IRISH HOSPITALITY INSTITUTE HONOURED EXCELLENCE AT LAST WEEK’S ANNUAL
IHI FOUNDER’S EVENING & HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT AWARDS
03.12.2024 Clayton Hotel Burlington Road – over 575 Hospitality, Catering and Tourism professionals gathered at last week’s IHI Founder’s Evening & Hospitality Management Awards.
The IHI Hospitality Management Awards (HMAs) are a prestigious celebration of excellence within the hospitality industry. These awards provide a unique opportunity to highlight and acknowledge the outstanding contributions of individuals who demonstrate dedication, professionalism, and exceptional service in their roles. Nominated colleagues are recognized for their hard work and commitment, providing them with the opportunity to gain well-deserved industry recognition.
The HMAs focus on the individuals who make the industry thrive—acknowledging both their leadership and the impact they have on shaping high standards of service, innovation, and teamwork. It’s a powerful way to foster pride within your organisation and elevate the profile of those who go above and beyond.
Award nominations continue to grow yearly, confirming the IHI HMAs are a much sought-after accolade.
This year, the IHI received 143 nominations across 13 award categories, with a total of 67 finalists honoured on the evening.
The IHI HMA 2024 WINNERS:
IHI Graduate 2024 – Kealan Foley, Shannon College of Hotel Management
IHI Inspiring Manager 2024 – Paul Curran, Levy Ireland at Aviva Stadium
IHI Young Manager 2024 – Ellen Thompson, Carton House, Fairmont
IHI Conference & Events Manager 2024 – Orla O’Keefe, Lyrath Estate Hotel
IHI Food & Beverage Manager 2024 – Troon Jack, Levy Ireland Horse Racing Division
IHI Environmental Manager 2024 – Jason Conlon, Mespil Hotel
IHI Finance Manager 2024 – Nicola Walsh, Lyrath Estate Hotel
IHI Revenue Manager 2024 – Gary Mills, Leonardo Hotels
IHI Sales & Marketing Manager 2024- John Hartnett, Fota Island Resort & The Kingsley
IHI HR & Training Manager 2024 – Natalie Power, The Talbot Collection
IHI Executive Head Chef 2024 – Stephen Hays, Cashel Palace
IHI Deputy General Manager 2024– Fran Lawlor, Clayton Hotel Burlington Road
IHI General Manager 2024– Fergal Harte, The Kingsley
Daragh O’Neill, IHI President said, ‘Tonight, we celebrate 58 years of the IHI and 27 years of the IHI Hospitality Management Awards to recognise and acknowledge the achievements of our 67 award finalists each of whom exemplifies the professionalism, passion, energy, dedication, and excellence that continue to elevate our hospitality sector.
I want to give a special thank you to the 39 judges who dedicated their time and expertise to the judging process. Your contribution is invaluable, and this year we have had extremely close margins in many categories, but your careful deliberations have made all the difference.’
Daragh continued, ‘To all our finalists, regardless of the outcome tonight, please know that your hard work, passion, and dedication have already been recognised. You should be incredibly proud to be here this evening.’
Four esteemed IHI Members were elevated to the College of Fellows acknowledging their exceptional contributions to the IHI and the hospitality industry.’ IHI Fellowships were awarded to Aileesh Care, EPIC Museum, Denyse Campbell, Maldron Hotel Dublin Airport, Karen Healy, Meraki and Ruairi O’Connor, The River Lee.
Joan O’Shaughnessy was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award. Joan has consistently been an outstanding leader and a strong supporter of the IHI and the industry. Joan acknowledged the crucial role her family had played in supporting her throughout her journey.
Daragh closed the event by thanking all who attended the special evening and wished everyone a great night.
