Folks,
We’re delighted to let you know that Aodhan Cullen (founder and CEO of StatCounter) has been chosen as this year’s Internet Hero at the eircom Golden Spider Awards! The award, sponsored by Business and Finance, was created to recognize an individual who has made a significant contribution to the development of the internet.
Aodhan was honored to receive the award from last year’s Internet Hero, Dr. Denis Jennings.
Here’s a transcript of the speech given by Aodhan last night as he accepted the award in the Burlington Hotel in Dublin…
- Once upon a time, there was a little boy who lived in Castleknock [residential area in Dublin, Ireland]. Although small for his age and quite shy, this young chap was also very determined… he wanted to earn some extra pocket money [allowance] and he wanted to earn it NOW!
- The judges for choosing me.
- All the team at eircom and Business & Finance for organizing tonight’s event.
- All my family & parents – who still to this day, get calls asking about CV [résumé] typing!
- And of course my wife Jenni who is thrilled to be Mrs Internet Hero 2008!
- Thanks also to my colleagues on the StatCounter Team and all the StatCounter members worldwide – without their loyalty & support I wouldn’t be here tonight.
So, despite being just 10 years of age, he put an ad in the Golden Pages [telephone and business directory] for typing services… “£2 / page & a free copy with that!”
Although he counted doctors, professors & other highly qualified people among his clients, I can assure you that 10 year old had absolutely no idea that 15 years later he would be standing here tonight before his peers to accept such a prestigious award.
“Business Link” that first typing business is no more but these days I work on StatCounter – a free online visitor stats tool that helps 2 million website owners and bloggers worldwide understand and optimise their websites. If you haven’t yet got a StatCounter on your website, then you need to get one! Look us up tomorrow!
I am thrilled & humbled to be the recipient of this year’s Internet Hero Award. Tonight I’m being presented with some big shoes & I hope I can fill them.
I’d like to thank a few people:
Finally, I want to thank all of you sitting here tonight, my friends & peers in the internet industry – many of you have offered advice & support to me over the last 15 years, in some cases just via email or message boards so that we have never actually met in person. To one and all – thank you!
And I look forward to trying to live up to my new title in the next 12 months.
Goodnight and God bless!
We, the StatCounter Team, don’t think Aodhan will have any trouble living up to the new title… look how well the suit fits?! 😉
You totally deserve it. This is one of the best features on the Internet for website owners.
Aodhan, I use statcounter every day to see what my sites/visitores are doing. You certainly deserve this award and more. Thank very much for all you have done. A LOT of work I’m sure.
Congratulations on your award! Thank You for sharing your wonderful talent, it has been a Blessing to me…keep the good work
Very many congratulations. I really love StatCounter. It’s one of the greatest tools on the net, and I drop your code all over my website designs.
Thanks for helping me to do my job, and much success in your future endeavours.
Congratulations from London, thanks again for providing StatCounter.
Congratulations on your award! Thank You for sharing your wonderful talent, it has been a Blessing to me…stay True to your dream…
Sliocht sleachta ar shliocht bhur sleachta!
(please don’t repond in Gaellic, I googled it LOL)
Congratulations from Sri Lanka !!
hi…greetings from malaysia…a chinese blogger here.
i am using ur statcounter…awesome!
Aodhan.., Congrats dear.. and stat counter is really wonderful 🙂
When I show of the existence of StatCounter, I did not think he was going to be a tool of the day. Thanks for the service – you deserve my personal thanks. Usefull.
I like counter with pictures. Thats more individual!
Hey congratulations from Dominican Republic… Mister Cullen….i think ur name is very diferent…Aodhan .. wow…
Apropos of nothing, that guy is seriously hot.
Well Done. Congrats !!
I came across a young and budding start-up service. A guy named Aodhan Cullen was offering a totally free service that had serious potential to help website managers/owners. I registered with his service, used it without regreat and told many of it’s benefit.
Personally I like it when an idea becomes a small business and then grows to become a benchmark for the industry. Well done and keep on bringing your ideas to the world Aodhan!
A HUGE CONGRATULATIONS to you Aodhan – you certainly deserve it and thanks again for providing StatCounter – it such a fantastic tool!
Cheers
Cyn
From a very well satisfied customer:- CONGRATULATIONS
You have become an integral part of our charity. Your resources have helped us gain recognition, understand our business and raise money.
That you have accomplished so very much at a young age is wonderful. It also is a testament to the wonderful world we live in. That a young chap with a bit of initiative and hunger can accomplish so much illustrates the opportunity that is out there.
I hope that my young son, may one day meet you in person. And perhaps follow in your footsteps to success.
Well done Aodhan, Congrats…
Thanks
Sahil