Aidan Heavey Named Irish Entrepreneur of the Year

30/09/2005

30 September 2005 - Tullow Oil plc (Ticker: TLW), congratulates its Chief Executive and founding Director, Aidan Heavey, on being named Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year for Ireland.

Aidan was named as the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year at a Gala Awards Ceremony held in Dublin. He also won in the International Category, from a strong field of eight finalists. Mr Heavey was presented with his award by the Minister for Enterprise, Trade & Employment and the Chair of the Judging Panel, Denis O’Brien.

Aidan will go forward to represent Ireland at the World Entrepreneur of the Year awards in Monte Carlo in June 2006 where national winners from over 35 countries will participate.

Enda Kelly, Partner in Charge of the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Programme said Tullow Oil strongly deserves this prestigious award. “Aidan Heavey has shown determination, flair, insight and business acumen in founding Tullow Oil and turning it into the global player that it is today. His achievements in this competitive sector are significant. Like all entrepreneurs, Aidan’s strength of personality has driven a unique and creative approach to working in a traditional industry, allowing Tullow Oil to identify and seize opportunities which the more conventional companies would not always consider.”

For further information on the Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year awards access the following link:

http://www.ey.com/global/content.nsf/Ireland_EOY_E/press-releases-winner-2005