AA 5-star status for new Fermanagh Hotel

The Lough Erne Golf Resort Hotel at Castle Hume has been awarded the much coveted AA five star international status. The Hotel is the first Resort in Northern Ireland to achieve this prestigious accolade.

A spokesman explained that the hotel was awarded Five Stars due to the combination of five star luxury throughout the entire resort, attention to detail in the delivery of all guest experiences, and innovatively presented products and services.
"The Resort is a unique setting where quality product and a shared commitment to five star service to create the ultimate guest experience."
Simon Numphud FIH, Hotel Services Manager who is a Senior Inspector AA Hotel Services said, his office was delighted to recognise Lough Erne Golf Resort as Five Stars, for it offers luxury accommodation, excellent service from a dedicated team of friendly staff and high quality food.
"The level of investment throughout the Resort is impressive, and the future plans will continue to develop the overall Resort, offering even further in 2009."
Jim and Eileen Treacy, the owners of Lough Erne Golf Resort said they were, 'truly delighted' that their vision to become one of the leading Resort's in the world had been recognised at such an early stage of its life, with the award of five stars by the AA.
"We want to congratulate and thank all of the staff at the Resort for this impressive achievement."
With over thirty five years' hospitality experience, Jonathan Stapleton, the Resort's General Manager has been the driving force for the five star international rating, using his experience to support and direct the Lough Erne Golf Resort team to achieve world class excellence.
He commented: "One of our key successes at Lough Erne Golf Resort has been the commitment and dedication of our staff. It is always encouraging to receive so many positive guest comments about the friendliness, professionalism and attention to detail by our staff. It is our policy at the Resort to ensure all management and staff are mentored and trained to maintain five star hospitality standards."
He explained that, since the Resort opened its doors to the public last year, the aim had always been to acquire AA five star international status.
"We are delighted that this has come to fruition and look forward to offering our guests an unrivalled five star experience."
Lough Erne Golf Resort opened in October 2007, and recently celebrated it's first anniversary. The Resort is set on a 600 acre private peninsula, nestled between Lower Lough Erne and Castle Hume Lough. The resort offers 120 guestrooms, including 25 two and three bedroom lakeside lodges which offer private, fully serviced accommodation.
The unique magic of the Lough Erne Golf Resort lies in its sense of 'place'. The distinctive architecture has been inspired by the natural landscapes and cultural heritage.
Open fires greet guests, and this, along with arresting views and exquisitely designed spaces, are there to comfort all guest needs.
Guests can choose from three dining options - Catalina Restaurant for à la carte dining, The Blaney Bar and The Garden Hall for afternoon teas. The resort offers world class facilities for private meetings and events, and The Thai Spa - an authentic Thai experience
Next Summer, Lough Erne Golf Resort will have the use of two 18-hole championship golf courses with the opening of its Faldo championship course. The Castle Hume Championship Golf Course is already open.

Dublin Local Named Ireland's Best Bar at the Licensing World Bar Awards 2008

The Eden House in Rathfarnham, Dublin 16, was named Ireland’s Best Pub at the Oscars of the bar industry. A delighted Michael Zelman of The Eden House was presented with a specially commissioned trophy by Nigel Tynan, editor of Licensing World magazine, plus the top prize of a once in a lifetime holiday to Las Vegas worth €3,000.

All premises that enter the Licensing World Bar Awards are visited by the expert panel of judges, whose visits took place this year during April and May, and who assess each entry on a lengthy series of relevant criteria including welcome, customer service, ambience, staff training, hygiene, décor and product range, among others.Winning a Bar Award highlights to customers that each premises rates amongst the best bars in Ireland and communicates that participants are dedicated to customer service, staff training, ambience and all round excellence.

In a great evening for Irish bars we are delighted to announce the Licensing World Bar Awards 2008 Full Awards Shortlist & Winners:

1. Faustino Local Bar Award
Finalist:Powers Pub, Clarecastle, Co Clare
Finalist: The Eden House, Grange Road, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16
Finalist: The Two Sisters, Terenure, Dublin 6W
Finalist: The Malt House, Mountbellew, Co Galway

Faustino Local BarAward Winner: The Eden House, Rathfarnham


2. Hennessy Style Bar Award
Finalist: The Lyons Den, Celbridge, Co Kildare
Finalist: The Crystal Bar, Beacon Hotel, Sandyford, Dublin 18
Finalist: The Mint Bar, Westin Hotel, Dublin 2
Finalist: Wrights Café Bar, Malahide Road, Swords

Hennessy Style Bar Award Winner: The Crystal Bar, Beacon Hotel, Sandyford, Dublin 18

3. Corona Extra Nightclub Award
Finalist: The Sin Bin, Howleys Quay, Limerick
Finalist: Central Park, 36 Upper Abbey St, Galway
Finalist: Newsroom, 40-41 The Mall, Newry
Finalist: Club Voodoo, 21 Lwr Main St, Letterkenny, Co Donegal

Corona Extra Nightclub Award Winner: Central Park Nightclub, 36 Upper Abbey St, Galway

4. Fáilte Ireland Tourist Bar Award
Finalist: The Bulman Bar, Summercove, Kinsale, Co Cork
Finalist: Fitzpatricks Bar & Restaurant, Jenkinstown, Dundalk
Finalist: The Arlington Hotel, 39 Batchelors Walk, Dublin 1
Finalist: Johnnie Fox’s, Glencullen, Co Dublin

Fáilte Ireland Tourist Bar Award Winner: Fitzpatricks Bar & Restaurant, Jenkinstown, Dundalk

5. Deep RiverRock Hotel Bar Award
Finalist: Boss Doyle’s Bar, Park House Hotel, Galway
Finalist: Sure Bar, Radisson Hotel, Golden Lane, Dublin 8
Finalist: The Mint Bar, Westin Hotel, Dublin 2
Finalist: Indigo Lounge, Clontarf Castle Hotel, Clontarf, Dublin 3

Deep RiverRock Hotel Bar Award Winner: Clontarf Castle Hotel, Dublin 3

6. Bols Cocktail Bar Award
Finalist: The Mint Bar, Westin Hotel, Dublin 2
Finalist: The Long Island Bar, Washington St, Cork
Finalist: Venu, 26 Annes Lane, Dublin 2

Bols Cocktail Bar Award Winner: Venu, Dublin 2

7. Febvre Bar Food Award
Finalist: The Malt House, Mountbellew, Co Galway
Finalist: Casey’s of Baltimore, Co Cork
Finalist: The Bull & Castle, 5-7 Lord Edward St, Christchurch, Dublin 2
Finalist: The Harbour Bar, Lwr Main St, Rush, Co Dublin.

