimed producer of natural, handcrafted shampoo and personal care bars which are now stocked by retailers across Ireland and internationally. 
• FC Fabrications Ltd: FC Fabrications Ltd, founded by Frankie Carrigy in Killoe, is a rapidly growing metal engineering business specialising in the repair and refurbishment of excavation equipment while also producing a range of high-quality fabricated products and with plans underway for significant expansion. 

Overall winners, Dial a Chef Catering, has grown from a small rural catering service in Ballinamuck into one of the region's most respected food enterprises, driven by founder Eilish McLoughlin. Trained under renowned chef Neven Maguire, Eilish has built a business that now caters for major private and corporate events and prepares large volumes of school meals daily for Longford and the wider region, all cooked on site for maximum freshness. Despite its rural location, Dial a Chef has become an important local employer, continuing to expand through ongoing investment. With Eilish’s daughter Siobhán recently joining the management team, the company is entering a new chapter of growth, ensuring its strong values and community focus continue into the future. In moving onto the National Enterprise Awards later this year, Dial a Chef Catering Ltd will compete against 30 other finalists from every other local authority for a share of the €35,000 winner’s prize fund. National judging gets underway in April. There are nine regional awards, and six national categories including ‘Best Export Business,’ ‘Best Start-Up’, ‘Innovation’, ‘Green’, ‘Digital’ and Female Entrepreneur.

Longford County Council Cathaoirleach Cllr Garry Murtagh said “The County Longford Enterprise awards show the strength and ambition of businesses across Longford. Dial a Chef’s success reflects the hard work that is happening in every part of our county, from long established family firms to new enterprises with fresh ideas. I also want to acknowledge the contribution of people like Norman Hall, whose dedication has supported local jobs and community life for decades. These awards remind us that local enterprise is not only about business growth, but about the pride and resilience of our communities.”

Longford County Council Chief Executive Paddy Mahon added, “The County Enterprise Awards highlight the positive impact that local businesses have on Longford’s economy and its future. Dial a Chef’s achievement shows what can be built through skill, steady investment, and a strong commitment to quality. All of this year’s winners demonstrate the same drive. Our Local Enterprise Office continues to support entrepreneurs at every stage, and we look forward to seeing Dial a Chef represent Longford on the national stage in June.”

Speaking at the event, Longford County Council Head of Enterprise Michael Nevin said, “Local Enterprise Week gives us a great opportunity to shine a light on the businesses and entrepreneurs who work tirelessly to drive growth and create opportunities throughout our county. While it’s a fantastic achievement for Eilish and her business to take this year’s top award, the calibre of businesses represented here at the awards shows the depth of talent we are fortunate to have in Longford.”

The County Longford Enterprise Awards took place as part of Local Enterprise Week which saw over 300 events taking place across the country. These included business training to help entrepreneurs, start-ups and expanding business among others. Local Enterprise Week is organised by Local Enterprise Offices, and supported by Enterprise Ireland, local authorities, including Longford County Council and the Government of Ireland.