Maud Dowd has been announced as the 2024 Irish Hotels Federation Kerry Branch ‘Employee of the Year’ at a lunch in The Plaza Hotel, Killarney. Over 65 guests attended the event to celebrate and recognise the 17 nominees from hotels and guesthouses across Kerry who have made an outstanding contribution to their workplace.

Congratulating Maud on her award, Mary Rose Stafford from the interview panel said the judges highlighted Maud’s wonderful attitude, helpful manner and her dedication to her role as a receptionist when selecting her as the winner.

Maud lives in Castlegregory with her husband Mike and their 3 children Sinead, Gráinne and Séan. She has worked in the hotel industry for a number of years and has worked previously in Parknasilla Hotel, Manor West Hotel and has worked in The Rose Hotel for the past 12 years when it was formerly Carlton/Fels Point Hotel.

At the event, IHF Kerry Branch Chairperson, Brian Lawlor, spoke about the importance of recognising excellence and ‘Shaping Brighter Futures’ for people in the sector by supporting future leaders and keeping teams motivated with opportunities for career progression and development.

There were two special awards for both John Fitzgerald, Great Southern Killarney and Esther McCarthy, Ballyseede Castle Hotel who were selected for a ‘Lifetime Contribution to the Industry’ award by the IHF with over 50 years of service each.

IHF Kerry Branch extends its gratitude to the expert judging panel led by Mary Rose Stafford (MTU Tralee), Geraldine Rosney (formerly of Killeen House Hotel and Rozzers Restaurant) and Terence Mulcahy (formerly of the International Hotel Killarney), who has responsibility for selecting the winner from the nominees.

The members of the IHF Kerry Branch wish Maud the very best of luck as she goes on to represent them at the upcoming National IHF Employee of the Year Awards, which will be held during the IHF's Annual Conference at the Gleneagle Hotel & INEC in February 2025.