MS Maire Ni Thuathail, the founder of the independent television production company, Eo Teiliffs, has won this year's Irish Permanent/BPW Young Businesswoman Award.

Based at Spiddal, Co Galway, Eo Teilifis employs 100 people. Its most recent productions include Mire Mara, Healeni cois Cuain, Cinnuint de Gallai and Ros na Run.

The first series of Afire Mara is now licensed in 19 languages and has been distributed in South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Iceland and throughout Europe. Before setting up Eo Teilifis in 1989 Ms Ni Thuathail worked as a senior education executive at Bord na Gaeilge.

The award has been presented by Irish Permanent for the past five years. The competition is open to all women aged under 40 who are self employed or in a joint venture business.