PHOTOS: Style From The Connect Kerry Hospitality Awards

OVER 270 guests enjoyed a fantastic night of fine food and entertainment at the 2023 Connect Kerry Hospitality Awards last night in the Ballyroe Heights Hotel.

The awards celebrate all those who have contributed to the hospitality industry in Kerry over the past year.

The nominees came from all over the county for the awards and the judges Aidan O’Mahony, Michelle Rosney, Mary Gallagher and Mark Murphy certainly had their work cut out for them in choosing winners from the plethora of categories.

The awards returned after a break of four years and everyone was excited to get the show going and a great night was had by all.

Continued below…

Many in the industry were recognised for their contribution to the hospitality sector with Josie O’Callaghan of the Listowel Arms receiving the Lifetime achievement award, TJ O’Connor at the Culinary Department at MTU was honoured with the Hall of Fame award and there were many others.

Margaret Kissane, CEO Connect Kerry and organiser of the event said, “it was a wonderful night for everyone and we were delighted to welcome them back after the break and get the opportunity to recognise all that is good in hospitality in our county.

“These awards are very important to give people a special recognition for all they do each day in their chosen field, and it’s great to see people taking some time out to have fun. We are thankful to all who supported us and gave us the opportunity to deliver these awards on a continuous basis.”

Well known broadcaster and media consultant, John Drummey was the MC for the event and the following are the categories and winners on the night… (scroll down for photos)…

• Connect Kerry Bartender of the year – MARGO PETERS MEADOWLANDS HOTEL

• Connect Kerry Restaurant server of the year – PHILOMENA LEE GLENEAGLE HOTEL

• Connect Kerry Receptionist of the year – HONOR ENRIGHT MANOR WEST HOTEL

• Connect Kerry Accommodation Department Person of the year – RENATA LATA BALLYSEEDE CASTLE

• Connect Kerry Concierge/Porter of the year – BRENDAN HARTNETT AGHADOE HEIGHTS HOTEL

• The Connect Kerry overall Customer service award – CARMEL MCKENNA LISTOWEL ARMS

• The Connect Kerry Chef of the year in association with Dingle Cookery School – LAURA BURKE ASHE HOTEL TRALEE

• The Connect Kerry Luxury Hotel of the year – MUCKROSS PARK HOTEL KILLARNEY

• Connect Kerry Best Bar Food Experience in Association with Sean Kissane Meats – THE MOORINGS PORTMAGEE

• The Connect Kerry Tourist bar of the year – JM REIDYS KILLARNEY

• Connect Kerry Best Coach/ Tour Operator in association with Kerry Executive Travel. – O SHEAS BUS TOURS

• The connect Kerry Live Music Venue of the year – JD’S BALLYBUNION

• Connect Kerry Restaurant Manager of the year in association with Kellihers Toyota – AINE LYNCH THE OYSTER TAVERN

• The Connect Kerry One to Watch – ANNES COFFEE BAR CAMP

• Connect Kerry Best Community Festival – in association with Grassroots Music – TRALEE FOOD FESTIVAL

• The Connect Kerry Team of the year MEADOWLANDS HOTEL

• Connect Kerry Best Tourist/ Visitor Attraction in Association with Tralee Bay Wetlands and Ecology Centre. – CRAG CAVES CASTLEISLAND

• The Connect Kerry Specialist in Chosen area of the industry. WILLIE AND JULIE LOONIE, THE MOORINGS PORTMAGEE

• Connect Kerry Best Fine Dining Experience – THE YEW TREE AT MUCKROSS PARK HOTEL

• The Connect Kerry Family Business of the year – MICHAEL O’CONNOR THE GREEN ROOM CASTLEGREGORY

• Connect Kerry Hotel Manager of the year in association with K+A Cleaning Services – KARENA O SULLIVAN THE GLENBEIGH HOTEL

• The Connect Kerry Gastro Pub Experience – KIRBYS BROGUE INN

• Connect Kerry Best Caravan-Camping Provider – VALENTIA CARAVAN AND CAMPING PAARK

• The Connect Kerry Best newcomer award – TRALEE BAY EXPERIENCE FENIT

• Connect Kerry Best Takeaway – MJ’S DINER AND TAKEAWAY TRALEE

• The Connect Kerry Social Media award – KENMARE BAY HOTEL

• Connect Kerry Marketing Executive In association with South Kerry Skillnet – AISLING FOLEY THE ROSE HOTEL

• The Connect Kerry years of Service to chosen area of Industry Award – EILEEN LYNCH LISTOWEL ARMS

• Connect Kerry Wedding Manager of the year in association with Expose Design – AMANDA O’CONNOR BALLYGARRY ESTATE AND SPA

• The Connect Kerry best Family Dining Experience – GALLYS BAR AND RESTAURANT TRALEE

• Connect Kerry Restaurant of the year – KITTY O SE’S KILLARNEY

• The Connect Kerry best Sunday Lunch experience – THE BRASSERIE AT BALLYGARRY ESTATE AND SPA

• Connect Kerry Best Café, In association with Lakeside Café at Tralee Bay Wetlands. – LYNCHS CAFÉ AND BAKERY LISTOWEL

• The Connect Kerry Rising Star Award – ALISON O’SULLIVAN KILLARNEY PARK HOTEL

• Connect Kerry Best Hotel Spa in association with Hairworks Hair and Beauty. – EASANNA SPA AT SHEENFALLS HOTEL

• The Connect Kerry best cocktail experience. – IGOR KRNO, MACCAFREYS AT SEAN OGS TRALEE

• Connect Kerry Best Casual Dining. In association with Connect Kerry Training and Events. – THE SMUGGLERS INN WATERVILLE

• The connect Kerry Best Hotel Bar – DOTTS BAR AT THE ROSE HOTEL

• Connect Kery Publican of the year in association with John Drummey Communications – TOM MCCARTHY CASTLEISLAND

• The Connect Kerry Unsung Hero of the industry award – OLIVER HURLEY

• Connect Kerry Bar of the year. In association with Celebration Entertainment and events. – JIMMY O BRIENS BAR KILLARNEY

• The Connect Kerry People’s Choice – PETER MURPHY AT THE ROSE HOTEL

• Connect Kerry Hotel of the year in association with Rural Food Skillnet. – KILLARNEY PARK HOTEL

• The Connect Kerry Editor’s Choice – THE TANKARD BAR AND RESTAURANT TRALEE

• Connect Kerry Best Wedding venue in association with John Walsh Wedding Photography – BALLYSEEDE CASTLE

• The Connect Kerry Lifetime Achievement Award – JOSIE O CALLAGHAN LISTOWEL ARMS HOTEL.

• HALL OF FAME AWARD TO TJ O CONNOR CULINARY DEPT MTU TRALEE

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