Andrea Burke, Food and Beverage team leader at Sligo Park Hotel, has been named the 2023/’24 Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) National Employee of the Year.
Now in its 7th year, the awards celebrate and recognise hotel team members who have made an outstanding contribution to their workplace. Denyse Campbell, President of the IHF presented Ms Burke with her award at the IHF’s Annual Conference in the Slieve Russell, Cavan.
Congratulating Ms Burke and the other 11 nominees shortlisted for the award; Ms Campbell paid tribute to the high calibre of people working within the sector.
“I am pleased to present Andrea with her award for IHF National Employee of the Year. Her remarkable dedication, tireless efforts, and unwavering focus on delivering exceptional service to guests are truly commendable. We are all indebted to the remarkable teams of hotel and guesthouse employees nationwide, whose continuous efforts elevate guests’ experiences every day. A special word of congratulations also to the 11 regional winners commended here this evening. It’s their passion and unwavering dedication that truly distinguishes our hotels as exceptional destinations, famous across the world.”
Ms Campbell also paid tribute to hospitality team members nationwide, and highlighted the wide range of careers available, showcased in this year’s shortlist.
“At the core of every thriving hotel and guesthouse are its people, and nurturing their growth and development is fundamental to sustained success. All of us at the IHF are dedicated to supporting individuals of all ages to explore opportunities within our vibrant industry. With a vast array of career paths and evolving training programs, our sector offers boundless possibilities.
“There has never been a better time to embark on a career in tourism, with an abundance of exciting prospects available for people at every stage of their career journey. The Employee of the Year award allows us to express our gratitude for the invaluable contributions made by hotel team members each day, as they deliver world-class hospitality experiences.”
Members of the Irish Hotels Federation nominated over 150 candidates who have consistently shown outstanding hospitality from their hotel/guesthouse to go forward for their regional IHF Branch award.
The full shortlist of nominees for the award were:
- Cork Chloe Twomey, Vienna Woods Hotel
- Donegal Gabriela Rodrigues, Clanree Hotel
- Dublin Leyre Veloso Cruz, Conrad Dublin
- Galway Ilaria de Filippo, The Galmont Hotel and Spa
- Kerry Maria Maye, Killarney Avenue Hotel
- Mayo Kay Bourke, The Westport Woods Hotel
- Midlands Austin Delaney, Midlands Park Hotel
- Mourne Boyne Lakes Saidhbhe Donegan, Headfort Arms Hotel
- Sligo Leitrim Roscommon Andrea Burke, Sligo Park Hotel
- South East Alice Macauley, Newpark Hotel
- Shannon Hannah Pike, Shannon Springs Hotel
- Wicklow Cyril Brennan, Tulfarris Hotel and Golf Resort
This year also saw the Rising Star Award presented to Hannah Pike, Receptionist at the Shannon Springs Hotel, Limerick.
Hannah started her hospitality career in the Shannon Springs Hotel’s Accommodation Department in 2021 before moving to the Restaurant and Bar in the summer of 2022, and then to her current role in Reception in early 2023. In each role, Hannah quickly adapted and excelled, increasing her knowledge of the hotel’s various operations and departments.
Next September, Hannah plans to apply to the Shannon College of Hotel Management. The judges commended Hannah for her professionalism, maturity and adaptability when selecting her as the Rising Star winner.