Febvre Bar Food Award Winner: Casey's of Baltimore

8. Jagermeister Music Bar Award
Finalist: Reardens of Washington Street, Cork
Finalist: The Porter House, Bridge St, Westport
Finalist: An Púcán Bar, 11 Foster Street, Galway

Jagermeister Music Bar Award Winner: The Porter House, Bridge Street, Westport

9. Bulmers Light City Bar Award
Finalist: The Bank on College Green, Dublin 2
Finalist: Aubars, 49-50 Thomas St, Limerick
Finalist: The Boars Head, 149 Capel Street, Dublin 1
Finalist: Kehoes Pub, 9 South Annes St, Dublin 2
Finalist: The Baggot Inn, Lwr Baggot Street, Dublin 2

Bulmers Light City Bar Award Winner: The Bank on College Green, Dublin 2

10. Gilbeys Wine Award
Finalist: The Foxhunter, Ballydowd, Lucan
Finalist: The Vintage Crop Bar, The K Club, Straffan, Co Kildare
Finalist: JJ Gannon’s, Ballinrobe, Co Mayo

Gilbeys Wine Award Winner: The Vintage Crop Bar at The K Club, Straffan, Co. Kildare


11. Carry Out Bar Off Licence Award
Finalist: O’Donovan’s Off Licence, Clonakilty, West Cork
Finalist: The Spiral Tree, 66 Main St, Co LongfordFinalist: Hollands Off Licence, 78-80 Main St, Bray
Finalist: Corcorans, Irishtown, New Ross, Co Wexford
Finalist: Dicey Reilly’s, Ballyshannon, Co Donegal

Carry Out Bar Off Licence Award Winner: Hollands Off Licence, 78-80 Main St, Bray

12. Galvins Wines and Spirits Country Bar Award
Finalist: Dessie O’Brien’s, Kilrickle, Co Galway
Finalist: Caffreys, Butterstown, Co Meath
Finalist: The Weigh Inn, Ballysheedy, Co Limerick
Finalist: The Old Mill, O’Briens Bridge, Co Clare
Finalist: The Bodhrán Bar, Castlewarren, Co Kilkenny

Galvins Wines and Spirits Country Bar Award Winner: The Old Mill, O’Briens Bridge, Co Clare

13. Licensing World Bar Of The Year Award Winner: The Eden House, Rathfarnham, Dublin

NEW 5***** HOTEL FOR BELFAST

Work on this new hotel brings with it a significant investment in the Belfast hospitality sector of approximately £20 million (€30 million approximately) and the creation of over 100 jobs - a huge boost to the hotel industry in Northern Ireland. This luxury hotel will exude all of the glamour, sophistication and impeccable customer service of its sister property in Dublin.

Located at the city centre end of Belfast’s Golden Mile, The Fitzwilliam Hotel, Belfast will be the ideal spot for both business and leisure travellers to Northern Ireland's thriving capital city. The hotel is just a short walk to an array of cultural spots including City Hall, the Old Museum Arts Centre, Linen Hall Library and the Crown Liquor Saloon (featured in the classic James Mason movie ‘Odd Man Out’). It is also close to the central shopping area at Royal Avenue, the soon to be opened Victoria Square Complex and a wide array of restaurants and style bars.

The hotel, comprising 131 luxuriously appointed guestrooms and suites will also have a superbly appointed penthouse suite overlooking the city sights. Designed by noted architect Ian Halliday, from the firm of Halliday Ramsay, with interiors mirroring the look and style of the Fitzwilliam Hotel, Dublin (originally designed by Christopher Ash who will be working on the interior of the Fitzwilliam Hotel, Belfast with design firm Project Orange), the Fitzwilliam Belfast promises to be a stunning addition to the Belfast hotel sector.

Belfast is now officially chic, with tourist bible "The Lonely Planet" placing the city in its Top 10 must see destinations for 2007. The city now attracts more than 6m visitors a year, contributing £285m to the economy and supporting 16,000 full-time jobs. Speaking at the launch today in Belfast Lord Mayor Councillor Jim Rodgers (Ulster Unionist Party - UUP) welcomed this investment with open arms. "This ground breaking is symbolic of many things for Belfast. It means increased jobs for area residents, growth opportunities for local business owners and forward.

KENMARE SPA IS VOTED TOP 10 IN THE WORLD

HOTEL SPAS - EUROPE

In Europe, you applaud the level of service at La Residencia on Mallorca, love the body treatments at the Anassa in Cyprus and think the Four Seasons George V Paris has found a winning formula with its amenities/products.

But the Kempinski Hotel Barbaros Bay in Turkey wins overall, scoring above 87 in all criteria.

1 Six Senses Spa, Kempinski Hotel Barbaros Bay, Bodrum, Turkey /94.29%
2 Six Senses Spa, Porto Elounda, Crete Greece /93.33%
3 Cinq Mondes Spa, Beau-Rivage Palace, Lausanne, Switzerland /92.00%
4 The Spa, Four Seasons Hotel George V Paris, France /91.75%
5 Thalassa Spa, Anassa, Polis, Cyprus /91.57%
6 SAMAS, Park Hotel Kenmare, Ireland /91.46%
7 The Retreat, InterContinental Aphrodite Hills /91.42%
8 The Spa, Choupana Hills Resort & Spa, Madeira, Portugal /91.39%
9 Aveda Concept Spa, Le Sirenuse, Positano, Italy /90.67%
10 The Spa at La Residencia, Mallorca, Spain /90.54%

50 jobs will be lost following the closure of the €70 million 5-Star Castlemartyr Resort in East Cork

The luxury hotel closed its doors yesterday and have appointed interim management company, Detail Marketing & Project Management to operate parts of the resort, including the golf course which will remain open. This move follows an agreement reached with West Paces Hotel Group to end the management contract for the operation of the hotel by the Capella brand.


The Castlemartyr Capella, which was developed by the Cork-based construction group, John F Supple was officially opened just nine months ago by then Taoiseach Bertie Ahern. The owners said they are in negotiations with an international five-star brand to take over the management of the hotel adding that they hope to be in a position to reach agreement early in the new year. It is thought the new operators could be the Dromoland Group.

The interim management company have offered positions to 30 employees and 14 employees have been offered positions by West Paces Hotel Group, with the remaining 50 staff leaving the business. “It is hoped when agreement is reached with a new operator and when the hotel is reopened there will be opportunity to re-employ personnel at the hotel,” a statement released by the company read.

170 employees to be left jobless as spa destinations closes

POWERSCOURT Springs, one of the country's best known spas, has closed its doors, leaving up to 70 people out of work.

In August, owners Paul and Fiona Hanby and Patricia and Gerald Kinsella, announced the sale of the spa development, although the name of the new owner and future plans for the site have yet to be revealed.

Unhappy with planned redundancy packages, some of the workers had threatened a sit- in, however, this was narrowly averted when an 11th- hour agreement on redundancy packages was formulated.

With the threat of the sit- in in the background, the directors of the company came back to the table with an extra two week's pay per year of service for staff.

Powerscourt Springs is owned by Paul and Fiona Hanby and Patricia and Gerald Kinsella. Employees had been left disappointed and angered when a standard redundancy package of just two week's pay for every year was offered to them when news of the closure was revealed several weeks ago.

' The Government gives 60 per cent of this back to the company,' said a negotiator on behalf of the workers ahead of the closure.

During initial negotiations, the owners of the company, who are believed to have made over € 3 million on the sale, told staff the company was struggling and there would be little or no money left over after commitments to the bank were fulfilled.

' We had taken it as far as we could so we were happy with the final deal that was made,' said one now former employee of Powerscourt Springs. ' There are no hard feelings between staff and the company directors.'

Edenderry hotel jobs lost

A possible 100 jobs have been lost in Edenderry with the news that the company behind the planned Plaza Hotel is to go into liquidation. Plaza Developments Limited and KCDLG Forbairt Holdings Limited & Cos Acts applied to the High Court to be allowed go into liquidation and the order was granted with the appointment of a liquidator to follow.The project which has hit many stumbling blocks has now ground to a halt following the High Court Application.

