Mayo native named Connaught Business Person of the Year

In a remarkable achievement for Mayo, local business leader Diarmuid Gavin has been named Connaught Business Person of the Year 2024 by the All-Ireland Business Foundation. 

Born and raised in Tourmakeady, Mr Gavin embodies the spirit, resilience, and determination that defines the people of our county, leading Théa Pharma Ireland to unprecedented heights in the field of eye care.

_{Mr Gavin with his award}

Reflecting on his award, Mr Gavin commented, “Being a Mayo man through and through, this recognition means the world to me. I am proud to represent Castlebar and to lead a team whose dedication continues to shape the future of eye health in Ireland. This award is a shared success with the wonderful people of Mayo, who have supported Théa Pharma every step of the way.”

Théa Pharma has strong French roots, with 150 years of heritage in eye care through the Chibret family. 

This year Théa celebrates 30 years and is proudly based in Castlebar and has become Ireland’s number one choice for eye care, known for its pioneering preservative-free solutions such as Thealoz Duo for dry eye. 

As part of Théa Pharma’s mission, Mr Gavin has championed 100 percent preservative-free products, setting a new standard for eye health across the nation. 

Under his leadership, the company has earned the trust of ophthalmologists, optical nurse specialists, optometrists, pharmacists and GPs throughout Ireland, reinforcing its commitment to eye health innovation and community care.

“We are immensely honoured to see Diarmuid recognized with this award, a true testament to his Mayo roots and dedication to quality,” said Yanni Kokosioulis, OTC Marketing Manager of the company. 

“With our headquarters here in Castlebar, our journey as Ireland’s preservative-free leaders has been built on the foundation of local pride, hard work, and the support of our healthcare partners across Mayo and beyond. This recognition is as much theirs as it is ours,” he added.

This prestigious award from the All-Ireland Business Foundation celebrates the Mayo man’s remarkable ability to lead with purpose and transform Théa Pharma’s vision into a reality that enhances lives across the country.