Newly elected Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) president Matt O’Connor, Minister Peter Burke, Josephine Hughes (Mullingar Park Hotel) and outgoing IHF president Michael Magner.

Managing director of Mullingar Park Hotel appointed IHF president

Published: Wed 25 Feb 2026, 1:00 PM

Last updated: Wed 25 Feb 2026, 1:23 PM

Managing director of Mullingar Park Hotel Matt O’ Connor has been appointed as president of the Irish Hotels Federation.

Mr O’Connor was appointed to the role at a gala dinner in Killarney on February 24 during the IHF annual conference.

Matt was appointed vice-president in 2024 and he has now made the natural ascension to the role of president.

He has chaired several of the IHF midlands branches and has been a member of the IHF National Council and management committee.

Minister Peter Burke was in attendance for the first day of the conference.

Congratulating Matt on the appointment, he said: “Matt O’Connor, alongside Josephine Hughes and the entire management team at Mullingar Park Hotel, represents the very best of Irish hospitality.

“Their commitment to excellence, customer service and community engagement has made Mullingar Park Hotel a flagship business in the midlands and a valued employer locally.

“It is a source of great pride for Mullingar and for the wider region to see a local hotelier elected to such a significant national leadership role.

“I have no doubt that Matt will bring energy, experience and strong leadership to the Irish Hotels Federation at an important time for the sector.

“I wish him every success as he takes up the presidency and continues to champion Ireland’s hospitality industry.”