Brian has worked at the Great Southern Killarney for over three years
Brian Doherty, Guest Relations Supervisor at the Great Southern Killarney, has been announced as the 2025 Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) Kerry Branch ‘Employee of the Year.’
The announcement was made at an awards lunch in Muckross Park Hotel & Spa in Killarney, where over 60 guests gathered to celebrate and recognise the 15 nominees from hotels and guesthouses across Kerry who have made an outstanding contribution to their workplace.
Congratulating Brian on his achievement, Mary Rose Stafford (MTU Tralee) from the interview panel said the judges highlighted how Brian’s professionalism and warm welcome epitomised everything that is great about tourism in Kerry.
Brian has worked at the Great Southern Killarney for over three years and is currently Guest Relations Supervisor in the hotel. Colleagues say Brian approaches every guest interaction with genuine warmth and attentiveness, ensuring each guest feels truly welcomed and valued.
IHF Kerry Branch Chair Brian Lawlor congratulated this year’s nominees and thanked them for their fantastic contribution to Irish tourism. He said:
“As Chair of the IHF Kerry Branch, I’m proud to celebrate the many amazing people who are at the heart of our hotels and guesthouses, bringing our world class hospitality to life every day. Fostering the growth and career development of our people is key to our continued success, and we are committed to supporting them to flourish and achieve their goals. There has never been a better time for a career in tourism and hospitality.”
There was also a special award for Noreen McSweeney from the Killarney Park hotel who was selected for a ‘Lifetime Contribution to the Industry’ award. Noreen works as the Garden Bar Supervisor and has spent over 30 years working at the hotel.
The IHF Kerry Branch extends its gratitude to the expert judging panel led by Mary Rose Stafford (MTU Tralee) and Geraldine Rosney (formerly of Killeen House Hotel and Rozzers Restaurant) who had the difficult responsibility of selecting the winner from the nominees.
The members of the IHF Kerry Branch wish Brian the very best of luck as he goes on to represent them at the upcoming National IHF Employee of the Year Awards, which will be held during the IHF’s Annual Conference at Gleneagle, Killarney next February.
Photos: Don MacMonagle
