Manguard Plus and 2022 ISJ Influencer Garry Bergin win major awards at Ireland OSPAs

A private security service provider and its Commercial Manager have further strengthened their position in the market after being recognised with awards at the second OSPA’s to be held in Ireland.

Not only was Manguard Plus once again recognised as ‘Outstanding Contract Guarding Security Company’, but its commitment to staff training and the professionalisation of the wider industry was recognised with the coveted ‘Outstanding Security Training Award’.

Moreover, Manguard’s Commercial Manager and 2022 ISJ Influencer, Garry Bergin, was honoured with the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’, following on the heels of the company’s Managing Director, Sean Hall.

The Outstanding Security Performance Awards – which returned to the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel in Dublin on 26 May 2023 – are designed to celebrate the very best from across the security sector.

In a statement published on social media, Manguard Plus thanked its ‘peers in the security industry who adjudged our performance’ and its ‘loyal, dedicated and hard working staff.’

Commenting on the event, Professor Martin Gill said: “The OSPAs event is a true celebration to acknowledge and recognise the fantastic work that is taking place across the security sector and all those that were nominated should feel very proud.”

‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ winner: Garry Bergin

Reflecting on his award win on the night, Bergin commented: “Wow. I am standing here feeling incredibly humbled and deeply honoured to accept this Lifetime Achievement Award. At 47, I didn’t think I was in the departure lounge just yet!

“To be recognised at the Outstanding Security Performance Awards is a major milestone that I accept with immense gratitude and pride considering the winners who have gone before me.

“I would like to express my sincerest thanks to the judges for deeming me worthy of this award and to the person who nominated me. I would like to thank Sean Hall and the incredible team at Manguard, who have been an integral part of my journey.

“You have enriched my experiences and enhanced my understanding, shaping me into the professional I am today.

“Mentorship has been a critical influence in my career and I owe a great deal to the mentors who took me under their wing. They shared their knowledge and insights generously, enabling me to grow, not just professionally, but personally. I aspire to emulate their commitment and dedication in my endeavour to pay it forward to the next generation of security professionals.

“And, it is to that next generation I’d like to speak directly. The field of security, whether physical or cyber, is rapidly evolving, and it requires your innovation, your passion and your commitment.

“I urge you to remember that our work safeguards people, assets and information. It’s a responsibility we bear that extends beyond us to our communities and society.

“I want to say that receiving this Lifetime Achievement Award doesn’t signify the end of a journey for me, but a waypoint – a waypoint that serves as a testament to the work we have done and a checkpoint towards the work that remains.

“Together, let us continue to strive for industry excellence, uphold our professional values and shape the future of professional security. Thank you once again for this extraordinary honour.”