Brendan was nominated by Aghadoe Heights Hotel & Spa in recognition of his exceptional guest service
Brendan Harnett, Head Concierge at Aghadoe Heights Hotel & Spa, has been announced as the 2026 Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) Kerry Branch ‘Employee of the Year.’
The announcement was made at an awards lunch at the Great Southern Hotel in Killarney, where over 60 guests gathered to celebrate and recognise the 20 nominees from hotels and guesthouses across Kerry who have made an outstanding contribution to their workplace.
Congratulating Brendan on his achievement, Mary Rose Stafford (Munster Technological University) said
“the judges highlighted Brendan’s commitment to guest satisfaction and his ability to create memorable experiences for visitors to Kerry. Having spent over 24 years at Aghadoe Heights Hotel & Spa, Brendan has built a reputation for his warm personality, local knowledge and willingness to go above and beyond for guests. Colleagues say, “Brendan embodies the spirit of Kerry hospitality and is a truly exceptional ambassador for both Aghadoe Heights Hotel & Spa and The Kingdom”.
IHF Kerry Branch Chair Garrett Power congratulated all nominees, recognising their dedication and the important role they play in making Kerry a leading destination for visitors. He said:
“Our people are the foundation of our industry, and their hard work is what makes the hospitality experiences in Kerry so special. Investing in their development, creating opportunities for progression and supporting them throughout their careers is essential to the future of our sector. Hotels and guesthouses offer rewarding and diverse career opportunities and we want to ensure our industry continues to attract, develop and retain the very best talent”.
At the event, IHF President Matt O’Connor congratulated all nominees and said
“When visitors from around the world think of Ireland, one of the first things that comes to mind is our genuine warmth and the welcoming experience we offer. That world-class reputation is something we are all deeply proud of, and it does not happen by accident. It is built every single day by the exceptional people in this room. We often talk about tourism as Ireland’s largest indigenous industry and a vital pillar of our economy. At its core, however, hospitality is really about people. It is a vibrant, rewarding profession where individuals from all walks of life and with every kind of skill set can build lifelong, fulfilling careers.”
There were also two special awards presented on the day including a ‘Special Recognition Award’ to Maura O’Connor, Breakfast Supervisor at Gleneagle Killarney and a ‘Rising Star Award’ to Makar Palii, Trainee Manager at Cahernane House Hotel.
The IHF Kerry Branch extends its gratitude to the expert judging panel led by Mary Rose Stafford (Munster Technological University), Geraldine Rosney (formerly of Killeen House Hotel and Rozzers Restaurant) and Michael Cunningham (formerly Seafield Hotel) who had the difficult responsibility of selecting the winner from the nominees.
The members of the IHF Kerry Branch wish Brendan the very best of luck as he goes on to represent them at the upcoming 10th National IHF Employee of the Year Awards, which will be held during the IHF’s Annual Conference at the Slieve Russell Hotel, Cavan next February.
