Join us for a memorable evening of delicious cuisine, exceptional wines, live music and great company at the vibrant and luxurious Croke Park Hotel. Date: Thursday, June 19th Time: 6:00 PM Cost: IHI Member – €40, Non Member – €50 Reserve your place by emailing: Cynthia.oneill@ihi.ie We look forward to seeing you!

Join us for an unforgettable evening of exquisite food, fine wines, and wonderful company — all set against the breathtaking backdrop of Killarney’s world-famous lakes. Join us at the luxurious 5-star Aghadoe Heights Hotel & Spa for a truly special experience. Date: Thursday, June 12th, 2025 Time: 6:00 PM Member Cost: €45 per person, Non-Member: €55 per person To reserve your place, please email: Cynthia.oneill@ihi.ie We look forward to welcoming you!

The IHI celebrated and expressed our heartfelt thanks to President Daragh O’Neill FIHI for his unwavering commitment and dedication over the past six years, both as a director and President at Anantara The Marker Dublin Hotel. At the dinner, National Executive Officer, Tina Maree MIHI, had the honour of announcing the recipient of the inaugural John Toner Award. Launched in March, the award offered IHI members the opportunity to apply for €2,500 in funding, which could be used for one or more professional development programmes. An education panel carefully reviewed the applications, assessing the quality of each submission and the potential impact of the proposed programme on the applicant’s career. After a thorough shortlisting process, three candidates were invited to participate in an online interview with the panel, where one candidate was ultimately selected. Michelle Campion MIHI, Sales and Marketing Manager at Select Experiences, was honoured with this prestigious award.

The IHI’s Fellows & Patrons Lunch took place this year at the elegant Glovers Alley by Andy McFadden, a Michelin-starred restaurant located on the second floor of The Fitzwilliam Hotel, Dublin in the heart of the city. Guests enjoyed an exquisite lunch, beautifully paired with a selection of outstanding wines. As always, this event provided a delightful opportunity to reconnect with our esteemed Fellows and Patrons. A sincere thank you to Fergal O’Connell, Chair of the IHI College of Fellows, and his team for hosting such a memorable gathering and for their continued dedication and support of the IHI.

We were delighted to welcome Paul Charles, CEO of the PC Agency, to the Montenotte to share insights on the latest travel and tourism insights. Paul is one of the most respected voices in the global travel industry. Paul is a renowned commentator, analyst, and crisis communications expert, advising some of the world’s leading travel brands. A passionate advocate for Ireland, he has worked with top Irish names such as Aer Lingus, Tourism Ireland, Guinness Storehouse, and The Montenotte. After Paul’s presentation, attendees enjoyed a selection of canapés and wines while networking with fellow members. A special thanks to our Business Partners, Classic Drinks for their support.

Hospitality and Event Management Programmes across Ireland competed in the 40th Annual IHI Business Management Game at the Clayton Hotel Dublin Airport. The two-day competition kicked off last Sunday with teams from Atlantic Technological University, Dundalk Institute of Technology, Munster Technological University, Technological University Dublin, Technological University of the Shannon, and Shannon College of Hotel Management. The teams faced three challenges that tested their knowledge of real-world applications within the industry. The first-place cup was awarded to a team of five students from Munster Technological University Tralee: Captain Klara Vrlika, Annie Coulsen, Chido Mukambi, Ryan Dunleavy and Julius McMahon. Congratulations to them and their lecturers, Michael Crossan and Dr. Valerie McGrath Grad MII, CDMP, FHEA. This event was sponsored by Fáilte Ireland, Dalata Hotel Group, the Irish Hotels Federation, The Doyle Collection, Talbot Collection, The iNUA Hotel Collection, Windward Management Limited, Tierney’s Office Automation Ltd., and Classic Drinks,

A great night of catching up with our Members and Business Partners at our Connacht Chapter Social Evening at the fabulous new Radisson RED Galway last Thursday evening. Thanks to all who joined us and a huge thanks to Classic Drinks for their continued support! 🍷

We had a wonderful evening at our Member’s Autumn Social at the fantastic new Moxy Cork ! A huge thanks to Roger Russell and the amazing team at the Moxy for the lovely welcome, exceptional hospitality and for hosting our evening.

The IHI were invited to meet and hear from a panel of incredible Hospitality professionals working in very exciting and diverse roles. IHI President Daragh O’Neill FIHI chaired the panel of made up of Stephen O Connor, Alexandra Brislane, Graeme Dickison & Grainne Carberry for sharing their valuable insights. Students from Hospitality, Tourism, Event, Culinary and Heritage programmes were invited to attend the insightful session. A huge thanks to all involved who helped to deliver an excellent student and industry event. Thank you to Atlantic Technological University for the warm welcome & hospitality.

