Flatley dances his way to Irish business success
THE BEST of London’s Irish business community gathered at the Dorchester last night for the Irish Post’s inaugural Business Gala Dinner & Awards – honouring four very special businessmen and women, and celebrating the vibrancy and success of Irish people in business all across Britain.
Taking home an award for his outstanding contribution to business in Britain was Ray O’Rourke, the executive chairman of global construction firm Laing O’Rourke, while John Griffin, the chairman of minicab firm Addison Lee, was named as business person of the year.
And Michael Flatley – the dancer and choreographer who found fame with Riverdance – was handed a lifetime achievement award.
But toast of the night had to be Rosaleen Blair, the founder and chief executive of talent business Alexander Mann Solutions, which was yesterday snapped up from its owners Graphite Capital by fellow private equity firm New Mountain, attracting a £260m price tag.
Blair and friends celebrated with famous faces including Ireland rugby legend Peter Stringer, the ambassador to Britain Dan Mulhall, and fashion designer Paul Costello at a dinner hosted by another Irish legend – Eamonn Holmes.