Midlands 103 Celebrates Customer Service Excellence At Gala Awards

Over 15,000 nominations were made in the 60 plus categories.

Over 60 businesses across the midlands are celebrating after being honoured at the 2025 Midlands 103 Customer Service Awards, held at a sold-out gala in the Tullamore Court Hotel.

The prestigious event, now a highlight in the regional business calendar, recognises outstanding service across counties Laois, Offaly, and Westmeath. Over 500 guests gathered to applaud the individuals and companies who go above and beyond for their customers every day.

This year’s awards followed weeks of intense on-air and online promotion, with more than 12,000 listener votes received across 60+ categories. Winners were ultimately selected by an independent judging panel, led by renowned architect and Home of the Year star Hugh Wallace.

Among the night’s big winners:

• Beautician of the Year: Casey Connell, Flawless Beauty, Athlone
• Pharmacy of the Year: Quinn’s Pharmacy, Edenderry
• Insurance Broker of the Year: LowQuotes, Portlaoise
• James O’Connor Tradesman of the Year: Edmund Cooney, Cooney Kitchens, Coralstown

Other judges included author and money coach Kel Galavan, content creator Andrea Woods and Irish fashion and lifestyle influencer Michelle Fitzpatrick. The panel dedicated countless hours to reviewing nominations, analysing feedback and researching businesses to ensure a fair and comprehensive evaluation.

The Midlands 103 Customer Service Awards are proudly sponsored by Dovida (formerly HomeInstead). Speaking at the event, Midlands 103 Managing Director Will Faulkner praised the calibre of this year’s nominees:

“The level of talent, care and commitment on display tonight is nothing short of world-class. You don’t have to go to a big city to find excellence—it’s right here in the heart of the midlands. These winners and nominees are raising the bar for what customer service should look like, and we’re proud to celebrate them. Congratulations to all involved.”

The winners are:

Nail Salon of the Year:

Glamorous Athlone

Nail Technician of the Year:

Tiddlywinks Nails by Aisling, Tullamore

Hair Stylist of the Year:

Shannen Hughes - Colour Republic, Athlone

Hair Salon of the Year:

Bella Vida Hair, Athlone

Beautician of the Year:

Casey Connell, Flawless Beauty, Athlone

Beauty Salon of the Year - proudly sponsored by Ivy Grace Bridal:

Flawless Beauty, Athlone

Barber of the Year:

Dapper Shams, Mullingar

Spa of the Year:

Midlands Park Spa & Beauty, Portlaoise

Skin Specialist of the Year:

Niamh Darcy, Re-Nu Skin & Beauty Clinic, Tullamore

Brow Specialist of the Year:

Teresa Ward, Boujee Brows & Beauty, Tullamore

Lash Specialist of the Year:

Sanders Wellness & Beauty, Tullamore

Make Up Artist of the Year:

Katie Rabbette Makeup Artistry, Clara

Boutique of the Year:

Kode Clothing & Footwear, Tullamore

Electrical Store of the Year:

Clearys Electrical, Mullingar

Sports Retailer of the Year - proudly sponsored by The Unit Gym Clara:

DSsports, Emo

Artisan Food Supplier of the Year:

Sugar Plum Sweetery, Mullingar

Menswear Store of the Year - proudly sponsored by Kennan Bauer Motors:

Guy Clothing, Tullamore

Crèche of the Year:

Memory Lane Preschool, Edenderry

Legal Firm of the Year:

Byrne Carolan Cunningham LLP Solicitors, Athlone

Best Pet Service Provider of the Year:

Offaly Pet Sitting, Tullamore

James O’Connor Trades-person of the Year Award - proudly sponsored by CL Plant & Tool Hire:

Edmund Cooney, Cooney Kitchens, Coralstown

Recruitment Company of the Year:

Nuvo Recruitment, Portlaoise

Caring Service of the Year - proudly sponsored by Quinn's Pharmacy Edenderry:

Cherry Blossom Therapy, Killucan

Optician of the Year:

Eye Contact, Tullamore

Dental Practice of the Year:

Dental Excellence, Athlone

Pharmacy of the Year:

Quinn's Pharmacy, Edenderry

Travel Agent of the Year:

Cloud9 Travel, Tullamore

Best Customer Service of the Year - proudly sponsored by Golden Island Shopping Centre:

Topline Heavins & Euronics, Athlone

Workplace of the Year - proudly sponsored by Kode Clothing & Footwear:

Dental Excellence, Athlone

Accountancy Firm of the Year:

ND Audit & Advisory, Portlaoise

Financial Service of the Year:

Offaly MABS

Insurance Broker of the Year:

LowQuotes, Portlaoise

Florist of the Year:

Flowers Unique, Moate

Entertainment / Activity Facility of the Year:

Speak Out Drama, Tullamore

Best Online Food Delivery Service:

WhatsForDinner.ie

Service Department of the Year:

Des Hughes Motors, Portlaoise

Car Dealership of the Year - proudly sponsored by Shishir Indian Restaurant:

Hugo Loonam Motors, Cloghan

Car Sales Person of the Year - proudly sponsored by McNamee Tyres:

Tom Coffey, Tullamore Motors

Tyre Supplier of the Year sponsored by Sleator Kia:

McNamee Tyres, Mullingar

Kitchen Supplier of the Year proudly sponsored by Cleary Electrical:

DWK - Direct Wholesale Kitchens, Edenderry

Floor Store of the Year proudly sponsored by Cloud 9 Furniture:

Floor Store Direct, Tullamore

Best Security / Safety / Locksmith of the Year:

Nolan Locksmiths, Portlaoise

Fuel Supplier of the Year:

Lambe Oil, Tullamore

Modular / Log Home Provider of the Year:

Shanette Superior Space, Kilbeggan

Best Home Furnishing | Interiors Store of the Year proudly sponsored by Cooney Kitchens & Bedroom:

Finline Furniture, Emo

Fitness Facility / Gym of the Year:

Proudly sponsored by: DS Sport

GET FIT, Tullamore

Fitness Class Instructor of the Year:

Derinn Byrne, Midlands Park Hotel, Portlaoise

Wellness, Body & Mind Fitness Centre (to include Pilates, Yoga & Wellness) of the Year:

Bombshells Pole, Tullamore

Personal Trainer of the Year:

Conor Galgey, Galgey Coaching, Tullamore

Fitness Challenge of the Year:

The Unit Gym, Clara

Sports Provider of the Year - proudly sponsored by O'Gorman’s Bar:

DSsports, Emo

Bridal Wear Store of the Year - proudly sponsored by: Guy Clothing, Tullamore:

Smart Brides, Portlaoise

Wedding Photographer / Videographer of the Year - proudly sponsored by: The Heritage Hotel, Killenard:

JMB Videos, Tullamore

Groomswear Supplier of the Year - proudly sponsored by Tullamore Credit Union:

Guy Clothing, Tullamore

Wedding Accessories & Decor Company of the Year:

Ashwood Events, Kinnegad

Auctioneering Firm of the Year - proudly sponsored by Tormeys Solicitors:

Midlands Real Estate, Tullamore

Contractor of the Year:

FJS Joinery, Edenderry

Architectural / Engineering Firm of the Year:

Clonearl Engineering, Daingean

Builder of the Year - proudly sponsored by Direct Wholesale Kitchens, Edenderry:

Seamus Foy & Sons Building Contractors, Rhode

Best Agricultural Supplier of the Year - proudly sponsored by Lambe Oil, Tullamore:

John Dixon Plant Hire, Killucan

Farm Machinery Supplier of the Year:

Casey Agri, Garryhinch