Contact: Andrew McLindon
Wilson Hartnell Public Relations
+353-1-669 00 30

Contact: Irene O'Gorman
Deloitte
Marketing manager
+353 1 4178566

Hailed as "the Oscars of the internet industry", the winners of the 2005 eircom net Golden Spiders were announced at the Gala awards dinner attended by over 650 guests at Dublin’s Burlington Hotel, which was hosted by comedian Sean Moncrieff. The eircom net Golden Spiders are Ireland’s leading showcase for excellence in online business and the people running them, in Ireland.  Deloitte picked up the best ‘E-Consultancy Award’ which is given to the company that demonstrates its ability to assist in providing E-business solutions to clients though its website. 

Commenting on Deloitte’s award, Paraic Hegarty, partner at Deloitte said: “We are delighted to be honoured with such an award, which is a real recognition from the industry for the quality of the Deloitte website in delivering dynamic advice and information to our clients.”

Online advertising agency Ican.ie scooped the “Grand Prix Award” and “Best Online Marketing Award”, while Michael Dwyer, founder of Pigsback.com received “The Internet Hero Award” for his outstanding contribution to the industry. 

ArgusCarHire.com picked up 2 awards; “Best Travel & Tourism Website Award” and “Best E-Commerce Website Award”.  Other winners included; Cancer.ie for “Best Healthcare Website Award”;  Revenue.ie won best national “Public Sector Website Award”; while RTE scooped two awards “Best News & Media Website Award” and “Best Mobile Content Award” for their GAA coverage. 

A record 620 entries were received throughout Ireland for the 25 different categories reflecting the significance of web based business strategies in Ireland.  Established in 1997, the eircom net Golden Spiders were judged by a prestigious panel* comprising leaders from industry, commerce, media and academia, chaired by Fintan Lawler, Director of eircom net.  The Panel evaluated websites based on different criteria including: content, structure and navigation, visual design, functionality, interactivity, and overall experience.

Several new award categories were introduced this year, including “Best Personal Website Award”, “Best Mobile Content Award”, “Best Online Betting Award”, Internet Hero Award” and “Web Innovation Award”.

While the eircom Net Golden Spiders have a strong business slant, the awards also encourage the importance of the community aspects of the Internet in Ireland.  Roscrea.ie won the “Best Community/Charity Website Award”. 

Commenting about the winners of the 2005 Golden Spiders, Fintan Lawler, Director of eircom net said “We are delighted to be associated with the Golden Spiders.  The response from nominees this year reflects the importance that the Golden Spiders have as a benchmark for distinction and excellence in web based business strategies.  The standard of entries this year has been exceptional and is indicative of the highly progressive and competitive business environment.  It is important to note that the ongoing rollout and increased availability of broadband throughout Ireland has been a key driver of this competitive environment.  This year’s record number of entries clearly illustrates how committed Ireland is to driving new levels of excellence in web technology and sustaining Ireland’s economic success”. 
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