A Laois man has won a major award at the IHI Hospitality Management Awards (HMAs) which took place ln the Clayton Hotel on Burlington Road recently.
Killashee Hotel General Manager, Ger Alley from Durrow, was awarded Hotelier of the Year.
Having served as General Manager of the Heritage in Killenard, Ger moved to Killashee in 2022 – a place where he had previously served as duty manager for 15 years.
Indeed it was a great night for the hotel as another employee, Phillip Gleeson, was awarded Executive Head Chef of the Year.
Having graduated from Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology in 2007 with a BA in International Business & Hotel Management, Ger started his career as the Duty Manager at what was then Killashee House Hotel.
Ger, whose family owned the popular Copper Kettle restaurant in Durrow for many years, was awarded General Manager of the Year at The Hotel Awards 2019.
He joined FBD Hotels & Resorts as General Manager of The Heritage Hotel & Spa Killenard, Co Laois in January 2019 and oversaw an extensive refurbishment programme at the hotel.
Previous to this Ger was Director of Food and Beverage at The K Club in Kildare.
The Hospitality Management Awards are a prestigious celebration of excellence within the hospitality industry.
An annual event, the awards honour outstanding individuals in the hospitality industry, recognising their professionalism, dedication, leadership and innovation.
The focus is on the individuals who make the industry thrive, acknowledging both their leadership and the impact they have on shaping high standards of service, innovation, and teamwork.
Nominated by their colleagues or managers, nominees are assessed through a rigorous judging process that evaluates leadership, technical expertise, continuous learning and the innovation and enthusiasm they bring to their roles.
 which took place ln the Clayton Hotel on Burlington Road recently. ){kind=link}