Chantelle Moran, Food & Beverage Assistant was nominated by her employer Maldron Hotel Sandy Road, Galway
Chantelle Moran, Food & Beverage Assistant at Maldron Hotel Sandy Road, has been announced as the 2026 Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) Galway Branch ‘Employee of the Year’.
The announcement was made at an awards lunch at The Ardilaun Hotel, where guests gathered to celebrate and recognise twelve nominees from hotels and guesthouses across Galway who have made an outstanding contribution to their workplace.
Congratulating Chantelle on the award, IHF Galway Branch Chair, Padraig Nolan said the judges when selecting her as the winner, highlighted her support of new team members through the buddy system, use of problem-solving skills, and strong interpersonal skills.
At the event, IHF President, Michael Magner congratulated all nominees and said
“Our nominees represent the very best of our profession that thrives on dedication, innovation and the development of its people. There has never been a better time to start a career in tourism and hospitality in a sector that supports 270,000 livelihoods across Ireland, including over 22,000 in Galway.”
Chantelle began working in the Maldron Hotel Sandy Road three years ago. In her role in the hotel, Chantelle oversees the ‘Ability West’ placements each week and has served as the buddy for placements, as part of the Down Syndrome Ireland Employability Programme.
Colleagues say, “Chantelle’s leadership, empathy and collaborative spirit strengthen not only her department, but the wider hotel community”.
Other award presentations on the day included a ‘Trailblazer Award’ for Jack Mulcahy, Food & Beverage Supervisor at The Connacht Hotel and a ‘Rising Star Award’ for Yeva Rudenko, Accommodation Assistant at the Galway Bay Hotel.
The IHF Galway Branch extends its gratitude to the expert judging panel comprised of Cait Noone, Atlantic Technological University and Yvonne Hutchinson, formerly of the Tullamore Court Hotel who had the difficult job of selecting a winner from the nominees.
The members of the IHF Galway Branch wish Chantelle the very best of luck as she 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 in late February.
Photos: Brian Harding
