THE proprietor of Ballygarry House Hotel and Spa in Tralee, Pádraig McGillicuddy, was the winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2019 Connect Kerry Hospitality Awards last night in the INEC Killarney.

He was one of 30 recipients at the gala event which celebrated all those who have contributed to the hospitality industry in Kerry over the past year.

The former President of Tralee Chamber Alliance and Chairman of Holiday Tralee, Pádraig McGillicuddy runs a hotel that has been an integral part of the Kerry community for over sixty years.

The event organiser and publisher of Connect Kerry Magazine, Margaret Kissane, said: “Kerry’s hospitality industry is admired throughout the country and internationally and it needs to have its own special event to showcase and acknowledge the high standards of product and service provided in this sector. It was a joy to be in the company of so many dedicated people who each play a part in the success of Kerry as a world leader in the tourism sector.”

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Many of the winners were chosen through a public vote and such was the enormity of the response, the Connect Kerry Hospitality Awards are a true reflection of how much the nominees are regarded by the public they serve from Dingle to Killarney, from Tralee to Valentia and from Listowel to Killorglin.

“The Connect Kerry Hospitality Awards could not happen without the support of the generous sponsors, the Judges and support team, to whom I’m most grateful,” said Margaret Kissane.

Well known broadcaster and media consultant, John Drummey, was the MC for the event. The following are the categories and winners on the night…

PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS

• Bartender of the Year in association with Dingle Gin – Neil O’Shea, The Greyhound Bar Tralee

• Restaurant Server of the Year in association with Tralee Chamber Alliance – Susan Farrelly, West End Bar and Restaurant Fenit

• Receptionist of the Year in association with EF Signs – Elaine Young Ballygarry House Hotel

• Marketing Executive in association with Exposé Design – Sean McDermott, The Brehon Hotel

• Concierge / Porter of the Year – Maksim Juric, Muckross Park Hotel

• Chef of the Year in association with Rural Food Skillnet – Pat Moynihan, Kirby’s Brogue Inn, Tralee

• Accommodation Department in association with Connect Kerry Business Club – Andella Hayden, Hotel Killarney

• Hotel Manager of the Year in association with South Kerry Skillnet – Ruth O’Sullivan, The Ashe and Manor West Hotel Group, Tralee

• Wedding Manager of the Year in association with Music Venue Connect – Thys Vogls, Ballygarry House Hotel

• Restaurant Manager of the Year in association with Chef Collab – Aidan Teahan, Kirby’s Brogue Inn, Tralee

• Best Café, in association with The Café at Ballyseedy – Bean in Dingle

• Best Seafood Experience in association with Taste Kerry – The Moorings Bar and Restaurant, Portmagee

• Best Bar Food Experience in association with Sean Kissane Meats – The Oaks Hotel Killarney

• Best Fine Dining Experience In association with IT Tralee – Lord Kenmare’s Restaurant, Killarney

• Best Casual Dining in association with Kerry College of Further Education – Dott’s Bar, The Rose Hotel

• Publican of the Year in association with John Drummey Communications – Ollie Favier, The Shire Bar, Killarney

• Bar of the Year in association with Kirby’s Brogue Inn – Scotts Bar, Killarney

• Hotel of the Year in association with Kerry Airport – Ballygarry House Hotel, Tralee

• Restaurant of the Year in association with Terra Food and Wines Tralee – Cassidy’s Restaurant Tralee

• Best Family Entertainment Venue in association with Video DJ Kerry – Sandy Feet Farm Camp

• Best Hotel Spa in association with HQ Kerry – The Asanga Spa at The Brehon Hotel

• Best Wedding Venue in association with John Walsh Wedding Photography – Ballyseede Castle

• Best Caravan-Camping Provider in association with Kerry Motor Works – Green Acres Castlegregory

• Best Newcomer in association with the Gleneagle Group – Kitty O’Shea’s Killarney

• Best Tour Operator in association with Kerry Executive Travel – Dingle Slea Head Tours

HONORARY AWARDS

• The Connect Kerry Overall Customer Service Award – Catherine Moriarty Cassidy’s Tralee

• The Connect Kerry Luxury Hotel Experience – Muckross Park Hotel Killarney

• The Connect Kerry Social Media Award- Sol Y Sombra Killorglin

• The Connect Kerry Team of the Year – Listowel Arms Hotel

• The Connect Kerry Years of Service to Chosen Industry – Esther McCarthy, Ballyseede Castle

• The Connect Kerry Best Tourist Bar of the Year – Sean Óg’s Bar, Tralee

• The Connect Kerry Best Live Music Venue – JM Reidy’s

• The Connect Kerry One to Watch – The Fish Box Dingle

• The Connect Kerry Specialist in their Chosen Industry – O’Callaghan Coach Holidays

• The Connect Kerry Family Business of the Year – The Oyster Tavern

• The Connect Kerry Best Gastro Pub – McMunns, Ballybunion

• The Connect Kerry Readers’ Choice Award – Kathleen Nelligan, Lord Kenmare’s

• The Connect Kerry Best Family Dining Experience – Yummy Café, Tralee

• The Connect Kerry Best Home Cooking Experience – The Little Cheese Shop, Tralee

• The Connect Kerry Sunday Lunch Experience – Gally’s Bar and Restaurant Tralee

• The Connect Kerry Rising Star – Daniel MacMonagle, Scotts Bar, Killarney

• The Connect Kerry Best Hotel Bar – Alfie’s Bar at The Ashe Hotel

• The Connect Kerry Best Boutique Hotel Experience – Killarney Royal Hotel

• The Connect Kerry Unsung Hero Within The Industry – Odhran Lucey, The Rose Hotel

• The Connect Kerry People’s Choice Award – Roisin O’Sullivan Café du Parc

• The Connect Kerry Best Cocktail Experience – Dale Kelly, Killarney Grand Hotel

• The Connect Kerry Best Guesthouse – Teach De Broc, Ballybunion

• The Connect Kerry Editor’s Choice Award – Mark Sullivan, The Rose Hotel

• The Connect Kerry Lifetime Achievement Award – Padraig McGillicuddy, Ballygarry House Hotel. SCROLL DOWN FOR PHOTOS FROM THE NIGHT….

For more photos of the style on the night CLICK HERE