Irish-American newspaper the Irish Echo presented 10 US companies in Ireland with awards for their contribution to the Irish economy in the K-Club in Kildare last night.

Ms Claire O'Garra Grimes, publisher of the Irish Echo, presented awards to Dell, IBM Ireland, Pfizer, Merril Lynch, Intel Ireland, American Home Products Corporation, EMC, Bausch & Lomb, Tellabs and Analog Devices.

Dr Michael Smurfit was guest of honour at the second annual business awards ceremony hosted by the New York-based newspaper and sponsored by the Irish Chamber of Commerce in the US.