The Institute of the Irish Motor Industry (Leinster Members Association) held its annual awards night, last Thursday Night at the Louis Fitzgerald Hotel in Dublin.
The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) is the professional association for individuals working in the motor industry globally represented by approximately 50 centres globally.
The Institute is the Sector Skills Council for the automotive retail industry in the UK and the governing body for the Automotive Technician Accreditation (ATA) scheme.
“We’re here to support individuals in the retail motor industry. IMI membership illustrates to the public and potential employers that you are dedicated to your job, customers and the industry,” David O’Neill of the Leinster Members Association.
He added: “Membership of your professional association as an industry employee has never been more important.
Each year the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) hold an annual award night organised by the Leinster Members Association. The adjudicating panel are made of a balance of senior IMI members and those in Industry in key positions within their companies, the standard this year was exceptionally high which made it all the more difficult for the panel to decide.
This year many students from Colleges such as DIT Bolton Street, Kylemore college Ballyfermot, Cavan IT, Dundalk IT and Plunkett College Whitehall where awarded.
The life time achievement award went to Richard Warbrick Managing Director of Goodyear Dunlop retired.
The IMI Prestige Award for overall winner went to Michael O’Connor who also received the Stanley Dawes Award sponsored by Toyota Ireland.
The John Guirke award was received by Graham Sweeney and the Dominick Tuite award was received by Kevin O’Sullivan.
James Boland, owner of Boland’s Garage Clondalkin, received the John Weatherall Award. He also received a very special award from Rolls Royce of the designer’s sketch of a Rolls Royce special edition of which only 34 will be made for his association with the brand for many years and his knowledge in restoration and repair of the brand. James is the President of the Rolls Royce Enthusiast Club of Ireland.
Norbar Torque tools UK suppliers to Rolls Royce also made a presentation of an Norbar uniquely inscribed with James’s name.
Kevin O’Sullivan was presented by Jeremy Tucker, Norbar torque tools, UK & Ireland Business Manager, with the coveted Norbar Perpetual Award.
Eamon Duffy of Autoglass received the IMI Glass Technician of the year Award.
Steve Nash, CEO IMI; Ann Warbrick and Richard Warbrick, pictured at the Lifetime Achievement Award to Richard
Steve Nash, CEO IMI, presenting the overall award to Michael O’Connor