MS Catherine Tiernan, founder of the Galway company, Eire Communications, has won the Irish Permanent/BPW Young Businesswoman of the Year award.

Ms Tiernan, who set up the company in 1993, received £2,000 from the Irish Permanent yesterday, to further her career. The five other finalists were Ms Helen Conneely of the Celtic Roots Studio in Offaly; Ms Paula Walsh of Promo Display & Merchandising, Kilkenny; Ms Lorraine Carter of Persona Design Consultant's Dublin; Ms Elizabeth Phelan of Freddy's Bistro in Limerick; and Ms Orla Tuohy who set up Tuohy Trading in Sligo.

The competition was open to women under the age of 35 who have set up in business since 1993.