Chantalle Wymbs, Chef de Partie at Harvey’s Point, Donegal, has been named the Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) National Employee of the Year at the IHF’s Annual Conference in Killarney.
Now in its ninth year, the award celebrates and recognises hotel team members who have made an outstanding contribution to their workplace.
Presenting Ms Wymbs with her award, Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke said: “Hearty congratulations Chantalle on this national recognition of your outstanding contribution to the superb offering at Harvey’s Point. People represent the authentic and human face of the sector, and the impact of your work ethic, leadership and talent, and that of your fellow awardees, is rightly being celebrated here tonight. You are a champion of quality, taking pride in your craft, and an inspiration to your peers, well done on your award.”
Congratulating Ms Wymbs and the other 11 nominees shortlisted for the award, IHF President Michael Magner paid tribute to the high calibre of people working within our sector: “I am delighted to present Chantalle with the IHF National Employee of the Year award. Her warmth, creative approach and passion for elevating the customer’s experience is truly admirable. Across the country, hotel and guesthouse teams go above and beyond to create memorable experiences for guests showcasing the best of what makes Irish hospitality so great.”
IHF Donegal Chair, Aisling Arnold said: “On behalf of all our members in Donegal, I would like to congratulate Chantalle on winning this amazing award. Chantalle is a fantastic ambassador for our hotels sector. Her innovation, dedication and leadership inspire her team and consistently elevate the guest experience. She is a testament to the thousands of hard-working hotel team members throughout the country who deliver genuine hospitality and customer care every day. Well done Chantalle.”
Mr Magner also highlighted the regional Branch winners: “A special word of congratulations to our 11 Branch winners who we are also celebrating as finalists here tonight. IHF Members nominated over 170 team members for this year’s awards. The standard was remarkable, and the passion and enthusiasm of our finalists is what set them apart to make it to this stage – we are so grateful that they have chosen to bring their unique talents in the hotel sector.”
He also took the opportunity to acknowledge the over 69,000 people working throughout Ireland’s hotel sector nationwide and emphasised the diverse range of career opportunities showcased in this year’s list of nominees and local Branch winners: “At the core of every hotel and guesthouse are its people and fostering their growth is key to our industry’s continued success. The IHF is committed to supporting individuals on this journey through initiatives such as our Quality Employer Programme, because empowered and supported people are, as we all know, the defining characteristic of any successful hotel.”
“There has never been a better time to start a career in tourism. It’s a dynamic profession offering excellent career prospects, swift promotional opportunities and a uniquely varied working life, enriched by collaboration with outstanding colleagues. Speaking to our Branch winners to understand their backgrounds has been truly inspiring. The Employee of the Year Award allows us to show our appreciation for the incredible people who bring world class Irish hospitality to life every single day.”
National winner Chantalle didn’t always plan to work in hospitality, initially pursuing an art and design degree before deciding to utilise her creativity in the kitchen instead – leading her to complete a culinary course in Killybegs. Now a valued member of the team in Harvey’s Point for four years, Chantalle is a Chef de Partie and serves as the hotel’s allergen champion. Chantalle is highly motivated and demonstrated both initiative and ambition by asking award-winning chefs if she could stage in their restaurants to further develop her cookery skill. When she is not working, she loves to cook for her family, in particular her granny and her young son.
The full shortlist of nominees for the national award were:
- Catherne Phelan, Accommodation Assistant at Ballyfin Demesne
- Sinead Gormley, Weddings & Sales Executive at Kilronan Castle Estate & Spa
- Giulia Rondini, F&B Supervisor at Dooley’s Hotel
- Beatrix Szoregi, Spa Therapist at Knockranny House Hotel
- Chantalle Wymbs, Chef de Partie at Harvey’s Point
- Danielle McDonald, Shift Leader at the Woodenbridge Hotel
- Stefan de Souza, Trainee Manager at the South Court Hotel
- Brian Doherty, Guest Relations Supervisor at the Great Southern Killarney
- Louise Lynch, F&B Server at Cabra Castle.
- Chantelle Moran, F&B Assistant at the Maldron Hotel Sandy Road
- Caitlin Cotter, F&B Supervisor at the Maldron Hotel Shandon
- Hayleigh Joyce, Junior Chef de Partie at Clontarf Castle
The IHF were delighted to welcome back reigning IHF National Employee of the Year 2025, Ciara Faherty from the Westport Hotel Group, who joined the proceedings as a special guest of honour.
