Obituary - Billy O’Carroll
Billy O’Carroll, who has passed away in his 95th year, was a distinguished Irish hotelier and a former president of the Irish Hotels Federation.
He learned his trade in the family-owned Hayden’s Hotel in Ballinasloe, Co. Galway, owned by his parents. His father, Michael D. O’Carroll, was among the small group of hoteliers who helped grow the Irish Hotels Federation in its formative years, and he served as President in 1960.
In due course, Billy took over the management of Hayden’s Hotel, introducing many innovations and developing one of the most popular wedding venues in the West of Ireland.
As a young hotel manager, he helped form the Irish Hotel and Restaurant Managers Association (IHRMA) which was a strong advocate of improving pay and conditions for young managers in the industry.
He became active in the IHF and was elected President in 1976-’77, a period marked by an international oil crisis, soaring inflation and legislation which enhanced the working environment but added costs to hotel operations.
Billy made a major contribution to the industry as a hotel owner, educator, influencer and champion of high professional standards. He was named “Ballinasloe Person of the Year” in 2019.
Billy O’Carroll passed away unexpectedly and peacefully on 25th July.
The beloved husband of the late Renee, wonderful Dad to Maeve, Finola and Clodagh. He will be greatly missed with much affection by his loving family, brother Aidan, son-in-law John, Maeve’s partner Tony, grandchildren Robert (and his wife Ciana), Jack and Billy, nieces, nephews, neighbours and many industry colleagues and friends.
Funeral Mass today, Tuesday 30th July, at 12 o’clock in Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Creagh (H53 EH93). Burial afterwards in Creagh cemetery.
Posted: