I began working in Hospitality when I was 15, as a kitchen assistant /waiting person. I worked in a family run, small restaurant and found I loved the fast paced environment but more so the personal attention given to the guests. I knew I wanted to work in hospitality and proceeded to do so against all advice from family and am still here 25 years on.
I chose business studies courses for my leaving cert with accountancy as in senior management I felt at the time a certain level of understanding is required. I have come to realise that there are not really subjects required for hosptality and tourism, a lot relies on common sense and an attention to detail /practical way of doing things. Languages are obviously of benefit.
I changed jobs to work in golf courses and again enjoyed the demanding nature but was won over more so by the comradery amongst staff.
I attended Cathal Brugha street and obtained my Bachelors degree in business and hospitality management. As subjects go, strategic management and economics are probably the most helpful, issues re supply and demand, management of the external environment and the importance of being proactive rather than reactive to changes. I made friends in college many of whom I am still in touch but some remain by best friends.
All through college I worked part time in golf club settings as restaurant supervisor. In 3rd year I did my placement in Galway in Glenlo Abbey, which at the time was Galways only 5 star hotel. Again Family owned and run. A Spanish manager named David was my main influence while there, he taught me Flambé service (now banned for insurance purposes), working on the carriages of the orient express and river room restaurant, I found my calling in fine dining service.
My first “real” hotel Job was in the davenport hotel – part of the Callaghan hotel group. I interviewed with HR looking for a job as a receptionist with the aim of getting experience in all departments before I would proceed to Management. I felt I was lacking in an administrative capacity and explained all this to the HR manager.
I started in the Alex on reception and after 1 day was offered a position in The davenport as duty manager. I accepted. I stayed there for 18months. The city life after work was fantastic – heading over to the Gingerman after hours with the other management team from the Mont and alex was Part of the course.
A Fiancé and a house move at age 23 meant I was looking for a new job, the commute from the Cavan / Meath border to Dublin Daily was a killer. One of the benefits of hospitality industry – it’s easy to relocate. I applied for a position in Cabra castle hotel, interview on Thursday 6th Nov 2003, commenced on the 10th Nov. 2003 as duty manager. I worked my way from Junior DM (assistant manager) to senior manager, to deputy Gm over the course of my time, all while getting married and having 3 children. I never went looking for a promotion – hard work is generally rewarded in the hospitality industry.
While working within the organisation I took issues such as health & safety, staff training, recruitment, insurance issues on board – my role was very varied administratively as well as operationally. In October 2018, Howard Corscadden asked if I would be interested in an administrative role, doing HR and health and safety for the 4 hotel in the group. I was delighted to accept. I felt I need a bit more qualifications therefore I recommenced college and obtained a higher diploma in Human resource development and training doing a night time course, as well as training as Manual handling instructor and fire warden instructor. I found that this is where I love to be the most – helping the staff on the floor, making sure they know what they are doing and doing it safely.