Six teams from Hospitality and Event Management Programmes across Ireland competed in the 39th annual game which took place at the Radisson Blu Athlone. The intense two-day competition kicked off on Sunday, 3rd March with teams from Atlantic Technological University, Dundalk Institute of Technology, Technological University Dublin, Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest and Shannon College of Hotel Management. The teams were given three challenges which were designed to test them in the areas of financial planning, human resources, and business development strategies. The winning team from ATU included Team Captain Genie Mc Dowell, Siobhán Byrne, Zoe Mitchell, Caoimhe Sweeney and Keeva Gannon.

Clayton Hotel Burlington Road – over 650 Hospitality, Catering and Tourism professionals gathered at last week’s IHI Founder’s Evening & Hospitality Management Awards. The IHI Hospitality Management Awards (HMAs) are not about the hotel /restaurant/tourist attraction or catering venue, they are a recognition of the nominated person in their role, their capability, technical skills, innovation, passion and excellence in what they do.

A giant thank you to all who participated and attended our event, “Inspiring Impactful Leadership”, which was held yesterday at the spectacular Windmill QTR. It was an insightful morning as IHI Past President Oonagh Cremins, The Innovate Room, held a captivating conversation with Niall Gibbons, who appeared virtually from Saudi Arabia in an IRFU jersey of course! Niall shared with attendees all the fascinating things happening at NEOM. Next, a thought-provoking and inspirational conversation was chaired by the amazing Fania Stoney, Great Place to Work® Ireland. Fania spoke with Charlie Sheil, FIHI, M Inst D, Windward Management Limited & IHI Company Secretary, Orla McAndrew, Conrad Dublin, Cara Kelly and Amanda Hall, Toast about the importance of mentors and the positive impact mentoring has on organisations. Key Speaker, Breda McCague then followed with brilliant takeaways about transformational change, leadership and mentoring. The event wrapped up with the launch of the IHI Mentors Matter Programme, introduced by IHI Deputy President Ciara Drohan. (More details to follow.) A very heartfelt thanks again to all our speakers, panelists and of course our members.

IHI Members and guests enjoyed an extraordinary evening at the luxurious Carton House, A Fairmont Managed Hotel for our President’s Dinner honouring our 29th President Brian Bowler. Attendees began their evening sipping cocktails sponsored by Boatyard Distillery in the stunning Gold Salon. The evening’s spectacular five-course menu was perfectly paired 🍷🥂with wines sponsored by our business partners Classic Drinks. We hope all enjoyed the evening.

In March, the IHI hosted the 38th National Business Management Game. Participating colleges included; TU Dublin, Shannon College of Hotel Management, Galway International Hotel School -ATU and Dundalk IT. The game tests participating teams on their business acumen & management skills. This year’s game was held at the Galmont Hotel & Spa. After two very intense & exciting days of competition, a group of 5 students from Shannon College of Hotel Management were declared the outright winners. Rachel O’Connell captained the winning team & teammates included Sam Downey, Jamie Carton, Sherine Woodcock & Bruno Pineda Ballester.

IHI President Brian Bowler was joined by Munster Rugby Head Coach Graham Rowntree for our Munster Chapter Networking Event. Graham was an absolute gentleman and so generous with his time. He gave attendees some wonderful insights on team building, leadership and culture. The future of Munster Rugby is certainly in safe hands.

Over 500 industry Hospitality & Tourism professionals gathered at the IHI Founder’s Evening & Hospitality Management Awards to celebrate 59 finalists and exceptional winners across 13 categories. The annual IHI Hospitality Management Awards are a recognition of the nominated person in their role, their capability, technical skills, innovation, passion and their ability to demonstrate continuous professional development.

BBQ season was well underway when we hosted our Leinster District Summer BBQ at the Radisson Blu Dublin. IHI Members joined for a gorgeous evening with a chance to catch up with friends and colleagues while enjoying delicious food and drinks.

In March we held our Connaught Chapter Launch at the Hyde Hotel in Galway. It was great to meet so many new members and to reconnect with those we had not seen for a while. A very special thanks to our Connaught Committee, our guest panel who included, Andy Friend, Head Coach Connacht Rugby, Eveanna Ryan, Group Marketing & Innovation Manager at Connacht Hospitality and Kevin McGinley, Operations Director, Aramark Northern Europe.