Action Recruitment News

Action Moves to the Cloud

2009-08-25T13:55:00.002+01:00

Action recruitment, in conjunction with Nostra Systems, has moved their business to the cloud! This means that all Action recruiters can work from virtually anywhere, office, home, starbucks or client offices with full access to all the systems and information needed.

We see this as a move towards the future and we will continue to provide a world class recruitment service to the hospitality industry in Ireland & abroad.

"The real beauty of this system is we can now spend more time with clients and candidates allowing us to deliver a faster, newer and better service than ever before." Brian Fahy.

“In a dynamic world how we do business needs to change. Action have taken a move that will allow them deliver a radically different service to the recruitment sector that everyone will benefit from" Kevin O Loughlin, Managing Director Nostra Systems

Allied to the above we are now making our presence felt on Linkedin, Twitter and Facebook.

Action Recruitment attends the 14th Annual Janus Awards - Europa Hotel, Belfast

2009-05-20T15:32:00.007+01:00

Action Recruitment attends the 14th Annual Janus Awards for professionalism in the Grand Ballroom, Europa Hotel, Belfast

(above - left to right) Kevin Smith chairman of the HCIMA, Joyce Dolan from Action Recruitment, Alan Doherty from Action Recruitment

(above - left to right) Alan Doherty from Action Recruitment, John Toner of Hastings Hotels, Joyce Dolan from Action Recruitment

(above - left to right) Winner of Manager Rooms Gareth Macklin from Malone Lodge Hotel & Joyce Dolan from Action Recruitment

(above - left to right) Outstanding Contribution Award winner Tom Davis Skandia, Olio, Aldens restaurants & Alan Doherty from Action Recruitment

And the winners are.......

General Manager of the Year Large Business - Mark Walker Hilton NI
General Manager of the Year Small Business - Brendan Toland Belfast Castle & Malone House
Education Initiative of the Year - Deborah Ferguson Southern Regional College
Training Initiative of the Year - Cara Macklin Malone Lodge Hotel

Food & Beverage Category:

Bar Manager of the Year - Henk Compier Armagh City Hotel
Food Manager of the Year - John Slevin Armagh City Hotel
Junior Food & Beverage Manager of the Year - Joseph Mowbray Premier Inn

Rooms Category:

Rooms Manager of the Year - Gareth Macklin Malone Lodge Hotel
Junior Rooms Manager of the Year - Simon Clarke Malone Lodge Hotel
Supplier of the Year - Steve Millership Crossgar Foodservice

Head Chef Category:

Restaurant - Andy Rea Mourne Seafood Bar
Large Scale - Dean Butler Malone Lodge Hotel
Student Management Potential - Bronagh Smith University of Ulster

Outstanding Contribution Award Tom Davis Skandia, Olio, Aldens restaurants

Congratulations to all this years winners

Action Recruitment Annual Climb for Charity 2009

2009-05-07T16:00:00.006+01:00

Action Recruitment Annual Climb

On Saturday 25th April 2009, Action Recruitment and friends climbed Diamond Mountain in the Connemara National Park in aid of The Catering Trust and The Ethiopian Centre for Independant Living. The weekend was a great success and we had excellent hospitality laid on by Ronnie Counihan and his staff at Renvyle House Hotel. In total €11,000 was raised for the two charities and we would like to express our thanks to all who supported us.

Base of Diamond Mountain in Connemara National Park (above)

Brian Fahy, Fergal O Connell, Leah Morris and Conor O Connell taking in the view (above)

Joan O Shaughnessy, Natasha Kinsella, Eamonn Geraghty and Stephen Williams surveying the landscape (above)

The Summit of Diamond Mountain (above)

Paul O'Toole appointed new Director General of FAS

2009-04-14T12:46:00.002+01:00

Appointment of new Director General

The Board of FÁS today announced the appointment of Mr. Paul O’Toole as its new Director General

Mr. O’Toole has been Chief Executive of Tourism Ireland since July 2001, which was established under the Terms of the Good Friday Agreement and operates under the auspices of the North/South Ministerial Council. Mr. O’Toole took over responsibility for the overseas promotion of tourism to the Island from the former Bord Fáilte and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board.

Mr. O’Toole is a native of Co. Wicklow. He is a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants and holds a Master of Business Studies degree from the UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate School of Business.