It seemed full steam ahead for the project when in early July an Examiner was appointed to the project to devise and implement an investment programme for the project. The promoters, in welcoming the decision at the time, said it would mean people would not have to leave the community and travel significant distances to conduct familly and business functions.Promoters sought the appointment of an examiner to protect not only the future of the project but the 100 or so full and part time jobs expected to be created on foot of its completion, not to mention those in the construction sector to complete the half constructed hotel.The project was expected to generate millions of euro in income annually for the town.

Last July the project was only 40% completed.Promoters Ger Killally, Declan Ging, Richie Connor and Frank Lawlor invested large amounts of their own funds into the Plaza development, which began in 2006 with a price tag of e26 million.The hotel, when complete would have encompassed 94 bedrooms, a prominent reception area and lounge, a restaurant, bar and state of the art leisure centre.It was said at the time that more than one investor had expressed interest within a week of the examiner being appointed.

Good Food Ireland Awards

Good Food Ireland Awards 2008

Good Food Ireland is a unique not-for-profit all island network of industry members who diligently work to grow Ireland as a food tourism destination. It promotes the link between the food producer and the hospitality sector in order to drive our domestic and international tourists to places committed to using local food.

The key objectives of these awards are to honour those members who epitomise the Good Food Ireland philosophy and to raise standards within the food and hospitality industry. Members are independently assessed by an expert judging panel and the public can also nominate members over the Good Food Ireland website. Awards like the Good Food Ireland Members Best Producer Award, International Dietary Award, Next Generation Award and Top Overall Member Award highlight the commitment of the members to raise standards, promote local produce to consumers and drive Ireland forward as a worthy food tourism destination.

Over 300 key representatives from the food and tourism sectors including chefs, restrauteurs, hoteliers, farmers, fishermen and food producers from the four corners of Ireland will attend the awards and provide a showcase of the best of local and artisan food produce. Good Food Ireland Chairman, Redmond O’ Donoghue and the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, Martin Cullen T.D. will preside over the event. Cuisine and food produce satisfies new traveller demands for hands-on, interactive experiences. Good Food Ireland promotes the people behind the food from the chef to the cheese maker and highlights the cultural link between a country, its people and its food.

Good Food Ireland Best Local Breakfast Award sponsored by Fáilte Ireland

This award clearly maximises the use of local produce, home baking and sourcing and embraces signature and regional dishes. It also takes into account how the breakfast is presented and served.
Nominations:
Aldrige Lodge, Co Wexford
Ballyvolane House, Co Cork
Coolanowle Country House and Organic Farm, Co Carlow
Rigney’s Farmhouse B&B, Co Limerick
The Merrion Hotel, Dublin
Winner: Coolanowle Country House and Organic Farm, Co Carlow


Good Food Ireland Best Next Generation Award sponsored by Lily O’Briens

There are a number of next generation operators within the industry, striving to follow or exceed in the footsteps of parents or young chefs/people growing and developing in the industry. This award honours and promotes their efforts in maintaining and raising standards and in highlighting innovation.

Nominations:

Graham Roberts - Connemara Smokehouse, Co Galway

Simon O'Hara - Coopershill House, Co Sligo

Fingal Ferguson -Gubbeen Farmhouse Products, Co Cork

Tim McCarthy - Jack McCarthy Meats, Co Cork

Kenneth Kelly - Kelly's of Newport, Co Mayo

Joe O'Flynn - Rathsallagh House, Co Wicklow
Winner: Tim McCarthy - Jack McCarthy Meats, Co Cork


Good Food Ireland Wine Person of the Year Award sponsored by Classic Drinks

Not necessarily a sommelier, this award goes to somebody who is passionate about their subject, able to interact with customers and explain and work with their wine list in detail. This award also provides the winner with a fabulous prize of a four-day trip to visit the ALVARO PALACIS vineyards and winery in RIOJA, all expenses paid compliments of Classic Drinks, Good Food Ireland's wine partner.

Nominations:

Colm McCan - Ballymaloe House, Co Cork

Sean Gargano - Eden Restaurant, Dublin

Paul Carroll - Ghan House, Co Louth

Pierre Toussaint - Hayfield Manor, Cork

Florian Lemercier - The Clarence Hotel, Dublin

Damian Corr - The Merrion Hotel, Dublin
Winner: Damian Corr - The Merrion Hotel, Dublin

Good Food Ireland Environmental Energy Efficiency Award sponsored by A&L Goodbody

This award honours the member that has done something significant to improve their energy efficiency and identify the kind of savings being made either in terms of cost or energy use.

Nominations:

Gleeson's Artisan Food & Wine Shop, Roscommon

Kelly's Resort Hotel, Co Wexford

Park Hotel Kenmare, Co Kerry

Silver Hill Foods, Co Monaghan

Ummera Smoked Products, Co Cork
Winner: Park Hotel Kenmare, Co Kerry


Good Food Ireland Most Innovative Use of IT Award sponsored by Biznet

An award to celebrate the member who, in the opinion of the judges, makes the best use of IT to promote their business. The judges will look for innovate use of IT rather than simply using the electronic medium for delivery. Promoting the philosophy of prioritising farmers, fishermen and local and artisan food producers will be taken into account.

Nominations:

Ballymaloe Cookery School, Co Cork

James Whelan Butchers, Co Tipperary

Temple Country Retreat and Spa, Co Westmeath

The Apple Farm, Co Tipperary
Winner: James Whelan Butchers, Co Tipperary


Good Food Ireland Best use of Sustainable Local Fish Award sponsored by Waterford Crystal

This award highlights those who use/catch and promote sustainable fishing and locally caught fish from Irish coastal waters. It is to single out a member who is instrumental in ensuring sustainability and best practice standards, which will ultimately have an influence on the Irish food/fishing industry and its culture.

Nominations:

Caviston's Restaurant & Food Emporium, Co Dublin

Fishy Fishy Café, Co Cork

Martyn's Lobsters, Co Waterford

Rathmullan House, Co Donegal

The Winding Stair, Dublin
Winner: Fishy Fishy Café, Co Cork


Good Food Ireland Top Regional Member Awards sponsored by Tourism Ireland

These four awards will be judged across all member sectors. The winner will be the member who most epitomises in each region the Good Food Ireland philosophy of committing above all else to using local and artisan food.

Top Regional Member North
Nominations:

Belle Isle School of Cookery, Co Fermanagh

Ditty's Home Bakery & Coffee Shop, Co Derry

Gardiners Restaurant, Co Derry

Lough Erne Golf Resort, Co Fermanagh

Newforge House, Co Armagh
Winner: Belle Isle School of Cookery, Co Fermanagh


Top Regional Member South
Nominations:

Café Paradiso, Cork Farmgate, Cork

Hayfield Manor Hotel, Cork

QC's Seafood Bar & Restaurant, Co Kerry

The Blue Geranium Café at Hosfords Garden Centre, Co Cork

The Cliff House Hotel, Co Waterford

The Poacher's Inn, Co Cork

The Tannery, Co Waterford

Urru Culinary Store, Co Cork
Winner: The Cliff House Hotel, Co Waterford

Top Regional Member East
Nominations:

Aldridge Lodge, Co Wexford

Café Odhran, Co Laois

Fallons Bar & Café, Co Kildare

Rathsallagh House, Co Wicklow

The Merrion Hotel, Dublin

The Winding Stair, Dublin
Winner: The Winding Stair, Dublin

Top Regional Member West
Nominations:

Admiralty Lodge, Co Clare

Café Rua, Co Mayo

Doonbeg Golf Club, Co Clare

Gregan's Castle, Co Clare

Mount Falcon Country House Hotel, Co Mayo
Winner: Gregan's Castle, Co Clare


Good Food Ireland Host of the Year Award sponsored by Failte Ireland

In a highly focused and demanding service industry, this award honours the person who offers demonstrable evidence of care, passion, attention to detail and a focus on providing service that excels in every way.

