Hundreds of people gathered to celebrate Midlands 103's Hospitality Awards in a lavish event in Mullingar this week. The celebrations at the Mullingar Park Hotel recognised those working in the hospitality sector in Laois, Offaly and Westmeath, with over 10,000 votes counted to create the shortlist.

Member of the judging panel, hotelier & Chairperson of ITIC Elaina Fitzgerald Kane, said “We can never celebrate the best of Irish hospitality enough. The midlands is blessed to have so many exceptional hospitality providers and that was very evident in the high standard of applications received”.

One of the big winners on the night was The Midlands Park Hotel, Portlaoise, which was crowned ‘Overall Hotel of the Year’, with three team members receiving individual awards – Aine McEvoy for ‘Chef of the Year’, Vanessa Langford for ‘Rising Star (Hotel)’ and Darren Whelan for ‘Rising Star (Restaurant)’.

The County Arms Hotel in Birr scooped the award for ‘Best Hotel Bar’, with notable awards for Barry Kennedy, who was awarded ‘Best Hotel Manager’ and Peter Dixon who was named ‘Staff Personality of the year’.

Wineport Lodge in Glasson were thrilled to be awarded ‘Best Hotel Restaurant’ and also took home the ‘Midlands 103 €10,000 Marketing Campaign’ prize.

The Hodson Bay Hotel in Athlone took the title of ‘Wedding Venue of the Year’ in addition to ‘Best Business Hotel’. Tullamore Court Hotel’s Michelle Kavanagh was named ‘Wedding Coordinator of the year’ and also took home the title ‘Best Sustainable Hotel Hotel’.

Other awards in the hotel categories included ‘Best Family Hotel’ which went to Athlone Springs Hotel, ‘Best Customer Service (Hotel)’ which was awarded to Talbot Hotel, Carlow, ‘Best Value Hotel’ which went to Shamrock Lodge Hotel and ‘Best Destination Hotel’ which was won by The Heritage, Killenard.

The annual event is presented by Midlands 103 in conjunction with Laois and Offaly County Councils and various commercial partners. Managing Director Will Faulkner says ”It was wonderful to see so many gathered to celebrate the dedicated people who work in the hospitality sector. It has been a tough couple of years for the industry but the awards highlights those who go above and beyond to serve their clientele. Well done to all 48 winners and thank you to everyone who nominated and voted for the winners. I must also thank the judges, as I know we gave them a very difficult task.”

For the full list of winners click here.