Peers elect O'Connor for major IHF role
A leading figure in the Irish hospitality sector, Matt O’Connor, managing director of the Mullingar Park Hotel, has this week been elected vice-president of the Irish Hotels Federation (IHF), the national organisation of the hotel and guest house sector.
The IHF represents over 900 hotels and guest houses, which employ 65,000 people throughout the country, and the other two people at the helm are IHF president Michael Magner and fellow vice-president Colm Neville.
Mr O’Connor has been with the Mullingar Park Hotel since its inception 21 years ago, and he has been an active member of the IHF since 2008.
He brings extensive experience to the role of vice-president having previously served as chair of the IHF’s Midlands Branch and as a member of the IHF National Council and management committee.
“It is a tremendous honour to have been elected vice-president by fellow members of the Irish Hotels Federation,” Mr O’Connor said.
He said that a particular focus for the hotels sector is the need for additional government supports and measures to mitigate the high costs under which tourism and hospitality businesses are operating.
“This is an increasing challenge for us from a competitiveness perspective, and it requires swift action from the government,” he stated.
Mr O’Connor said that hotels and guest houses the length and breadth of the country make an important contribution to Irish tourism and the wider economy.
“I look forward to representing our sector over the coming months, working closely with my IHF colleagues to engage with government and industry partners to address the challenges facing our industry,” he said.
Congratulating Mr O’Connor on his election, IHF president Michael Magner said: “I want to congratulate Matt on his election as vice-president. Matt’s commitment to our sector and extensive experience are a great asset to the IHF as we continue to advocate for members at the highest levels of government.”
He said tourism is Ireland’s largest indigenous employer, and it plays a vital role in supporting more than 270,000 livelihoods.
“It is therefore critical that the right conditions are in place to deliver a sustained recovery for our sector and wider tourism industry so that it lives up to its full potential.
“I look forward to working with Matt to deliver our key priorities in relation to economic growth, leadership in sustainability and supporting people development within our sector.”