Nominations:

Maurice Keller - Arlington Lodge Country House Hotel, Waterford

Gillian Ennis - Carrygerry House, Co Clare

Bernadine Mulhall - Coolanowle Country House & Organic Farm, Co Carlow

Kay Harte – Farmgate, Cork

Kay O'Flynn - Rathsallagh House, Co Wicklow
Winner: Kay O'Flynn - Rathsallagh House, Co Wicklow


Good Food Ireland Members’ Best Producer Award sponsored by Bord Bia

Using the Good Food Ireland network is central to the organisation’s philosophy. This award will go to the producer the judges feel has been most actively sought out and promoted by fellow members.

Nominations:

Connemara Smokehouse, Co Galway

G's Gourmet Jams, Co Laois

Gubbeen Farmhouse Products, Co Cork

Inagh Farmhouse Cheese, Co Clare

Kelly's of Newport, Co Mayo

Silver Hill Foods, Co Monaghan

The Burren Smokehouse, Co Clare
Winner: G's Gourmet Jams, Co Laois


Good Food Ireland International Dietary Award sponsored by Silverhill Foods

The international visitor to Ireland and indeed the home consumer has varied dietary requirements from pork-free to alcohol free to hallal to coeliac. This award honours the member that is most innovative in the kitchen and in their menu in recognising individual’s own lifestyle/daily routines and nutritional requirements.

Nominations:

Cornucopia, Dublin

Itsa4, Dublin

Temple Country Retreat and Spa, Co Westmeath

The Bread Crumb, Co Kerry

The Kitchen & Foodhall, Co Laois
Winner: Itsa4, Dublin


Person of the Year Award sponsored by Hertz

A person who has gone above and beyond the call of duty to help and secure the future of Good Food Ireland This award highlights the enormous work and commitment that is carried on behind the scenes – that may not be obvious to the members and indeed the public.
Winner: Sean Boland Managing Director Hertz


Good Food Ireland Top Overall Member Award sponsored by Independent Newspapers

This award is given to the member who most represents the philosophy of Good Food Ireland and is a benchmark for all others.
Winner: Ballymaloe House and Cookery School

IHI Hospitality Awards 2008

Hospitality Manager of the Year 2008 – Hotel, Edward Stephenson Jurys Croke Park Hotel.

Edward currently holds the position of General Manager of Jurys Croke Park Hotel, Dublin. Coming from an operations background has ensured that Edward has the knowledge and experience of managing other properties together with large departments in various hotels throughout the company since his first appointment in June 1991. The scope of Edward’s present role as GM of Jurys Croke Park Hotel began with the successful management of the entire pre opening programme for this four star deluxe property which he continues to develop to this day delivering profit and awards for the Jurys Croke Park Hotel.

Young Manager of the Year 2008, Sean O’Driscoll The Brehon Hotel.
Sean was appointed General Manager of The Brehon in 2005 at the age of 24 been the Youngest General Manager in The Gleneagles Hotel Group. He is a highly motivated individual with excellent interpersonal organisational and leadership skills and demonstrates a keen aptitude towards his job and works very well in this fast paced environment.

Hospitality Manager of the Year 2008– Human Resources, Jane Tegerdine Westin Dublin.
Jane has a total of 18 years experience in Human Resource Management in a number of different industries demonstrating her flexibility as a leader and as a HR specialist. She also has international experience having worked in the pre opening team of hotels and on cross regional projects. Jane has been a Director of HR for the Westin for four and a half years and brings strong influencing skills as well as a clear understanding of the business to the table. Jane has driven employee engagement scores higher in each successive year since joining the Westin.

Hospitality Manager of the Year 2008 – Catering, Therese Sadlier AIB Bank centre.
Therese was appointed Catering Manager at the AIB Bankcentre in July 2006 and is responsible for AIB’s 8 million euro investment in the Catering Department at their head office in Ballsbridge. Her role is to manage the Catering department of AIB which serves up to 5000 customers a day to a 5* service excellence standard. Therese is fully committed to the development of delivering a first class service within the organisation and this has resulted in the Department winning the Gold Medal Award 2008 in the Industrial Catering Category.

Young Graduate of the Year 2008, Sinead Crowley Waterford Institute of Technology.
Sinead successfully completed her BA in Hospitality Management (Honours) from the Waterford Institute of Technology in 2008. She has since obtained the position of Marketing Coordinator with the Four Seasons Hotel and has also been accepted onto the Four Seasons Manager in training programme. Sinead contributed greatly to student life at WIT and was a founding member of the Hospitality Society where she organised numerous social events and charged society meetings.

Shelbourne owners want hotel's managers evicted!

The Shelbourne Hotel

THE owners of one of the country's most prestigious hotels hired investigators to pose as customers and report back on how the premises was being run amid concerns that it was being "seriously mismanaged".

Shelbourne Hotel Holdings Ltd revealed yesterday that it had spent a staggering €125m on renovations to the world-famous Dublin venue over the past three years, on top of the initial purchase price in 2004, which is estimated at €140m.

It has emerged that the owners, who include property developers Bernard McNamara and Jerry O'Reilly, have since paid for an investigation team and auditors to carry out probes at the hotel because they believe it is being "seriously mismanaged" by an arm of the Marriott International group.



The Commercial Court heard yesterday that the owners want to terminate a 20-year contract with the management company, Torriam Hotel Operating.

The contract was signed two years ago, with the hotel re-opening its doors six months later as the largest five-star hotel in the capital, with features including a 24-carat gold coated ceiling in the lobby and the stunningly-refurbished Horseshoe Bar.

But Brian O'Moore, legal counsel for the owners, said yesterday that, if the level of alleged mismanagement identified to date remained uncorrected, the hotel's reputation and iconic status as 'The Grand Old Lady of the Green' would be tarnished.

Breakdown

The owners claim their auditors identified a "systematic breakdown" in the financial controls at the 265-room hotel. Among the concerns was the resignation of the hotel's finance director last June, to be replaced by a Marriott "task force".

Mr O'Moore said that the auditor's initial assessment was that the financial control and accounting functions within the hotel were "weak", and a Marriott representative admitted to the auditor that the system breakdown at the hotel was the worst she had ever seen.

After the auditor's work, the owners were informed by Torriam that the hotel had sustained losses of €65,309 for the year to the end of December 2007. The defendant had earlier indicated a net profit of over €1.4m for the same period.

In an affidavit before the Commercial Court yesterday, one of the hotel's owners, oil magnate John Sweeney, said that no expense had been spared in refurbishing the Shelbourne prior to the reopening. The costs were put at €125m. They had previously been estimated at €83m.

