Judging Panel

An independent panel of recognised and expert judges, drawn from academia, business and broader related sectors will determine the winners of the Irish Sponsorship Awards.

Our focus is to deliver a balanced judging assessment from industry leaders who will bring their extensive knowledge, enthusiasm and expertise to the judging process ensuring that the winning entries are truly outstanding and worthy of receiving a trophy.

The panel is carefully selected to ensure the Awards judging process is fair and objective. The judges are bound by a strict confidentiality agreement and are required to declare any conflict of interest in entries over which they deliberate, in which case that entry will be reallocated. The integrity of this process lies at the very heart of all that we do.

If you are interested in joining the judging panel, please email your details to our team: judges@businessriver.com

2025 Judging Panel

David Monaghan (Judging Coordinator)

KICK, Managing Director

David is Managing Director with KICK, where he brings an impressive 20 years' experience helping brands achieve exponential growth and delivering commercial success VIEW MORE

Jonathan Barker

Deputy CEO, Sunshine 106.8

Jonathan is a proven audio industry leader with a knack for unlocking sponsorship opportunities and building powerful brand partnerships that drive standout ROI. Known for delivering bold rebrand campaigns and innovative commercial strategies. VIEW MORE

Ian Campbell

Digital Board Director, Zenith, part of Core

Ian is Digital Board Director with Zenith, part of Core with over 14 years media agency experience. He has worked across a large portfolio of clients across automotive, FMCG, public sector, utilities & finance. VIEW MORE

Siobhan Casey

Senior Brand Manager, C&C Group

As a Senior Brand Manager for Bulmers, Siobhan Casey brings a decade of experience in brand strategy, creative leadership, and delivering impactful consumer campaigns across the drinks industry VIEW MORE

Seibhe Hannon

Brand Manager, Ballymaloe Foods

Seibhe is a Brand Manager with Ballymaloe Foods, and as a member of the Allen Family is a major foodie! As a Brand Manager, she has a passion for creativity and clever, informative and witty campaigns. VIEW MORE

Samuel Javid

Director of Development & Marketing, Dublin International Film Festival (DIFF)

Sam designs and delivers award-winning commercial and cultural partnerships. At DIFF, Sam leads on brand sponsorships for the world-class festival, collaborating with artists, agencies, and media holders to create unique audience experiences. VIEW MORE

Gavin McAllister

Managing Director, 1920 Worldwide

Gavin is Managing Director of 1920 Worldwide (Ireland) with 22+ years industry experience across rightsholder, brand & agency. Working across sport, music, culture & business partnerships, he has extensive experience across brand, marketing, PR, experiential, loyalty and project management. VIEW MORE

Claire McDonagh

Fundraising & Sponsorship Manager, National Gallery of Ireland

Claire is Fundraising & Sponsorship Manager at the National Gallery of Ireland, Ireland's national cultural institution devoted to the collection and care of fine art. An accomplished project and relationship manager, Claire creates successful partnerships for transformative cultural experiences. VIEW MORE

Ciara Meany

Sponsorship & Marketing Manager, Munster Rugby

Ciara Meany is Sponsorship & Marketing Manager at Munster Rugby, where she leads the delivery of strategic partnerships and marketing campaigns. She is committed to driving commercial growth, enhancing sponsor value, and deepening the club’s strong connection with its passionate and loyal community. VIEW MORE

Ashley Morrow

Head of Brand, Advertising & Sponsorship, SSE Airtricity

Ashley Morrow, Head of Brand, Advertising and Sponsorship at SSE Airtricity, has built up a wealth of brand marketing, sponsorship, internal communications, PR and project management experience, over 20 years. Spanning a broad range of corporate and consumer sectors across the UK and Ireland. VIEW MORE

Eavan Mulligan

Managing Partner, Nudge

Eavan is founder of Nudge, a marketing and content agency serving diverse industries including sport, engineering, education, property, luxury travel, professional services, and film/TV. Prior to launching Nudge, Eavan built 2 decades of marketing expertise with a deep legacy in sport & sponsorship VIEW MORE

Karen Price

Creative Director, STUDIO at News Ireland and Urban Media

Karen Price, an accomplished Creative Director, excels in advertising, brand building, business development, and digital media. With a strategic mindset and artistic flair, she delivers innovative solutions, driving growth and profitability. VIEW MORE

Jana Solovjova

Marketing Manager, Peugeot & DS Automobiles

Jana Solovjova is an award-winning marketing professional with 17+ years’ experience across tourism, FMCG, retail, and automotive. As Marketing Manager at Gowan Auto, she leads national strategies for Peugeot and DS Automobiles. VIEW MORE