Mr Tony O'Brien, managing director of the C&C Group, has been given the Checkout Ireland Person of the Year Award in recognition of the group's success during his 20 years at the helm.

Presenting him with the award last night, the magazine's editor, Ms Mary Brophy, praised the successful management buyout led by Mr O'Brien, the acquisition of Tayto and the recent announcement of a £60 million expansion programme, with the creation of a further 120 jobs.