Tuam businessman shortlisted for two high-profile awards

THE programme Secret Millionaire featuring Tuam businessman John Concannon of JFC Manufacturing has been nominated for an IFTA (Irish Film and Television Award). [private] The episode featuring John Concannon saw him going undercover to find people who needed his help. He spent eight days incognito in West Dublin where unemployment, drug and alcohol abuse are everyday facts of life. He came face to face with urban poverty in Ireland and unearthed a hidden emotional trauma that changed his life. John credits the show with igniting his campaign to locate a Pieta House for suicide support and prevention in Tuam. The programme is one of four nominated in the factual programme category and the winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on Saturday, February 12 in Dublin. The documentary Blood of the Travellers featuring former Galway boxer Francis Barrett has also been nominated for an award. Meanwhile JFC is one of three Galway companies to have made the shortlist for the final of the 2012 Irish Times InterTradeIreland Innovation Awards. JFC Manufacturing, Amatech and Embrace Design Innovations will now go on to compete for the Innovation of the Year title at the awards in the Royal Hospital Kilmainham, Dublin on February 28. The finalists will now be judged by a highly experienced panel of six professionals. The awards aim to recognise and promote the best service, product or operational innovations throughout the island. The finalists were selected by an independent panel of judges for a place at the final and a chance to win the overall Innovation of the Year award as well as a unique and high-profile communications and advertising package worth €150,000. All shortlisted finalists will receive a €10,000 communications package. [/private]