Irish Hotel Federation Mayo branch names Employee of the Year

Beatrix Szoregi of Knockranny House Hotel and Spa has been named the 2025/2026 Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) Mayo Branch Employee of the Year.

The announcement was made at a celebratory awards lunch in the Knock House Hotel, where representatives from hotels and guesthouses across the county gathered to recognise 11 nominees who have made an outstanding contribution to their workplaces.

Ms Szoregi was nominated by her employer. She has worked at Knockranny House Hotel and Spa for nine years and currently works as a spa therapist. Judges praised her commitment to exceptional customer service, her analytical approach to improving the spa experience for guests, and her strong collaborative work with colleagues across departments.

Mayo Chair Declan Heneghan said the judging panel was impressed by Ms Szoregi’s consistent professionalism and dedication to enhancing the guest experience.

“Beatrix demonstrates an outstanding commitment to customer service and continually looks for ways to improve how the spa operates for the benefit of guests. Her collaborative approach with team members across the hotel was also a key factor in the decision,” he said.

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Pictured at the announcement of this year's awards were winners and nominees, back, from left: Ebenezer Okewumni (Ashford Castle); Cedric Begue (The Lodge at Ashford Castle); Oisin Coen (Breaffy House Resort), winner of Rising Star Award and Weronika Formanek (Clew Bay Hotel). Front row: Michael Magner, Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) National President; Breifne Loftus (Westport Plaza Hotel); Ann McHale (Knock House Hotel), winner of Outstanding Contribution to the Hospitality Profession Award; Beatrix Szoregi (Knockranny House Hotel and Spa), IHF Mayo Branch Employee of the Year; Siofra Barrett (Great National Hotel Ballina); Maria Rodulfo (The Grace, Westport Estate); Deirdre Fitzsimons, IHF Director of People Services and Declan Heneghan, IHF Mayo Branch Chair. Pic: Conor McKeown

Colleagues at Knockranny House Hotel & Spa described Ms Szoregi as someone who “goes out of her way to welcome guests to the spa with a warm and genuine caring manner,” adding that she is always willing to adapt treatments at short notice to ensure guests receive what they need on the day.

IHF President Michael Magner also congratulated all nominees at the event, highlighting the strength of the hospitality sector nationally and in Mayo.

“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 employs 69,000 people nationwide, including around 6,000 in Mayo,” he said.

Ms Szoregi will now go on to represent the Mayo branch at the National IHF Employee of the Year Awards, which will take place during the IHF Annual Conference in Gleneagle, Killarney, in late February.

The Irish tourism and hospitality sector remains one of the country’s largest indigenous employers, supporting approximately 270,000 livelihoods across 20,000 businesses nationwide, generating around €10 billion in annual revenue and more than €2.9 billion in tax contributions to the State.