Sense

Mr Sweeney said that the owners had negotiated the 20-year agreement with Torriam in August 2006, based on it being a prudent operator, but subsequent meetings with the management group had seen Torriam continuously defend operational decisions which made "no sense".

Among the areas of concern to Mr Sweeney was that wedding business was not being targeted by management, and that margins for 2008 were "looking no better" than 2007.

The owners later tried to get details of the number of people using the restaurant and bars at the hotel but never received "straight answers", he said.

The court was told that the probe, by an investigation company posing as customers, had pointed up a number of problems relating to receipts, reservations, restaurant, room service, functions, bar and front desk service.

Now the owners want to terminate the agreement with the management company and say they are not interested in Torriam's €1.2m offer to resolve the dispute.

Torriam denies any default of agreement has occurred justifying termination of the management agreement, and is seeking a stay on the owners' application for access to the books and records -- so the dispute may be referred to arbitration.

NEW HOTEL TO BE BUILT ON SPINNAKER SITE IN KNOCKNACARRA

Despite the recent downturn in the economy, there are plans to develop a brand new hotel in Knocknacarra.

The hotel will be constructed at the site of the Spinnaker House hotel in Knocknacarra. Ronan Lawless has been granted permission to construct a three and four storey mixed use development at Knocknacarra.

He originally applied for a nine storey development at the Spinnaker hotel but this was refused by Galway City Council, and the decision was upheld by An Bord Pleanala. Mr.Lawless will now construct a 26 bedroom hotel with public bar, lounge, dining room common reception area and 16 apartments’.

GEORGINA CAMPBELLS AWARD WINNERS 2008

HOTEL OF THE YEAR 2009:

Dromoland Castle, Co Clare

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR 2009:

Pearl Brasserie, Dublin

CHEF OF THE YEAR 2009

Richard Corrigan, Bentley’s Oyster Bar & Grill, Dublin

PUB OF THE YEAR 2009:

Balloo House, Killinchy, Co Down

BEST USE OF FRESH INFREDIENTS AWARD 2009

sponsored by Bord Bia:Mustard Seed at Echo Lodge, Ballingarry, Co Limerick

SEAFOOD RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR 2009

sponsored by BIM:O’Connor’s Seafood Restaurant, Bantry, Co Cork

SEAFOOD BAR OF THE YEAR 2009

sponsored by BIM:The Lobster Pot, Carne, Co Wexford

FOOD EXTRA AWARD 2009

sponsored by Fáilte Ireland:Longueville House, Mallow, Co Cork - own farm, fishing, organic gardens, mushroom hunts/foraging, own vineyard & wine, apple brandy, gift preserves & other food gift items.

NATURAL FOOD AWARD 2009

sponsored by Fáilte Ireland:Rathmullan House, Rathmullan, Co Donegal

HIDEAWAY OF THE YEAR 2009

sponsored by Fáilte Ireland:Carrig House, Caragh Lake, Co Kerry

WATERWAYS HOSPITALITY AWARD

Sponsored by Waterways Ireland:The Oarsman, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co Leitrim

WINE AWARD OF THE YEAR 2009:

The Twelve, Barna, Co Galway

HOST OF THE YEAR 2009:

John Moriarty, Lord Baker’s, Dingle, Co Kerry

BUSINESS HOTEL OF THE YEAR 2009:

Kingsley Hotel, Cork City

FAMILY FRIENDLY HOTEL OF THE YEAR 2009:

Renvyle House Hotel, Co Galway

ETHNIC RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR 2009

sponsored by Patak’s / Blue Dragon:Jaipur Group, Dublin & Wicklow

ATMOSPHERIC RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR 2009:

Chez Hans, Cashel, Co Tipperary

NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR 2009:

Cliff House Hotel, Ardmore, Co Waterford

COUNTRY HOUSE OF THE YEAR 2009:

Ballyvolane House, Fermoy, Co Cork

GUESTHOUSE OF THE YEAR 2009:

Ard na Bréatha, Donegal Town

B&B OF THE YEAR 2009:

Heron’s Rest, Galway City

FARMHOUSE OF THE YEAR 2009:

Flemingstown House, Kilmallock, Co Limerick

IRISH BREAKFAST AWARDS 2009:

Hotel Breakfast: Lisloughrey Lodge, Cong, Co Mayo

Country House Breakfast: Ballyvolane Country House, Fermoy, Co Cork

Guesthouse Breakfast: Teach de Broc, Ballybunion, Co Kerry

B&B Breakfast: Heron’s Rest B&B, Galway, Co Galway

NATIONAL WINNER: Lisloughrey Lodge, Cong, Co Mayo

Europe Hotel & Resort, Killarney officially opens their ESPA

Europe Hotel and Resort, Killarney – Officially Opens their ESPA the largest in Ireland.

Located on the shores of Lough Lein, The 5 Star Europe Hotel and Resort has been welcoming guests for over fifty years and has reopened after a €70m facelift which includes the stunning 4,600 sq.m. spa called ESPA at The Europe spread over three levels.

From the moment you cross the threshold of the hotel you step into another world. A magnificent two story atrium with glass doors leads onto a garden terrace with a view of the lake and the mountains beyond which leaves you breathless. The 5 Star Europe Hotel and Resort is the perfect location for a conference, meeting, to dine or to stay.

The hotel’s beautifully appointed rooms and newly renovated suites epitomize luxury. Downstairs enjoy delicious food in the new Brasserie Restaurant or on the new terrace for alfresco dining. Relax and unwind in the refurbished Library or enjoy a pint of the black stuff in the Brasserie Bar.

“The Europe Hotel and Resort has all the comfort and facilities any traveller could need or want” says General Manager Michael Brennan.”

From fishing from our very own pier to horse riding, golf and tennis we firmly believe this 5 star resort has something for everyone.

And now with the opening of our spa – the only branded ESPA in Munster and one of the biggest in Ireland I believe we have another jewel in our crown”.

ESPA at The Europe officially opened its doors on Friday August 1st. With 16 treatment rooms, thermal suites, a private suite, Gym, Pilates and Tai Chi studio, relaxation rooms with lake views, an indoor infinity pool and 3 outdoor pool and a Spa café this is the perfect space to relax, unwind and take in the beauty of one of Irelands finest locations.

ESPA has created a series of holistic treatments for ESPA at The Europe. “At ESPA we want to give a genuinely holistic and restorative experience from the moment you walk through the door – and with ESPA products containing only the most natural of ingredients we ensure that every guest enjoys a truly personal and luxurious experience” says Eduard Dimitriu, Treatment. Manager of ESPA at The Europe.

The 2008 Listowel Food Fair

The 2008 Listowel Food Fair will take place from the 6th - 9th November and promises to bring the town to life with culinary delights for this the 14th year of the festival.

2008 Events
Events on this years programme include special guest Darina Allen of Ballymaloe House and Cookery School. Darina will officially launch the Fair and provide a cookery demonstration incorporation the local artisan food products from the local farmers market. The launch event will include a taste of local shellfish reception together with complimentary wine.

Consultant Dietician Aveen Bannon will give a nutrition and healthy eating seminar on the key nutritional issues in the Irish diet. Recent studies all focus on the increasing levels of obesity in Ireland but despite us growing in size as a nation we are still nutrition deplete. The key nutritional issues in Ireland include inadequate iron in the diet, calcium, omega-3 fatty acids and more. Aveen plans to address these dietary issues and advise on how we can change these statistics by changing our eating habits and attitudes to food. Aveen will help you to gain an understanding of the nuts and bolts of nutrition and will offer practical advice on everything from the importance of iron intake to healthy and nutritional meal ideas.

