More than 300 people celebrated the return of Midlands 103’s Hospitality Awards in a lavish event to honour the best of the local region in Ireland.
The celebrations at the Midlands Park Hotel in Portlaoise on Monday night recognised those working in the hospitality sector in Laois, Offaly and Westmeath, with more than 10,000 votes counted to create the shortlist. Tindle station Midlands 103 serves communities across Laois, Offaly and Westmeath.
The businesses were then visited by an independent judging panel, which included Michelin Star Restaurateur Sallyanne Clarke and Tim Husbands, CEO of Leopardstown Racecourse.
The judges spent several days trekking the rural roads of the region to find this year’s 51 winners across five categories.
The big winners on the night included The Killeshin, Portlaoise, which was crowned Hotel of the Year, with Wineport Lodge in Athlone taking the title of Restaurant of the Year and Gilleran’s Bar in Mullingar again scooping Pub of the Year.
Albert tribute
A new award was added to this year’s event to remember Midlands 103’s Albert Fitzgerald, who passed away in August.
His son Stephen presented the Albert Award for Overall Marketing/Salesperson of the Year to Donal O’Gorman, Managing Director, The Bog Road, Kilminchy.
The annual event is presented by Midlands 103 in conjunction with Laois and Offaly County Councils and various commercial partners.
Managing Director Will Faulkner congratulated all the companies who took part.
Wills aid: “These awards reflect the view of listeners and customers first and foremost because nobody gets on the shortlist without their support.
“All nominees are therefore among the best of the best and we’re delighted to put on a showcase celebration that gives them a richly deserved pat on the back in challenging times.”
To read the full story including the roll of honour of winners visit the Midlands 103 website.