Leo Monaghan, dealer principal in Monaghan & Sons, Galway has been awarded the prestigious 'ŠKODA Marketing Person of the Year' for 2013, beating off stiff competition from all other dealers in the Skoda network at the national conference this week.

ŠKODA's Galway dealership, based on the Tuam Road is one of the original ŠKODA dealers in Ireland and this year is celebrating 20 years in business. Monaghan, a local Galway man has been ever present throughout the 20 year history of the ŠKODA dealership.

Over the past year, Monaghans have been involved with innovative marketing and sponsorship campaigns including: The ŠKODA Eco-Drive challenge held to assist in raising vital funds for The Sunni Mae Trust for the treatment of Lily-Mae Morrison, title sponsorship of the Tour de Conamara which included hosting over 450 participants in the showroom the evening before 1,500 took part in the event, sponsorship of the Galway Bay FM mid-morning current affairs show, the Keith Finnegan Show and a very clever ŠKODA Octavia teaser campaign in advance of the launch of the new ŠKODA Octavia earlier this year.

Presenting the award, John Donegan, ŠKODA brand director said "We are thrilled to announce Leo as the 2013 ŠKODA Marketing Person of the Year. Led by Leo, Monaghans (Galway) is a consistent performer in every area of the business ensuring ŠKODA is one of the best-selling car brands in Galway. Innovative marketing ideas are absolutely key in achieving this and it is great to see these implemented successfully."

Commenting at the awards ceremony, Leo Monaghan, dealer principal, Monaghan & Sons, Galway said "I am delighted to be recognised by ŠKODA as Marketing person of the year. The standards in the ŠKODA network are very high so it is an honour to accept this award on behalf of everyone at Monaghans. This award is a testament to the hard work and effort that each member of the dealership team has put in over the past year. We are involved with some great partnerships and a lot of hard work goes in at ground level to ensure their success".