The National Farmhouse Cheese competition
The National Farmhouse Cheese competition takes place on Friday morning with cheese guru Juliet Harbutt of the British Cheese Awards in attendance together with Teagasc experts Eddie O’Neill and Sara McSweeney.

This year sees the launch of the Irish Food Book of the Year Competition with a prize fund of €1,000 for the best food book of the past year. The winners of the Bord Bia Quality Mark Schools competition will be announced on Friday evening with prizes for individual students, teachers- sponsored by Caterassist, and participating schools.

This competition aims to highlight the Quality Mark and promote its awareness among consumers. The Homebaker of the Year competition this year focuses on a Bown Soda Bread making competition to be judged by culinary experts from the local Tralee Institute of Technology Hotel and Catering Department.

This competition is sponsored by Caterassist.Saturday events include cake decorating and bread making classes and morning and afternoon children’s workshops, events in local supermarkets, the good food dining circle in local restaurants and a beer tasting event.

Sunday’s annual Food and Craft market takes place from 10am to 5.30pm and the fair comes to a close with a wine tasting evening. For more information contact 068 23433 or contact Listowel Food Fair.

Budget 2009: Hoteliers Call for Increased Banking Liquidity & Freeze in Tourism Related Taxes

Measures to improve banking liquidity and access to seasonal funding, a commitment to a minimum of €3 million in additional marketing funds for conferencing, business and golf tourism as well as a freeze on tourism related taxes are the key measures being called for in Budget 2009 by the Irish Hotels Federation (IHF).

In its pre-budget submission today, the IHF urges the Government to preserve the significant tourism success achieved by Ireland over the past 20 years which is now experiencing substantial downward pressures in the current challenging economic environment. These measures would put the sector on a more secure footing as hotels and guesthouses seek to trade through rapidly deteriorating market circumstances where access to financial assistance is constricted.

In its submission Consolidating the Achievements of Tourism presented to Minister for Finance, Brian Lenihan, T.D., the IHF calls on the Government to ensure sufficient and adequately priced credit facilities are available in the banking system for hotels and guesthouses requiring additional short term finance facilities. Failing that, the IHF calls for the introduction of a loan guarantee scheme to assist commercially sound hotels and guesthouses requiring short term financial assistance due to the current credit squeeze.

According to Matthew Ryan, President of the IHF, which represents 1,000 hotels and guesthouses, the sudden decline in the economic environment, has generated difficulties for the hotel industry which is being adversely affected by falling revenues and rising costs. “The industry has invested heavily over the recent years to expand stock, upgrade facilities and enhance the quality and range of its product offering in line with the Government’s tourism growth plan. The situation now calls for liquidity measures to be introduced to assist those commercially sound businesses to trade through a period of economic turbulence.”

“The industry is seeking to be as competitive as possible against a backdrop where energy, labour costs, interest rates and public services charges are eating into our efforts. Combined with exchange rates hampering our attractiveness in the dollar and sterling markets, this is having a real impact on the hotel sector in 2008. 53% of hotels and 59% of guesthouses did less business in Jan to June 2008 compared with 2007 with room occupancy rates down from 61% to 54% in 2008 to date. All major overseas tourism markets were substantially weaker with North America, Continental Europe and the British hotel bednights down 25%, 18% and 5% respectively – not a pleasant situation for businesses who have invested heavily in their premises and are now finding trading difficult and access to additional seasonal financial resources difficult due to the credit crunch,” says Mr Ryan.

The IHF key measures it is calling for in Budget 2009:

• Funding for tourism marketing: The IHF seeks an increase in real terms in the marketing budgets of Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland in order to maintain existing levels of marketing activity. Marketing spend is proven to generate a direct and immediate return in terms of increased tourism business. The IHF wants an additional allocation of €3 million for specific drives to attract new business/conference visitors. The national conference centre is due to come online in 2010 and must be poised to tap into this segment of the market, which is worth €200 billion worldwide. In addition, the Federation is calling for funding to be allocated to attract additional golf business by building on Ireland’s recent high profile international golf successes. Ireland has underperformed compared to the rest of Europe in relation to these market segments, and these now require dedicated marketing initiatives.
• Access to adequately priced credit facilities: The Federation is calling on the Government to include provisions in Budget 2009 to ensure there is sufficient and reasonably priced liquidity in the banking system to meet the increased financing needs of otherwise commercially sound hotels and guesthouses to see them through the lean 2008/09 period. The need for additional financial facilities comes at a time when banks are reluctant to extend additional credit and follows a period of strong increased investment by hotels and guesthouse to develop Ireland’s tourism product. Given the strategic importance of tourism to the Irish economy, it is vital that the Government ensure businesses within the sector are given the necessary breathing space and time for adjustment to the sudden, substantial deterioration in economic and financial trading environment.
• No increases in tourism related taxes and Charges: The IHF calls on the Minister to avoid any tax increases in tourism related products and services at national and local levels and to introduce a freeze on all public sector charges. The Federations calls on the Government to ensure the introduction of any carbon tax is revenue neutral and does not increase the tax burden for Irish businesses.

The IHF states that tourism has been a significant pillar of the Irish economy over the last 20 years. The largest indigenous industry in the country, it has over the years witnessed good and bad economic conditions and has clearly shown that the sector can be resilient if the right measures are adopted at Government level to maintain its buoyancy during periods of economic uncertainty.

“We need protective, prudent measures now so that the industry can be in a strong position to take best advantage of the market opportunities when the resumption of normal economic growth rates return in 2010. It is essential that the short term economic slowdown should not do long term harm to the tourism sector because protective measures where not put in place at this critical time,” states Matthew Ryan.

“Tourism is a large, strategically important industry which is deeply embedded in the Irish economy and should be supported in Budget 2009. Based on current trends, hotels are looking at potential reductions in average profit per room of up to 50%, resulting in serious short term financing problems for some of our member. Competitiveness clearly remains an issue requiring urgent action and this has been intensified by the international economic slowdown. We compete in a global market for both domestic and overseas tourists and are impacted by taxation, costs and marketing funding. These areas can be improved through appropriate fiscal measures in both taxation and expenditure policy in Budget 2009.”

“We recognise that the Government’s finances will be in a difficult position in 2009. However, we need the marketing budgets and financial liquidity issues to be dealt with immediately so that the sector is well positioned to take best advantage of improved circumstances in 2010,” concludes Mr Ryan.

The tourism industry is this country’s biggest indigenous employer with approximately 140,000 people employed in the sector. It is a major contributor to the economy and remains a substantial economic asset worthy of significant ongoing public policy support. In 2006, the Exchequer received €2.8 billion in taxation from tourism and, allowing for indirect and induced effects, tourism accounted for 3.8% of GNP in 2006. It provides employment in every single city, town and village in Ireland.

