A WEEK OF AWARDS - HOTEL & CATERING REVIEW GOLD MEDAL & GOOD FOOD IRELAND

I was at the Shelbourne Hotel on Monday evening last for the Hotel & Catering Review Gold Medal Awards. It was an excellent event and makes one realise the superb quality that is available across the hospitality sector in Ireland. Dunbrody Country House & Restaurant won the Supreme Award. I was delighted to see The Europe Hotel & Resort in Killarney win the 5* Award. Michael Brennan gave me a tour of the property in August & it looks fantastic after its €100 million makeover. A fellow Killarney property, Killeen House Hotel won the inaugural 'Customer Experience' Award. Owners Geraldine & Michael Rosney run a superb operation and are worthy winners. On Tuesday night at the K-Club, Good Food Ireland announced its 2009 winners. Peter Ward & Maurice Keller were joint winners of the Person of the Year Award while Rathmullan House won the Top Overall Member Award. I was also glad to see my former colleague, Catherine Fulvio, proprietor of the Ballyknocken House & Cookery School win the Regional Member East Award.