Wicklow man narrowly misses out on Hotel Employee of the Year award

Dedicated Woodenbridge Hotel employee Maciej Smyk narrowly missed out on a National Hotel Employee of the Year Award at this year’s Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) annual conference, held in Killarney earlier this week.

Star employee Maciej was shortlisted as the Wicklow nominee for the award, for “consistently showing outstanding hospitality”, and was nominated alongside 12 other candidates from across the country.

Unfortunately, the Woodenbridge Hotel employee was just pipped to the title on the night by receptionist Sonia Smith, from Cahernane House in Killarney. Alana Murphy from the Four Seasons Hotel, Carlingford, County Louth was also honoured with the Rising Star Award.

President of the IHF, Denyse Campbell, presented Ms Smith with her award at the IHF’s Annual Conference. Congratulating her and the other 11 nominees shortlisted for the award, Ms Campbell paid tribute to the high calibre of people working within the sector.

“This award truly showcases the immense talent and dedication shown by hotel and guesthouse teams right throughout the country. I am delighted to congratulate Sonia on being awarded the IHF Employee of the Year. Her outstanding dedication, hard work, and commitment to providing exceptional service to guests are truly commendable.

"We are grateful to have such wonderful teams of hotel employees right around the country who consistently go above and beyond to make our guests' experiences unforgettable. It is their passion and dedication that make our hotels truly special places."

“At the heart of every successful hotel and guesthouse is its people, and supporting and developing them is key to long term success. We at the IHF continue to encourage people of all ages to consider a career in the hotel sector.

"There are an enormous variety of career paths and training opportunities that are constantly evolving in our sector. This is something I have experienced first-hand since I began my career in hospitality with a summer job working in a hotel, through to today as a General Manager.

“Now is an ideal time to consider a career in tourism given the wide range of exciting options available for people at every stage of their working lives and this award provides us with an opportunity to show our appreciation for the valuable contribution that hotel team members make each day in providing a world class hospitality product.”