Top agencies and individuals in the Irish recruitment sector were honoured last week at the 13th annual National Recruitment Awards in Dublin.
The gala ceremony, organised by the National Recruitment Federation (ERF), which took place in The Shelbourne Hotel and was presented by Gavin Duffy, saw Brightwater scoop the top prize of Agency of the Year in the ‘Large Agency Category’.
The annual ERF professional awards scheme, run in association with LinkedIn, Bullhorn and the Irish Independent, is designed to identify and reward excellence in recruitment in Ireland. It is open to all ERF members and is judged by an independent panel, including representatives from the international recruitment sector, the National College of Ireland and DCU.
The ERF received over 200 entries from recruitment companies countrywide and presented awards across 20 different categories. A full list of winners can be found below.
James Kilbane Award
The prestigious James Kilbane Award was given this year to Anne Heraty of CPL. The award was presented by Ken Belshaw co-founder of Grafton Recruitment and Dr Paula Kilbane, James’ wife. In his citation Ken said, Anne had scaled unimaginable heights and her vision and leadership has ensured Ireland has a recruitment brand that is recognised both at home and abroad. Anne was the first woman to head a PLC on the Irish Stock.
The company has a global presence and source healthcare workers from countries around the world. Her first acquisition was a finance firm in 2001 and then went on to grow a number of specialist divisions. Today there are 10 specialist divisions across the company. Anne has many awards in the trophy cabinet including the coveted Ernest and Young Entrepreneur title, she is named every year on the SIA top 100 EU leaders and the 150 global women in power but as Ken said to be awarded by your own peers has to be the best recognition you can receive. Anne received a standing ovation from all in the room.
On the night ERF President, Donal O’Donoghue (Sanderson Recruitment), congratulated the winners and everyone who made the 2019 awards shortlist.
2019 National Recruitment Federation (ERF) Awards
Roll of Honour