Pictures: Domnick Walsh
A woman praised for her ability to bring out the best in her fellow employees and for her caring approach to her work has scooped the Employee of the Year award from the Kerry branch of the Irish Hotels’ Federation.
Maria Maye of the Killarney Avenue Hotel was honoured at a reception in the Rose Hotel, Tralee where 60 guests were introduced to the 15 finalists who had been nominated by their employers.
Maria has worked in the Killarney Avenue for three different periods of time over the last three decades.
Working as part the restaurant team, the award adjudicators said she is the epitome of warm and genuine hospitality and goes above and beyond to ensure that all guests experience the best that the Killarney Avenue hotel has to offer.
Congratulating Maria on their award, Geraldine Rosney of the Kerry branch, said the judges highlighted her and caring approach with a great sense of humour.
“Maria brings out the best in colleagues and guests alike,” she said.
Kerry IHF branch chairperson, Bernadette Randles, 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.
George White, Parknasilla Resort, was selected for a lifetime contribution to the industry award to mark almost 50 years of service.
The judging panel comprised of Michael Vaughan, Vaughan Lodge Hotel and IHF Past President, Mary Rose Stafford, MTU Tralee and Geraldine Rosney, formerly of Killeen House Hotel and Rozzers Restaurant.
Maria Maye now goes on to represent Kerry at the upcoming national IHF Employee of the Year Awards which will be held during the IHF’s annual conference in February 2024.
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