County Roscommon firm named ‘Manufacturing Company of the Year’ at Start-Up Awards
Husband and wife team Leah Fletcher and James DeMello, receiving the gold trophy at the National Startup Awards 2025 with sponsor Elaine Mahon from Cronin and Co, Dublin.Pic: Paul Sharp/SHARPPIX
A County Roscommon based pharmaceutical manufacturer has been named Manufacturing Company of the Year.
Dunbar Pharma based in Monksland received the accolade at this year’s Irish Start-Up Awards, backed by Enterprise Ireland and supported by a range of partners including Microsoft, Microfinance Ireland, McCann FitzGerald, Dublin City Council and Cronin & Co.
The awards shine a light on early-stage Irish companies with strong innovation, export potential and the capacity to scale.
Dunbar Pharma, headquartered in Monksland, develops and manufactures plant-derived cannabinoid pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) for use in medicines.
Founded just a few years ago, the company has quickly grown into a high-tech employer in the region, with a GMP- certified manufacturing facility and a growing export footprint.
Chief executive and co-founder Leah Fletcher, an Athlone native, said the award was a proud moment for the entire team and for the area. “This recognition really belongs to our amazing team in Monksland,” she said.
“Manufacturing at this level is hard, detailed work – it’s early mornings, late nights, and an obsession with detail and quality. To see that effort recognised on a national stage is incredibly special for all of us.”
The Irish Start-Up Awards celebrate young Irish companies that are innovating, creating jobs and building export-led businesses. The Manufacturing Company of the Year category recognises start-ups that have demonstrated excellence in production, quality systems and the ability to scale advanced manufacturing.
