Hoteliers in Kerry reflected on and celebrated another hugely successful season when they gathered for the annual IHF Kerry branch Christmas Ball in the Gleneagle Hotel on Monday night.
Pictures: Marie Carroll-O’Sullivan
Close on 300 guests were treated to a stunning night of exquisite cuisine, high quality entertainment and great company.
Guest of honour on the night was Margaret O’Donoghue who earlier in the day was inducted into the Order of Inisfallen in recognition of the remarkable contribution she and her family have made to the tourism and hospitality trade.
A video shown at the end of the banquet featured tributes to Margaret from a number of people including Mayor of Killarney, Cllr Brendan Cronin, Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce Joint Presidents Pádraig Treacy and Johnny McGuire, Tánaiste Micheál Martin, Education Minister Norma Foley and a number of entertainers who performed in the Gleneagle INEC Arena over the years including Daniel O’Connell, the Wolfe Tones, Ray Dolan and Ronan Collins.
Entertainment on the night was provided by the Pat Fitz Band, the singing waiters and Ger Healy.
On arrival guests enjoyed a drinks reception which included a gin cart, prosesco, Pinot Noir Rosé and craft beers and that was followed by a sumptuous feast, prepared by executive chef John Drummond and his team, which featured a trio of salmon and scallops with beetroot and Oscietra caviar followed by a velouté of turkey, ham and leek ravioli with pumpkin seed oil.
The main course choice was pepper roasted loin of Kerry wild venison with a venison pithivier or fillet of Castletownbere Black Sole with a prawn mousse, crab and ginger wonton and deseert was milk chocolate and cherry log with a bauble of iced limoncello cream.
Wines served on the night were an Italian Trovati Pinot Grigio, Dolomiti and Belle Coline, 2017 Cotes de Blaye de Bordeaux, Merlot, Cabernet Franc.
Final days to book Christmas advertising: Call 087-2229761 or email news@killarneytoday.com