Economic contributions of the tourism
Over the longer term, the tourism and hotel industries have achieved substantial growth and have invested in skills, marketing, technology, products and services and physical facilities. The main economic contributions of the tourism industry include:

• Almost €5 billion in foreign exchange earnings in 2007 compared to €2.1 billion in 1995 and €4.3 billion in 2005
• 8.3 million visitors
• Domestic tourism expenditure of €1.5 billion in 2007
• Almost €3 billion in revenues to the exchequer from tourism in 2007
• Tourism accounted for about 4% of GNP
• Hospitality industry accounts for 250,000 full-time, part-time and seasonal jobs
• Greater spread of regional economic activity than most other industries
• 7% of services exports
• Provides a substantial entrepreneurial resource as the vast majority of tourism enterprises are small and medium enterprises.
• 57,000 people employed in the hotel and guesthouse sector – largest employer in the tourism sector
• 920 hotels with 60,000 rooms
• 360 guesthouses with 4,300 rooms
• Total of 64,300 hotel and guesthouse bedrooms in Ireland

New York's travel industry hit hard by economic slowdown

NEW YORK TIMES - OCTOBER

The travel industry has been hit hard by the economic slowdown, particularly in the last few weeks.

Airlines reported sharp declines in passenger traffic for September.

Hotel occupancy rates are down, and corporate travel managers are demanding new concessions on previously negotiated deals.



Cancellations are starting to rise even at four- and five-star hotels, which previously seemed immune to the economy’s travails. Months ago, the nation’s airlines, which are grounding some of their older jets, announced plans to cut 8 to 10 percent of their domestic flights after Labor Day, so traffic was expected to be down.

At the same time, the airlines planned to raise fares on their remaining flights.But passenger traffic is down beyond the cuts already planned. To be sure, fall is usually a slower season for air travel than spring and summer. Until the holiday season begins at Thanksgiving, flights are dominated by business travelers. So the slower traffic reflects the impact the business crisis is having on the airlines.

In September, the top seven airlines averaged a 9.47 drop in domestic passenger miles traveled compared with September 2007. Domestically and internationally, the major airlines carried 9.2 percent fewer passengers than in September 2007.

Hotels are also feeling the slowdown. In September, domestic hotel occupancy was down 5 percent from the previous September, according to Smith Travel Research. And the higher-price segment of the hotel industry, which had been holding its own, now also seems to be feeling the pain."For the last two weeks, cancellations of existing reservations are running about 50 percent above normal” at full-service hotels", said Bjorn Hanson, an associate professor at the Tisch Center for Hospitality, Tourism and Sports Management at New York University. "That niche — including five-star hotels and four-star hotels that do major business in conventions and meetings — has been propped up by corporate deals negotiated last spring, when “the balance of power was still on the side of the sellers," Mr. Hanson said. "While rates remain high", he added, "corporations locked into hotel contracts are intensely negotiating for concessions — free breakfasts, free use of fitness rooms, no charge for business center services, free late checkout."

Third-quarter profit fell 28 percent at Marriott International, which is considered an industry bellwether because of its big global presence and its wide range of hotel brands, from midlevel lodgings like Courtyard by Marriott to five-star luxury hotels like Ritz-Carlton.“At the Ritz-Carlton Central Park, normally filled with investment bankers and their clients, the entertainment industry and diplomats are filling rooms and restaurants now,” Arne Sorensen, Marriott’s chief financial officer, said.

SIPTU to ballot on Aer Lingus strike

SIPTU members in Aer Lingus decided this evening to ballot for all out industrial action.




National Industrial Secretary Gerry McCormack said "This is Irish Ferries Mark II. It represents a fire sale of good quality jobs by a management that can see no further than the next quarter's profit and loss sheet."

Aer Lingus set a deadline of 1 November for the implementation of a €74m cost-cutting programme involving up to 1,500 job cuts through redundancies and outsourcing. Up to 280 jobs will go at Shannon Airport as part of the plan. At a 2 1/2 hour meeting this afternoon, management told staff that €50m would have to be eliminated from staff costs.

They also said €14m would have to come from a reduction in advertising and distribution costs, airport costs and professional fees, and €10m from reducing the airline's long haul aircraft fleet from nine to eight.

There will be a voluntary severance or early retirement package on the same terms as in 2004 for cabin crew and ground staff in airports, catering and cargo divisions. Sick pay entitlements are to be reduced.

Contracts based on performance related pay will be introduced from January. Staff who do not take redundancy may transfer to a new service provider - but there will be no opportunity to redeploy within the airline.

15-month pay freeze for staff
Cabin crew bases at Shannon and Heathrow will be closed. Staff may be offered redeployment to Dublin or Cork or alternatively will face redundancy. Services from New York, Boston and San Francisco will be staffed with US based cabin crew from the summer of next year. The company will commence a programme to move head office to smaller more open plan facilities.

Earlier it emerged the airline was to impose a pay freeze until the end of 2009 under the cost cutting package. Staff are also to be given new contracts which will introduce performance related pay and abolish traditional increments. It is understood that the use of a US cabin crew on transatlantic flights has been proposed at the meeting.

The company has already reported losses of €22m for this year, and is forecasting potential losses of over €100m next year - depending on the cost of fuel. On Friday, the Aer Lingus board finally authorised management to proceed with what it described as a cost reduction programme to deliver substantial savings necessary to ensure the company's long-term viability as an independent airline.

The company also stressed that the cost savings must be delivered as a matter of urgency. It is also believed that the company is not prepared to engage in a lengthy negotiating process, and wants to commence implementation of cost cuts in 2009. However, unions are likely to highlight that staff have already made significant productivity concessions both in the Survival Plan of 2001 and in the recent cost-cutting programme agreed in the summer.

SIPTU has indicated that it is totally opposed to any outsourcing, which would predominantly affect its members.

Dunne critic attacks illegal ad banners at D4 hotel site

Two illegal advertising banners which appeared on the railings of property developer Seán Dunne's controversial Jury's Hotel in Ballsbridge last week have been condemned by one of his most vocal adversaries, Fine Gael TD Lucinda Creighton.

Against the backdrop of An Bord Pleanála's public hearing in Croke Park of the planning appeal for Dunne's controversial skyscraper tower in Dublin 4, Dublin City Council confirmed that no permission had been sought to display the advertising banners. A spokeswoman for the council said an enforcement officer was being despatched and a warning notice would be issued to the hotel that the banners were in breach of regulations.

"The rules are pretty clear. I'm sure Mr Dunne is well enough acquainted with the planning regulations to know he needs permission," said Dublin South East TD Creighton. "It's another show of disregard for the residents and a disregard for the rules, just as his planning application is a flagrant contravention of the Dublin city development plan."

Dunne and Creighton have previously locked horns. At the Croke Park hearing, she alleged that supporters of the property developer had "intimidated" residents who attended a meeting she organised to debate the plans for the hotel site. The head-turning red plastic banners, tied to the railings beside the hotel's main entrance on Pembroke Road and at the junction of Lansdowne Road, are advertising €99-a-night room rates in blue and white lettering, under the slogan, "Visit D4hotels.ie – where smart people go". In smaller, inked handwriting, the words "temporary sign" appear on each banner.

Dunne set a land price record for the prestigious south Dublin suburb when he paid €370m for the seven acres containing Jury's, Jury's Towers and the Berkeley Court hotels. His plans incorporate a 37-storey tower as well as a multi-storey embassy complex, offices, apartments, a hotel and an underground shopping centre. A resident of Dublin 4 himself, his billionaire fellow resident Dermot Desmond is one of the proposed development's staunchest opponents.

