Laois woman honoured for her service to popular hotel at regional awards ceremony

A Laois woman has been crowned 'Employee of the Year' at the 2026 Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) Awards.

Catherine Phelan, Senior Accommodation Assistant at Ballyfin Demesne in Laois, was announced as the 'Employee of the Year' within the IHF Midlands Branch at the awards ceremony at the Radison Blu Hotel in Athlone.

The awards celebrated and recognised 12 nominees from hotels and guesthouses across the Midlands who have made an outstanding contribution to their workplace. 

Catherine has worked at Ballyfin Demesne for 16 years as a Senior Accommodation Assistant and is one of the longest serving members of the team.

Catherine was recommended for the award by her colleagues who described her as a trusted and valued member of the team. The Ballyfin Demesne staff said they would be delighted to see her recognised for her outstanding contribution to the hotel.

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

The members of the IHF Midlands Branch wished Catherine the very best of luck as she will go on to represent them at the upcoming National IHF Employee of the Year Awards which will be held during the IHF’s Annual Conference at the Gleneagle Hotel in Killarney on February 23 and 24. 

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At the event, IHF President, Michael Magner congratulated all nominees, saying: "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."