Nathan was nominated by his employer the Hayfield Manor, Cork
Nathan Sweeney, Front Office Supervisor at Hayfield Manor has been announced as the 2024/2025 Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) Cork Branch ‘Employee of the Year’.
The announcement was made at an awards ceremony at the Cork International Hotel, where guests gathered to celebrate and recognise 20 nominees from hotels and guesthouses across Cork who have made an outstanding contribution to their workplace.
Speaking at the event, IHF Cork Branch Chair, Ciaran Fitzgearld said: “The IHF Employee of the Year Awards is a very special day in our calendar, where we celebrate and recognise the incredible people we have in our industry in Cork. Twenty nominees and representatives from close to seventy hotels attended a full awards ceremony at the wonderful Cork International Hotel where five overall winners were announced including one overall winner who will go on to represent Cork at the National Awards. A huge congratulations to all the nominees and to everyone who played their part in a fantastic event.”
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 Cork.
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 “Nathan 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”.
Speaking about the awards ceremony, Caroline Reidy, Managing Director of The HR Suite and judge for the awards said: “After interviewing 20 talented individuals from Cork’s vibrant hotel industry, it’s clear that the future of hospitality is in great hands. Each nominee showcased exceptional dedication and passion, and we couldn’t be more excited to celebrate their achievements. Cork truly shines as a hub of talent, and we’re proud to recognize the rising stars who are shaping the industry’s tomorrow.”
Other presentations on the day included:
- Environmental Impact Champion: Maja Pulczynska, Accommodation Supervisor, Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa
- People and Culture Award: Mill Burke, Chef, The Metropole Hotel Cork
- Rising Star Award: Albert Roso Cazamajo, F&B Supervisor, The Montenotte Hotel
- Game-Changer Award: Diego Flores Pino, Business Analyst, Hotel Isaac
The IHF Cork Branch extends its gratitude to the expert judging panel of Caroline Reidy, Managing Director, the HR Suite and Dr Noel Murray, Head of Department, Tourism & Hospitality, Munster Technological University (MTU) who had the difficult job of selecting a winner from the nominees.
The members of the IHF Cork Branch now wish Nathan the very best of luck as he goes on to represent them 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 this coming February.
