Munster Technological University Students Win First Place in the 40th National Business Management Game hosted by the Irish Hospitality Institute
3rd March – Six teams from Hospitality and Event Management Programmes across Ireland competed in the 40th annual game at the Clayton Hotel Dublin Airport. The intense two-day competition kicked off on Sunday, 3rd March, with teams from Atlantic Technological University, Dundalk Institute of Technology, Munster Technological Institute, Technological University Dublin, Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest and Shannon College of Hotel Management. The teams faced three challenges that tested their knowledge of real-world applications within the industry.
IHI President Daragh O’Neill said ‘This event has always been an exceptional opportunity for students in Hospitality and Event programmess from across Ireland to compete, network, and build lasting connections. The game provides a valuable learning experience, helping students enhance their management skills and foster teamwork.’
‘While the competition was undoubtedly challenging, it served as an invaluable experience that will inspire these students as they embark on their careers as young professionals.’
As part of the celebration, IHI Honorary Fellow Frank Corr entertained the audience with his rendition of Reeling in the ‘Business Game’ Years. A panel of past game participants—Catherine Toolan, Managing Director, Diageo Irish Brand Homes, Ciaran Budds, Country Manager, PlastoSac, Paul Gallagher, Chief Executive Officer, Irish Hotels Federation, Jamie Carton, Hotel Operations Manager, Clayton Hotel Burlington Road, Doiran Kavanagh, Deputy General Manager, InterContinental Dublin and former game judge Oonagh Cremins, Managing Director, The Innovate Room—shared their insights, offering both wisdom and stories from their experiences in the game.
The panel then joined other past participants and competing students for a fun quiz that tested their knowledge of Irish Tourism, Culture & Cuisine, Hospitality, Landmarks, and Legends & History. IHI Past President Brian Bowler hosted the panel and quiz.
Tina Maree, IHI National Executive Officer said ‘The IHI would like to give a heartfelt thanks our dedicated game judges: Ivan King MIHI, CEO Luttrelstown Castle, Deirdre McDonald, Consultant, The Innovate Room, Veronica Timlin, General Manager, Buswells Hotel, Phillip O’Neill, Head of Operations Ireland, Dalata Hotel Group and Anders Justenlund, the Russell Partnership for their time and commitment to the event.
The first-place cup was awarded to a team of five students from Munster Technological University: Captain Klara Vrylika, Annie Coulsen, Chido Mukambi, Ryan Dunleavey, and Julius McMahon. Congratulations to them and their lecturers, Michael Crossan and Dr. Valerie McGrath.
This event was sponsored by Fáilte Ireland, Dalata Hotel Group, the Irish Hotels Federation, The Doyle Collection, The Talbot Collection, The iNUA Collection, Windward Management Limited, Tierney’s, and Classic Drinks.
