The IHF (Irish Hotels Federation) Cork Branch Employee of the Year awards for 2024/2025 took place at the Cork International Hotel earlier this week, where 20 nominees received certificates. Five of the nominees also received special awards, while the Overall Employee of the Year award went to Nathan Sweeney of the Hayfield Manor.
Nathan started in Hayfield Manor as a day porter in the summer of 2022, before then moving to the restaurant and finally settling in reception to work his way up the ranks to Front Officer Supervisor. Nathan is known for being a positive person with a can-do attitude even on the toughest of days.
His colleagues say that he “will always check in on people and listen to what they have to say as well as offer them advice when asked”.
“Nathan is always present in the lobby and has formed friendships across the whole hotel making him a key focal point for the property”.
Mr Sweeney will now represent the branch at the upcoming National IHF Employee of the Year Awards which will be held during the IHF’s Annual Conference at the Gleneagle Hotel, Killarney in late February 2025.
The announcement was made at an awards ceremony, where guests gathered to celebrate and recognise 20 nominees from hotels and guesthouses across Cork who have made an outstanding contribution to their workplace.
At the event, IHF President, Michael Magner congratulated all nominees and spoke about the exceptional people within the sector whose contribution to tourism and hospitality is key to its success as Ireland’s largest indigenous employer, supporting over 270,000 livelihoods – including over 27,000 jobs throughout the county.
Other presentations on the day included ‘Environmental Impact Champion’ to Maja Pulczynska from Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa; the ‘People and Culture Award’ to Mill Burke from The Metropole Hotel, Cork; the ‘Rising Star Award’ to Albert Roso Cazamajo from The Montenotte, while the ‘Game-Changer Award’ went to Diego Flores Pino from Hotel Isaacs Cork – Cork City Hotel.
