Emma-Mai Is Top Employee

Emma-Mai Roche, Equine Concierge at Cashel Palace Hotel, Tipperary, has been announced as the 24/25 Irish Hotels Federation South East Branch “Employee of the Year” at an awards ceremony in the Newpark Hotel, Kilkenny.  

Over 155 guests attended the annual “Christmas Gathering and Employee of the Year Awards” to celebrate and recognise 21 nominees from hotels and guesthouses across the South East who have made an outstanding contribution to their workplace.? 

Congratulating Emma-Mai on the award,?IHF South East Branch Chair Patrick Kickham-Lennon said that, when selecting her as the winner, the judges highlighted Emma-Mai’s vitality, passion for her work and clear vision for where she is going in the future.

At the event, IHF President Michael Magner congratulated all nominees and spoke about the exceptional people within the sector.

Emma lives in Fethard, County Tipperary. She has worked in the sector for a number of years, including as spa therapist at the Clonmel Park Hotel, Lyrath Estate, Adare Manor and the Horse and Jockey Hotel before moving into her current position as Equine Concierge at Cashel Palace Hotel, which she describes as a “dream role”.

“Long Service Awards” were presented to Margaret Foley (Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel) and Dave Lacey (Tower Hotel Waterford), a “Highly Commended Award” for Rachael Campbell (Granville Hotel Waterford) and “Certificates of Recognition” for Monica Devereux (Seafield Hotel & Spa Resort, Wexford) and Louise Prendergast (Viking Hotel Waterford).

The IHF South East Branch extends its gratitude to the expert judging panel comprised of Ray Cullen (Hospitality Training Consultant), Tracy Hegarty (Shannon College of Hotel Management) and Frankie Whelan (Montenotte Hotel & The Wilder Townhouse, Dublin).

Pictured are Patrick Kickham-Lennon, IHF South East Branch Chair; Emma-Mai Roche (Cashel Palace Hotel), IHF South East Branch Employee of the Year; and Michael Magner, IHF President.