Laois Woman Wins Midlands Hotel 'Employee Of The Year' Title

Wednesday, 4 February 2026 14:17

Matt O’Connor, IHF Vice President; Aidan O’Sullivan, IHF Midlands Branch Chair; Catherine Phelan (Ballyfin Demesne), IHF Midlands Branch Employee of the Year and Michael Magner, IHF President. Photo Credit: Joe Conroy

Catherine Phelan was presented with her prize in Athlone.

The Irish Hotels Federation has named its Midlands Branch 'Employee of the Year' for 2026.

Catherine Phelan, Senior Accommodation Assistant at Ballyfin Demesne in Laois received the award at a special ceremony at the Radison Blu Hotel, in Athlone where guests gathered to celebrate and recognise 12 nominees from hotels and guesthouses across the region who have made an outstanding contribution to their workplace.

Speaking at the event, IHF Midlands Branch Chair, Aidan O’Sullivan said that when selecting Ms Phelan Catherine as the winner, the judges highlighted her emphasis on high level service, attention to detail and determination to offer the guest the best experience possible.

At the event, IHF President, Michael Magner congratulated all nominees and said “Our nominees represent the very best of our profession that thrives on dedication, innovation and the development of its people. There has never been a better time to start a career in tourism and hospitality in a sector that supports 270,000 livelihoods across the country, including over 24,000 throughout the midlands.”

Ms Phelan has worked at Ballyfin Demesne for 16 years as a Senior Accommodation Assistant and is one of the longest serving members of the team. Colleagues say that Catherine is a trusted and valued member of the team across all departments and that they would highly recommend her for this award and be delighted to see her recognised for her outstanding contribution to everything that Ballyfin Demesne stands for.

Other presentations on the day included a ‘Highly Commended Award’ to Collette Fitzpatrick, Sous Chef at the Clanard Court Hotel in Athy, in Kildare and ‘Rising Star Award’ to Aoife Browne, Reception Supervisor at the Osprey Hotel in Nass, Co. Kildare.

Ms Phelan will now the Midlands branch at the upcoming National IHF Employee of the Year Awards which will be held during the IHF’s Annual Conference which will take place at the Gleneagle Hotel, Killarney, February 23rd & 24th.