Professor Tom Cooney
Fermoy native Professor Tom Cooney has won a major international entrepreneurship education award.
Professor Cooney, who is a Professor of Entrepreneurship at Technological University Dublin has been awarded the European Entrepreneurship Education Award (EEEA) 2026.
The award is one of Europe’s most prestigious honours in entrepreneurship education.
The award is presented annually by the Sten K. Johnson Centre for Entrepreneurship and it recognises individuals who have made a significant contribution to advancing entrepreneurship education across Europe.
It includes a diploma and a monetary prize of 100,000 SEK.
Professor Cooney is also Director of the Centre for Entrepreneurial Behaviour, Inclusion and Innovation (CEBII) at TU Dublin.
Mr Cooney who attended St Colman’s College in Ferrmoy was recognised for his leadership in entrepreneurship education, research, and policy, particularly his work on inclusive entrepreneurship and support for marginalised and underrepresented groups.
The award committee highlighted his collaborations with international organisations, including the OECD, the European Commission, and the United Nations Institute for Training and Research, as well as the impact of his work across diverse communities throughout Europe.
His teaching has also delivered significant social impact, with undergraduate students at TU Dublin raising approximately €1 million for charitable causes through course-based projects.
The award will be formally presented to Professor Cooney at the 3E Conference in Bodø, Norway, on the weekend of May 20-22.