Dannielle McGrath, Reception Supervisor at the Talbot Hotel in Carlow has been named ‘Employee of the Year’ by the South East Branch of the Irish Hotels Federation (IHF).

The award, which was announced at a ceremony in The Tower Hotel, Waterford, celebrates and recognises hotel employees that have made an outstanding contribution to their workplace. Dannielle was named overall winner of the 2022/2023 award from a shortlist of 16 nominees from IHF member hotels and guesthouses across the south east.

Congratulating Dannielle on her award, Colm Neville, Chair of the IHF’s South East branch, said the judges had highlighted her commitment and positivity when selecting her as the winner and recognised her potential to be a future hospitality leader.

Over 240,000 people are employed by tourism business throughout the country, including 60,000 employed directly by hotels and guesthouses across a wide range of operations such as accommodation services, reception, food and beverage, leisure centre and spa facility management, sales and marketing, human resources, IT, management and finance. Mr Neville said that each team member plays an integral part of the continued success of the tourism sector, helping to ensure guests enjoy a truly memorable experience.

Dannielle started as a Receptionist at Talbot Hotel Carlow in 2021 and was quickly promoted to the Reception Supervisor role. Her team says she has the ultimate “can do attitude” and that she displays exceptional care for customers and her colleagues. She is committed to continuous self-improvement and professional growth, currently completing a Level 6 Supervisory Management Course provided by the Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board.

Photo Gallery: Award Nominees

Under the Awards scheme, each hotel and guesthouse in the country is invited to nominate one employee for their local branch award. An independent judging panel comprising representatives of local Institutes of Technology (IT), or Education and Training Boards (ETBs), as well as members from other IHF branches is responsible for reviewing the nominees and selecting the overall winner.

Visit IHF South East Branch’s website