Former professional performer and choreographer Michael Flatley, was honoured with the Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) President’s Award 2025 at the IHF’s Annual Conference, held at the Gleneagle Hotel & INEC in Killarney, Co. Kerry on Tuesday 25th of February 2025.
Each year at the Annual Conference the IHF President’s Award is presented to an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to tourism and Ireland. Previous recipients of the IHF President’s Award are Dr Martin Naughton, Dr Tom Kavanagh, Professor Mary McAleese, Paul Carty, Anna Mae McHugh, Donie Cassidy, JP McManus, Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh and Michael Noonan.
Michael Magner, President, IHF along with IHF CEO Paul Gallagher presented him with a painting of ‘The Point Depot’ in Dublin by artist Peter Pearson. The President’s Award is the highest accolade that the IHF can bestow on anyone and was presented in recognition of Mr. Flatley’s immense contribution to Irish tourism and culture. Renowned for revolutionising Irish dance, his productions, Riverdance, Lord of the Dance, Feet of Flames, Celtic Tiger Live, and Michael Flatley’s Christmas Dance Spectacular have captivated over 60 million people worldwide.
Speaking at the Awards Ceremony during the IHF’s Annual Gala Dinner, IHF President Michael Magner said, ‘Michael Flatley has made an enormous contribution to Ireland, to Irish society, to enriching and creating world awareness of our culture and Irish tourism. ‘His legacy as a transformative figure in dance and entertainment remains unparalleled’.
