‘Tight margins’ as prestigious event celebrates best in class

The role of a judge is never easy, but when standards are very high, it makes the task even more difficult.

This was the challenge which faced the judges at the annual Published Accounts Awards (PAA) at the gala ceremony which took place in Dublin on November 9.

But despite the fact that, according to returning judge, professor Danielle McWall, “the margins are so tight between the shortlisted entries”, 14 lucky winners were chosen.

Second success

For a second year running, CRH was announced as the Overall Winner in addition to also winning the Euronext Dublin (Large Cap >€1bn) Award.

DCC took home the Company listed on a Foreign Market award again this year, and in the Euronext Growth Award category, Origin Enterprises claimed first place.

Glenveagh Properties was awarded top place in the Euronext Dublin (SME <€1bn) category, and Coillte was the winner of the Statutory or Unlisted Entity (Non-IFRS) award.

In the Not-for-Profit award categories, Barnardos took home the prize for the large charity category and Barretstown topped the list of small/medium charities.

Bank of Ireland was thrilled to be announced as the winner of the Sustainability and ESG Reporting Award (Listed Entities) and Eamonn Hughes, Chief Sustainability and Investor Relations Officer at Bank of Ireland.

“We are delighted that Bank of Ireland won an award at this year’s Chartered Accountants Ireland Leinster Society Published Accounts Awards,” she said.

“Sustainability and ESG reporting are now more important than ever, with shareholders and stakeholders looking beyond the financial reporting aspects of the annual report.

“At Bank of Ireland, we are constantly improving the way we report, particularly across Sustainability and ESG, and our team is committed to ensuring our reporting is best in class.

“Winning this award is testament to the team’s commitment and I am really proud of them for their hard work and dedication to reporting.”

CIÉ Group was also honoured with a win on the night and John Flannery, group financial accountant, says it is particularly rewarding for employees to be recognised for their hard work.

“The CIÉ Group is delighted to be announced as winners of the Sustainability and ESG Reporting Award (Unlisted Entity),” he said.

“The group strives to continuously improve its sustainability reporting through enhanced disclosures in its annual report and other reports.

Evolving

“The landscape for sustainability reporting is evolving at pace and we are committed to providing accurate and transparent reporting to demonstrate our progress in delivering on the group’s sustainability strategy.

“So, it is a huge honour to be recognised in this category and a reflection of the hard work across the CIÉ Group not only to deliver on the group’s sustainability strategy but to ensure the highest standards in reporting on our sustainability data.”

Also in the transport sector, daa were proud to have been awarded the prestigious Branding, Communication, and Digital Award.

According to Niamh Broder, daa’s group reporting manager, this recognition is a “testament to the hard work and dedication of the daa team in producing an exceptional annual report” which effectively communicates the story of Dublin Airport, Cork Airport, ARI, and daa International throughout 2022.

“These awards showcase the best of Irish corporate reporting, and we are delighted that our efforts have been recognised through this accolade” she said.

“We believe that our report reflects our company value of being brilliant at the essentials and creating an exceptional environment for our customers and employees.”

The Diversity and Inclusion Award (Listed or Unlisted Entities) went to Dalata.

Concern Worldwide also received an accolade and its chief executive, David Regan, says winning the Diversity and Inclusion Award (Not for Profit) was an honour.

Trust

“Diversity and Inclusion are central to our work around the world, in how we operate and communicate,” he said.

“This is reflected in our annual report. It is heartening that this has been recognised by the judges who selected Concern for this award.

“Transparency and accountability are essential for Concern Worldwide, as an organisation which depends on the trust of the public and of major donors in order to fund our work.

“Our annual report plays an important role in providing transparency about how we use funds entrusted to us and the impact our work has. So, we are honoured and delighted to be among the winners at this year’s Published Accounts Awards.”