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Congratulations to our ACT Award 2025 winner

Now in its ninth year, on 11 September The Ardonagh Group came together from around the world in the city of Paris at the annual Spotlight Awards event to recognise colleagues who have gone above and beyond.

For the first time, Spotlight travelled outside of the UK to France’s capital – taking place at the former stock exchange, Palais Brongniart, in the heart of the city. A night to remember, over 360 guests representing businesses from across the Group were in attendance for any evening of celebration.

One of the ten categories is the ACT Award, which recognises incredible individuals and teams across Ardonagh who give back to causes and communities close to their hearts – and centres on honouring those who have quietly and humbly taken action to make a difference to the people and world around them.

The award remembers Andy Coles, former Managing Director of Lutine and Employee Representative to the ACT board. As a strong advocate of ACT and charitable endeavours, including the Ride4Life charity cycle event, Andy was committed to giving back and supporting causes in need and this award recognises that philanthropic spirit in others. In this spirit, the ACT Award goes to people who never give up giving back and inspire others to follow their lead with generosity and humility – just like Andy.

This special award is judged by our ACT Trustees and 2025 proved another tough decision, with the trustees deliberating to select a winner from the shortlist of five amazing finalists.

And the ACT Award winner is… Catherine Cranley

Catherine Cranley, centre, with Ardonagh Chief of Staff and ACT Trustee Kelly-Ann Knight (left) and MDS Group Senior Advisory and Employee Representative to the ACT board Paula Rios (right)

On the night, announced by Senior Advisor at MDS Group and Employee Representative to the ACT board, Paula Rios, we revealed the ACT Award winner as Catherine Cranley.

Having journeyed to Paris from Ireland, Catherine is a much-loved member of the Arachas team, based in the Tipperary office.

Catherine receiving her award from Paula

Since joining Arachas in 2021, Catherine has fostered a motivating and inclusive environment, celebrating team milestones and encouraging a strong team spirit.

Outside of work, Catherine is deeply involved in her local community in Cappawhite, Co. Tipperary. She mentors multiple teams with Cappawhite Ladies Football and participates in the Gaelic for Mothers and Others team. She also serves on the Cappawhite Community Council and engages in various charitable initiatives. In 2024, Catherine played a pivotal role in securing over €25,000 in funding for the Dillon Quirke Foundation, a charity dedicated to raising awareness about Sudden Adult Death Syndrome (SADS) and providing cardiac screenings for young athletes.

To honour Catherine’s efforts, ACT has made a £1,000 donation to the Dillon Quirke Foundation – funding life saving cardiac screening across Ireland.

Being selected from 1,527 nominations as one of the 46 finalists for the 2025 Spotlight Awards was an honour and to be announced as the winner of the ACT category on the night was unbelievable. I am so grateful to my Arachas colleagues who nominated and supported me. Winning this award is an acknowledgment that I have made an impact in the community. I was delighted to be able to help the Dillon Quirke Foundation secure over €25,000 in funding for a charity dedicated to raising awareness about Sudden Adult Death Syndrome (SADS) and providing cardiac screenings for young athletes. I know already the Dillon Quirke Foundation has saved lives and will continue to do so. I am absolutely delighted for the foundation too. Nobody should have to lose a son, a sibling or teammate the way the Quirke family and Tipperary lost Dillon. Dillon’s legacy is not only alive it is changing lives and making an impact. More lives can be saved. I will remember this special achievement forever.
Catherine Cranley, Arachas - ACT Award winner 2025
Being part of the ACT Board has certainly been one of the highlights of my already long career. ACT channels the heart and generosity of Ardonagh and its people, I find it immensely rewarding to be involved in its initiatives. So, it was a true honour to present the 2025 ACT Award to someone like Catherine, who truly embodies what we work for every day through the trust. This is something far beyond professional recognition – it’s a recognition of kindness, humanity and giving back to others. And what a night it was! Spotlight in every sense of the word. Unforgettable.
Paula Rios, MDS Group Senior Advisor and Employee Representative to the ACT board

Applause to all our finalists

Alongside Catherine, we celebrate all of our finalists – who more than provide worthy of reaching the shortlist. In recognition, ACT has made a £1,000 donation to cause of chose by each finalist.

Katie Guiller
GI, Everywhen

Katie was nominated for her unwavering dedication to supporting vulnerable young people – using her own transformative through boxing to mentor and uplift at-risk youth. At a time when women in boxing faced significant stigma, Katie defied expectations, became a national champion, and represented her country. She now channels that same determination into her work as a coach with England Women’s Boxing and as a mentor at her local gym, showing others—regardless of gender—that no obstacle is insurmountable.

Katie’s finalist donation has gone to Kingston Amateur Boxing Club.

Paul Eccles
PSC Insurance, Envest Group, APAC

Paul was recognised for his exceptional efforts in aid of Menslink—a Canberra-based organisation that provides free mentoring, counselling, and educational support to young men in need. His own involvement spans across 650–700 volunteer hours and includes over $200,000 personally raised.

Specialty Charity Committee
Ardonagh Specialty

The Specialty Charitable (CSR) Committee is a dynamic team of around 15 volunteers from across the business who delivered an extraordinary year of impact – ranging from fundraising for mental health causes, to volunteering at homelessness charities and even a marathon Thame Path walking challenge.

The team chose CALM and Alzheimer’s Society for the their finalist donation.

Sharon Simeon
PSC Insurance, Envest Group, APAC

Sharon is a devoted volunteer for Night Ninjas, a Brisbane-based charity supporting people experiencing homelessness and hardship. Sharon’s compassion shines through in every aspect of her work. She ensures that those who Night Ninjas serve—many of whom are survivors of domestic violence—are treated with respect and dignity.

HWF Partners London office
Ardonagh Specialty

The HWF London Team was nominated for their outstanding efforts in aid of mental health charity, CALM, raising over £20,000 in support of positive wellbeing. The team at HWF hosted a range of events over 2024 – reflecting the office’s collective determination to make a positive difference.

Many congratulations to all our 2025 finalists once again!