IHF Midlands Branch names its ‘Employee of the Year’

Austin Delaney, Senior Bar Tender at the Midlands Park Hotel, Portlaoise has been announced as the 2023/24 Irish Hotels Federation Midlands Branch ‘Employee of the Year’ at a special awards breakfast in the County Arms Birr.

Over 50 guests attended the event to celebrate and recognise eleven nominees from hotels and guesthouses across Kildare, Laois, Longford, Offaly and Westmeath who have made an outstanding contribution to their workplace.

Congratulating Austin on the award, IHF Midlands Branch Chair, Barry Kennedy said the judges highlighted Austin’s attention to detail, caring approach and love of hospitality when selecting him as the winner.

Mr Kennedy spoke about the importance of recognising excellence, and ‘Shaping Brighter Futures’ for people in the sector by supporting future leaders and keeping teams motivated with opportunities for career progression and development.

Austin joined the Midlands Park Hotel fifteen years ago and has been a steadfast member of the team through periods of change and growth within the business. Austin is loved by his colleagues and has served as a mentor to many, offering sage advice and encouragement. He is also a firm favourite with customers, who appreciate his keen memory, warm hospitality and humour.

IHF Midlands Branch extends its gratitude to the expert judging panel comprised of Bernadette Enright (Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board) and General Manager at Talbot Hotel Carlow, Daniel McCarthy, who had the difficult job of selecting a winner from the nominees.

The members of the IHF Midlands Branch now wish Austin 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 in February 2024.