The Nenagh Guardian covered ILYAN's selection as a National Enterprise Awards finalist, reporting on how the Ballina-based technology company was set to compete with the country's best small businesses at the awards ceremony in the Round Room at the Mansion House, Dublin on 18 June 2026.
The article described ILYAN as an AI-powered, real-time guest engagement platform designed specifically for the hospitality sector - one that enables hotels to identify and resolve guest issues during a stay, before they result in negative online reviews, while also generating measurable in-stay revenue and reducing front-of-house workload through automation.
"I am incredibly honoured to represent LEO Tipperary at the awards final and I feel privileged to join with the other worthy finalists from across the country. The PR opportunity locally is invaluable and highlights the entrepreneurial activity in the county, the national exposure is priceless for any small business such as mine."
Stephen O'Sullivan, Founder - I Left You A Note, Nenagh Guardian, June 2026A strong year for Tipperary enterprise
The Nenagh Guardian noted that Local Enterprise Office Tipperary has had recent success at the National Enterprise Awards, including Nutshed from Nenagh, which scooped the South West Regional Award in 2024. ILYAN's selection continued that tradition of strong Tipperary representation at the national level.
Anthony Fitzgerald, Head of Enterprise at LEO Tipperary, was quoted in the article: "The National Enterprise Awards serve to highlight the very best businesses that the Local Enterprise Offices are working with across the country. The diversity of sectors and innovation shown again this year is outstanding and the winners will no doubt produce businesses destined for international success."
The National Enterprise Awards 2026
The awards, now in their 26th year, featured 31 finalists competing for a total prize fund of €80,000. Categories included Best Start-Up, Best Export Business, Innovation, Digital, Green, and Female Entrepreneur, with an overall National Enterprise of the Year award and an Outstanding Achievement Award presented on the night.
Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke said of the finalists: "Every one of these finalists have the potential to scale, create jobs in their communities and make a significant impact internationally."