Tell us a little bit about yourself and your current role

I’m originally from County Limerick, and from an early stage I knew I wanted a people-focused career in hospitality. That led me to study hospitality at the L.I.T which it was back then, where I built the foundation for what has become a steadily progressive and rewarding career.

Today, I’m General Manager of Absolute Hotel Limerick, which is currently transitioning to become Talbot Hotel Limerick. It’s a significant leadership role and an exciting opportunity to guide the next stage of the hotel’s evolution while leading a strong and committed team.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, getting outdoors, and travelling, which continues to influence my approach to hospitality and guest experience.

What path led you to where you are today?

My career has been built on consistent progression and a clear drive to take on greater responsibility. After graduating from L.I.T., I entered the industry in accommodation operations and quickly advanced through Duty Manager and Senior Duty Manager roles, before stepping into Operations Manager positions over a 15-year period with the Só Hotel Group. Also having worked within the Hilton & Ramada Groups over the years.

Each stage of my career added a new layer of responsibility, from managing day-to-day operations to leading teams and driving service standards across entire departments.

I then progressed into my first Hotel Manager role at Castletroy Park Hotel, where I led the property for four years. That role marked a major step up, giving me responsibility for hotel performance, team leadership, and guest experience strategy.

I am now General Manager of Absolute Hotel Limerick, currently transitioning to Talbot Hotel Limerick, where I continue to build on that progression by leading both people and performance at a senior level. Contributing to the rebranding of the Absolute Hotel is underway so this very exciting to be part of.

What do you love most about the work you do?

What I enjoy most is the responsibility and the impact. No two days are ever the same, and every decision has the potential to improve both the guest experience and team performance.

I take real pride in developing people and seeing team members progress in their own careers. Building strong, high-performing teams and creating a culture where standards are consistently delivered is one of the most rewarding parts of the role.

Being involved in the rebranding of Absolute Hotel Limerick into Talbot Hotel Limerick also adds a strong sense of momentum — it’s an opportunity to lead change and shape the future of the property.

Looking back, how did your time at TUS influence your career or outlook?

My time at the TUS gave me a strong foundation in hospitality, discipline, and professionalism.

It was also where I began to understand the standards and expectations of the industry, and where I developed confidence in working in a people-driven environment. Experiences like our trip to Paris really brought the industry to life and helped shape my ambition to progress within it.

What advice would you give to current students or recent graduates?

Be willing to start at the beginning and focus on learning every part of the business. Every role is a stepping stone, and each one builds the skills you need to progress.

In hospitality, progression comes to those who consistently deliver, show strong attitude, and take ownership of their development. Your reputation builds quickly in this industry, so standards matter from day one.

If you stay committed and keep pushing forward, progression will follow.

What’s one memory from your student days that stands out?

Our trip to Paris stands out as a defining experience. It gave us exposure to international hospitality standards and different ways of operating, while also strengthening friendships and teamwork. It was both professionally insightful and personally memorable.

How do you stay connected to the TUS community?

I keep up to date on social media and stay in touch with classmates from my time in Limerick Institute of Technology. It’s great to see how everyone has progressed.

What does an alumni community mean to you?

It’s about connection, shared experience, and support.

It’s a network of people who started in the same place but have taken different paths, while still sharing a common foundation. In hospitality, it can also be a valuable professional network built on trust and shared experience.

What’s next for you?

My focus is firmly on leading the continued development and successful rebranding of Absolute Hotel Limerick into Talbot Hotel Limerick.

Long term, I want to keep growing as a leader, developing strong teams, and mentoring people coming into the industry. For me, its about continuous growth, making positive impact & investing in people - "leaving the ladder down for the next generation coming behind me"