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You're Hired! - Bill Cullen & The Irish Apprentice

Brenda wins The Apprentice

Dublin plays host to Ireland's most exclusive and intensive job interview, when 14 of the business world's most promising candidates battle it out to become Bill Cullen's Apprentice. The self-made, rags to riches millionaire, Bill Cullen will challenge the aspiring tycoons as they compete in the toughest challenge of their lives.

Bill Cullen is a well known author of a book called 'It's a Long way from Penny Apples', and is working on a 3rd called 'Streetwise', which will impart the business knowledge he gained over the years.

Brenda Shanahan has become the first person to be hired as Bill Cullen's apprentice.

The 32-year old bridal shop owner has created ‘Apprentice' history by winning ten of the twelve tasks in the series.

Faced in the final against 26-year-old auctioneer Nicky O'Callaghan, Brenda narrowly won the last task, which saw her raise money for the Irish Youth Foundation at a black-tie gala.

"I thought I had lost it," the winning mother of one said on Ireland AM this morning but said that she wanted the job from the outset of the grueling competition.

A saving point for her in the final was fellow candidate Stuart's dedication to work for her. Although Bill questioned her team management skills noting that some of her energy had dwindled in the final task - he felt compelled to hire her because of her constant performance throughout the series.

Bill gave an emotional Nicky credit for being a great contestant and said that he had no doubt but she would be picked up by a company. She has since gone back to her job as an auctioneer where she hopes to continue building her career.

The Apprentice has been filmed in the Europa Academy.

http://www.tv3.ie/shows.php?request=theapprentice&tv3_preview=&video=2991