Latest news with #MartinMcHugh


Business News Wales
4 days ago
- Business
- Business News Wales
Deadline Approaching for Wales STEM Awards Entries
The countdown is on for entries to the Wales STEM Awards 2025, with just two weeks left to submit nominations before the deadline on Friday 25th July. Celebrating the brightest talent and boldest innovations in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, the awards aim to recognise the organisations and individuals making a real difference to Wales' STEM landscape. Now in their sixth year, the awards feature 15 categories, including STEM Company of the Year, STEM Woman of the Year, and Innovation in STEM. Winners will be revealed at a prestigious ceremony on 16th October at the Holland House Hotel, Cardiff. Martin McHugh, newly appointed Chair of Judges and former CEO of CSA Catapult, urged potential nominees not to miss out: 'These awards shine a much-needed spotlight on the people and companies powering STEM forward in Wales. With just two weeks to go, I'd encourage anyone doing impactful work in the sector to put themselves forward. It's a fantastic opportunity to celebrate your achievements and gain wider recognition.' Liz Brookes, co-founder of the Wales STEM Awards, added: 'We know there are so many unsung heroes across Wales championing STEM—from start-ups to long-established companies, educators to engineers. This is your chance to tell your story. The deadline is fast approaching, so don't delay.' This year's awards are supported by headline sponsor Cardiff Metropolitan University, with category sponsors including CSA Catapult and Wynne Jones IP, who have joined as sponsor of the Innovation in STEM category. Further sponsorship opportunities remain available for businesses looking to engage with Wales' thriving STEM community. The organisers say the importance of celebrating STEM in Wales has never been greater. A growing skills shortage in STEM could cost the UK economy £120 billion by 2030 if left unaddressed. In Wales, the manufacturing sector alone employs over 147,000 people, highlighting the vital role STEM plays in the nation's future prosperity. Past winners have included pioneering companies such as Antiverse, Ipsen Biopharm, and Wales Interactive, and inspiring individuals like Claire Jenkins from the Intellectual Property Office and Georgia Cox from Tata Steel UK. The Wales STEM Awards are jointly organised by Grapevine Event Management and communications agency jamjar. For more information or to submit your entry, visit .


Irish Independent
02-07-2025
- Irish Independent
Louth Gardai pay tribute to their late colleague Sergeant Paddy Morrissey
The popular officer who lived in Drogheda was stationed in Collon at the time. A new bench in honour of his memory was unveiled recently after a remembrance ceremony. Sergeant Morrissey was shot dead following a robbery at the Labour Exchange in Ardee, Co Louth, June 27, 1985. He bravely pursued the armed robbers, Martin McHugh and Noel Callan, both members of the renegade INLA, Irish National Liberation Army, and was killed as he chased them in a field. The two Armagh men were found guilty by the Special Criminal Court of his capital murder and sentenced to death. This was later commuted by the Government to 40 years penal servitude. Both killers were released from prison within days of each other after serving 30 years in 2015. They got their sentence reduced by 25pc - 10 years - for good behaviour. In a post on Facebook Louth Gardai said: "Today we remember Sergeant Morrissey and the ultimate sacrifice he and his family made while he served and protected the community of Co Louth. "Sergeant Morrissey was posthumously awarded the Gold Scott Medal for bravery in 1986. Rest in peace." The hero Garda was 49 years old at the time and unarmed when he confronted the brutal cowardly gunmen. He left behind his beloved wife Bernie and four children, Martin, Brian, Mary and Aideen. who were then aged between 12 to 19 years old. In a statement to mark the 40 anniversary of his death the Morrissey family said: "We knew him as a giant of kindness and strength, and someone who believed strongly in fairness and in giving people chances to rectify lives - he believed strongly in the power of humanity and common decency. "His former colleagues in the Garda Sub Aqua Unit, in Collon Garda Station and the other stations where he was posted, and in the Garda Choir have posted many heartfelt tributes throughout the years since 1985 - they most certainly have never forgotten him nor us as a family. "Tomorrow marks the 40 year anniversary in remembering PJ who was ultimately a guardian of the peace, a guardian of the community, a family man, and a good friend to so many. "He was perhaps most at home in his garden, or on the River Erne or River Boyne, diving, fishing or swimming in the water.. "In the past 40 years that have passed he has been remembered with profound loss by our family, and with high regard and warmth by friends and former colleagues. "Our family wishes to thank all who have shown so much support and kindness in the last 40 years." Paddy Morrissey was originally from Belturbet, Co Cavan.


Business News Wales
01-05-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Search for Wales' STEM Stars of 2025 Begins
The 2025 Wales STEM Awards have officially launched, aiming to spotlight the organisations and individuals driving innovation and excellence in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics across Wales. This year's ceremony will take place on 16th October at the Holland House Hotel in Cardiff. Entries are now open across 15 categories—including STEM Company of the Year, STEM Woman of the Year, and Innovation in STEM—with a submission deadline of 25th July 2025. Returning as headline sponsor is Cardiff Metropolitan University, joined by CSA Catapult and new to the sponsor lineup is IP firm, Wynne Jones IP, who sponsor the Innovation in STEM category. Category sponsorship opportunities remain available for businesses looking to align themselves with Wales' thriving STEM community. Martin McHugh, former CEO of CSA Catapult, has been appointed as the new Chair of Judges. He said: 'We must continue to recognise and celebrate the achievements of those individuals and companies that work tirelessly to encourage and support STEM. The awards are a great way of recognising those achievements and saying thank you for the incredible hard work. If you or your company are working in or promoting STEM, I would encourage you to enter the awards and get some recognition for your company and colleagues.' Liz Brookes, co-founder of the Wales STEM Awards, added: 'As we launch the 2025 awards, it's inspiring to see the continued growth and innovation within Wales' STEM sectors. Each year, we uncover remarkable stories of dedication and ingenuity, and we look forward to celebrating these achievements on the national stage.' The awards come at a pivotal time. Recent research indicates that the STEM skills shortage could cost the UK economy £120 billion by 2030 if unaddressed. In Wales, the manufacturing industry alone provides over 147,000 jobs, accounting for one in nine of the workforce, underscoring the critical need for skilled professionals in STEM fields. Last year's winners included companies such as Antiverse, Ipsen Biopharm and Wales Interactive, as well as inspiring individuals like Claire Jenkins from the Intellectual Property Office and Georgia Cox from Tata Steel UK, showcasing the incredible breadth of talent and innovation across Wales' STEM sectors. The Wales STEM Awards are jointly organised by Grapevine Event Management and communications agency jamjar. For more information on entering or sponsoring the awards, visit