Eimear is the first President to represent Galway and the Gaeltacht region.
Eimear Killian, owner of Builín Blasta Café and Retail in Spiddal, Connemara, has been elected President of the Restaurants Association of Ireland, becoming the first President to represent Galway and the Gaeltacht region.
Eimear succeeds outgoing President Seán Collender, who was recognised for his contribution to the Association, particularly his work on the campaign to restore the 9% VAT rate for food-led hospitality businesses and the promotion of culinary tourism.
During the President’s Dinner, the 2026 Mike Butt Award was presented to Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke in recognition of his support for the hospitality and tourism sector. The award honours the legacy of Mike Butt, who opened Ireland’s first Indian restaurant, the Golden Orient, in 1956 and became the founding President of the Irish Restaurant Owners Association, now the Restaurants Association of Ireland.
In his address, Seán Collender praised Minister Burke’s engagement with the sector and his understanding of the vital role hospitality plays in tourism and communities throughout Ireland.
Speaking following her election, President Eimear Killian said:
“It is a great honour to become President of the Restaurants Association of Ireland. Having worked in hospitality throughout my career and now running my own business in Spiddal, I understand first-hand the challenges facing our members.
Supporting businesses through the ongoing cost of doing business crisis will be a key priority during my presidency. I also want to strengthen connections across our industry, champion rural hospitality and ensure that our members’ voices remain at the heart of the Association’s work.”
Adrian Cummins, Chief Executive of the Restaurants Association of Ireland, said:
“Eimear brings valuable experience as a hospitality business owner and a strong understanding of the challenges facing our members. I look forward to working with her over the coming term to support our sector and advance the priorities of the Association.”
For further information about the RAI, visit https://www.rai.ie