Dunne's contingency plan to run the property as a hotel while awaiting planning permission to proceed has been blighted by rifts with business associates. John Brennan, managing director of the five-star Park Hotel in Kenmare, briefly operated the hotel business, while the well-known publican Charlie Chawke ran the Dubliner Bar, before both men fell out with Dunne separately and acrimoniously.

An Bord Pleanála is expected to make its verdict on the planning appeal known by Christmas.

Belfast Hilton faces legal action from GAA fan

A five-star Belfast hotel is facing legal action over claims it refused to show last month's All-Ireland football final on television.

A solicitor's letter has been sent to the Hilton Hotel following allegations that staff told customers the Tyrone-Kerry match would not be screened.

Brian Corey, a GAA fan from the Ormeau Road in Belfast, claims the refusal to show the match was an affront to his dignity and national identity. His solicitor has now gone to court seeking damages, claiming a breach of the law covering services provided by hotels.

The Hilton has rejected any suggestion of discrimination. A spokeswoman said they were unable to show the All-Ireland final as they were already screening a football match between Chelsea and Manchester United. She said this was linked to a food and beverage promotion in the hotel which a number of guests were enjoying at the time.

'QE2' docks for the last time in Cobh harbour

THE QE2 has paid its final visit to Cobh before sailing off into the sunset to become a floating hotel.

Hundreds of people gathered along the quayside and up on the high road to watch the 40-year-old Cunard Line ship as it rounded Roches Point yesterday and made its way up the harbour before berthing in the historic harbour town shortly after 3pm.

The QE2 may not be the world's biggest liner but, at some 293 metres (960ft) long and 70,000 tonnes, it still took four tugs to nudge the ship in close to the pontoon on the quayside so that lines could be attached.

Port of Cork commercial manager Capt Michael McCarthy said that the QE2 , which has sailed 5.6 million nautical miles since being commissioned in 1969, had come to Cobh a day earlier than planned after bad weather prevented it from berthing in Cherbourg. He said Cobh was savouring the chance to pay a final farewell. "It's her fifth time coming to Cork harbour but previously she moored off Whitegate and at the deepwater berth at Ringaskiddy," Capt McCarthy said, "but since we invested €8 million in extending the berth here in Cobh, we can take longer ships with deeper draughts."

Chairman of Cobh Tourism Hendrick Verwey said the QE2 coming a day earlier had added to the excitement while also giving people a greater opportunity to see the liner. To mark the QE2's final visit to Cobh, the port of Cork is launching its new multimedia experience Exiles at the Cobh Cruise Terminal today.

Nine Enforcement Orders Served in September

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) today stated that nine Enforcement Orders were served on food businesses during the month of September for breaches of food safety legislation pursuant to the FSAI Act, 1998.

The Orders were issued by environmental health officers (EHOs) in HSE Dublin Mid Leinster region, HSE Dublin North East region, HSE West region and HSE South region.

Closure Orders were served on:

• Mullallys grocery (storage areas only), Main Street, Roscrea, Tipperary.
• Wax/Spy public house (basement and stores), Powerscourt Townhouse, Dublin 2.
• Wax/Spy public house, Powerscourt Townhouse, Dublin 2.
• Ely Winebar and Café (part of basement), 22/23 Ely Place, Dublin 2.
• Fortune Star House take-away, 1 Terminus Villas, Turkey Road, Tramore, Co Waterford.
• Five Alley Bar and Restaurant: Food preparation and storage areas (not bar or bar store), Carrigatogher, Nenagh, Tipperary.
• China Garden take-away, Unit 3 Supervalu Centre, Drogheda Street, Balbriggan, Co Dublin.
  

Prohibition Orders were served on:

• Wax/Spy public house, Powerscourt Townhouse, Dublin 2.
• Ely Winebar and Café, 22/23 Ely Place, Dublin 2
  

Dr John O’Brien, Chief Executive, FSAI, expressed concern at the very high number of Enforcement Orders that had to be issued in September. “The number of Enforcement Orders issued in September represents the highest number of Orders issued in one month so far this year. We continue to stress to food businesses that it is their responsibility to adhere to best practice set down in law or there will be consequences such as Enforcement Orders. Our main priority is the safety of the consumer in relation to food, and the food they purchase must be produced to the highest standards attainable.”

Details of the food businesses served with these Enforcement Orders are published on the FSAI’s website. Closure Orders will remain listed on the website for a period of three months from the date of when a premises is adjudged to have corrected its food safety issue, with Prohibition Orders being listed for a period of one month.

Hotel & Catering Review Awards Gold Medal Winners

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GOLD MEDAL AWARD WINNERS 2008

FIVE STAR HOTELS
The Merrion Hotel, Dublin 2.


FOUR STAR HOTELS
The Brehon, Killarney, Co.Kerry.


THREE STAR HOTELS
Killeen House Hotel, Killarney, Co.Kerry.


COUNTRY HOUSES & TOWNHOUSES
Rathsallagh Country House, Dunlavin, Co. Wicklow.


FINE DINING
MacNean House, Blacklion, Co.Cavan.

BISTROS
Bijou, Rathgar, Dublin 6.


ETHNIC RESTAURANTS
Saba, Dublin 2.

.

CASUAL DINING
Ely HQ, Dublin 2.


CAFÉS & COFFEE SHOPS
Leon, Exchequer Street, Dublin 2.


WINE EXPERIENCE
Sheen Falls Lodge, Kenmare, Co.Kerry.


INDUSTRIAL CATERING
AIB Group Catering, Bankcentre, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4.

INSTITUTIONAL CATERING
University College Hospital Galway (Aramark/ Campbell Catering), Galway


INTERNATIONAL HOTEL GROUPS
Starwood Hotels & Resorts


DOMESTIC HOTEL GROUPS
Hotel Partners

Maldron Hotels

From September, nine of the Quality and Comfort Hotels acquired by Dalata Ltd last year will be rebranded to become Maldron Hotels. The hotels, which have in excess of 1,500 bedrooms, are located in Cork, Dublin, Galway, Limerick, Portlaoise and Wexford. The two properties in Clonakilty and Youghal, which are operated as management contracts, will continue as Quality Hotels.

Karina Dunne, Group Marketing & Sales Manager, states, “We are very excited about launching a new brand in Irish hospitality. This re-branding is not just simply a name change; it provides us with the opportunity to strengthen our mid-market position and create a strong identity for an Irish brand in both domestic and international markets.”

At Your Service

At Your Service is a brand new eight part series on RTÉ One presented by expert hoteliers Francis and John Brennan from the 5 star Park Hotel Kenmare.




They'll be giving business makeovers to a selection of B & B's, guesthouses and small hotels throughout Ireland that need urgent help with a range of different problems.

The Brennans bring years of experience of running a successful hotel and they hope to inspire others to up their game and bring in new business.

The Brennans' advice covers all areas; they look at staffing, analyze catering arrangements and suggest new menus, they inspect every room and advise about redecoration (both inside and out) and they look for new ways to exploit the less obvious assets of each property.

Francis Brennan conducts the main inspection and devises an overall strategy. His brother John looks at money issues, explores new marketing opportunities and suggests ways to develop in the future.

However, it's no easy challenge given strong competition from new hotel chains and the economic recession.

The owners themselves have also to be convinced that the Brennans' ideas are in their best interests and worth investing in.