Nathan Sweeney, Front Office Supervisor at Hayfield Manor has been announced as the 2024/2025 Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) Cork Branch ‘Employee of the Year’.
The announcement was made at an awards ceremony at the Cork International Hotel, where guests gathered to celebrate and recognise 20 nominees from hotels and guesthouses across Cork who have made an outstanding contribution to their workplace.
Speaking at the event, IHF Cork Branch Chair, Ciaran Fitzgerald said: “The IHF Employee of the Year Awards is a very special day in our calendar, where we celebrate and recognise the incredible people we have in our industry in Cork. Twenty nominees and representatives from close to seventy hotels attended a full awards ceremony at the wonderful Cork International Hotel where five overall winners were announced including one overall winner who will go on to represent Cork at the National Awards. A huge congratulations to all the nominees and to everyone who played their part in a fantastic event.”
At the event, IHF President, Michael Magner congratulated all nominees and spoke about the exceptional people within the sector whose contribution to tourism and hospitality is key to its success as Ireland’s largest indigenous employer, supporting over 270,000 livelihoods – including over 27,000 jobs throughout Cork.
Mr Sweeney started in Hayfield Manor as a day porter in the summer of 2022, before then moving to the restaurant and finally settling in reception to work his way up the ranks to Front Officer Supervisor.
Speaking about the awards ceremony, Caroline Reidy, Managing Director of The HR Suite and judge for the awards said: “After interviewing 20 talented individuals from Cork’s vibrant hotel industry, it’s clear that the future of hospitality is in great hands. Each nominee showcased exceptional dedication and passion, and we couldn’t be more excited to celebrate their achievements. Cork truly shines as a hub of talent, and we’re proud to recognize the rising stars who are shaping the industry’s tomorrow.”
Other presentations on the day included:
- Environmental Impact Champion: Maja Pulczynska, Accommodation Supervisor, Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa
- People and Culture Award: Mill Burke, Chef, The Metropole Hotel Cork
- Rising Star Award: Albert Roso Cazamajo, F&B Supervisor, The Montenotte Hotel
- Game-Changer Award: Diego Flores Pino, Business Analyst, Hotel Isaac