Mr. McLoone said that Mr. O’Toole is a highly committed individual with 18 years of senior management experience including seven and a half years in his current role as CEO.

Mr. O’Toole has had extensive exposure to both public and private sectors with significant experience of working with the political system, Government Departments and public and private sectors in both jurisdictions.

The FÁS Chairman, Mr. Peter McLoone, said that he was delighted that Mr. O’Toole had accepted the position.

Mr. O’Toole is expected to take up his position in the near future.

Published on 9th April 2009 www.fas.ie

Action Recruitment now on LinkedIn

2009-04-02T17:21:00.000+01:00

Action Recruitment is delighted to announce that we can now be found on www.linkedin.com under "Action Recruitment", a great way of keeping informed about what’s happening with us. You can also click on the link www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=878117&trk=hb_side_g and ask to join us....we are only a click away

Article printed in March 09's edition of Hotel & Catering Review

2009-04-01T14:30:00.004+01:00

It all began on 22nd July 2006, when Brian Fahy, Pat McCann, Douglas Jordan, Paul O Toole, Con Moriarty and Conor O Connell decided to climb Car-rauntuohill to raise funds for SOFT, and in the memory of their friend Gerry O Connor, and 4 years on the memory remains strong.

On the 25th and 26th of April 2009, a group of professionals from the Hotel and Catering Industry and friends of Action Recruitment will climb the mountains of Connemara to raise funds for 2 charities:

1. The Ethiopian Centre for Independent Living is a grassroots organisation of disabled people whose mission is to improve the lives of disabled people in Ethiopia.

2. The Catering Trust aims to assist the necessitous in the Hotel and Catering Industry and is operated through the IHI.

These are two very worthy causes and we would really appreciate your support in helping us to raise funds for these charities. The funding will be divided evenly between the two charities and you can donate directly by clicking on

http://www.mycharity.ie/charity_fundraiser_list.php?charityID=245

You can be assured that your transaction is very secure on the site and any donation no matter how small is hugely appreciated.

BookAssist Seminar

2009-03-25T16:57:00.002Z

Bookassist launches 2009 Seminar Series for Dublin, Cork, Galway on Strategies for building hotel business in the downturn

Leading technology and online strategy provider to the accommodation sector Bookassist (Bookassist.org) has announced its 2009 Seminar Series to help hotels get the most from effective marketing strategies online.

Bookassist will introduce research and concepts in the rapidly moving field of online trade and marketing with a strong emphasis on what hotels should be doing right now to best deal with the downturn and to be best positioned for the upturn when it comes.
Participants are strongly encouraged to bring a laptop for live interactive break out sessions. Shared Laptops will be more than adequate where 2 or 3 people are attending from the same Hotel or Company.

Who should attend?
General Managers, Sales Executives, Sales & Marketing Managers, Front Office Managers, Operations Managers, Yield Managers, Reservation Agents

Participants will learn how to:-
Boost their web address in the search engine results- Manage and track on-line advertising and ROI with Google and Analytics- Take care of their brand on-line by being proactive with reviews- Boost the conversion on their website and upsell- Set up and effectively use Web 2.0 blogs and Google Local- Effectively market their brand through newsletters and Web 2.0 strategies- Optimise for value rather than price to hold occupancy

For more information visit bookassist.org/seminarsor email seminars@bookassist.com

Bookassist® creates and manages online strategies for hotels and groups and is the industry-leading hotel booking engine and online marketing provider in Ireland. Bookassist is expanding rapidly abroad with additional offices in Spain, France, Czech Republic, Scotland, Italy, Poland and Austria and a client base of over 2000 hotels. A Deloitte Fast 50 Technology Company in Ireland and in the Top 100 Deloitte Technology Companies in Europe, Bookassist has received numerous awards in Online Trade, Online Marketing, and Technological Innovation including the Irish Internet Association’s NetVisionary Award for online trade.

Bookassist News & Press http://blogs.bookassist.com/blogs/news/

Bookassist Hotel Industry Blog http://blogs.bookassist.com/blogs/industry/

Get a life in Australasia

2009-02-04T12:53:00.002Z

Action Recruitment is delighted to announce that we now have many exciting vacancies in Australia, New Zealand and Asia. Recruiting right across the board from General Managers to chefs of all grades, we are in a position to arrange visas and sponsorship within a matter of weeks.
If you are interested in a career down under, its very simple to start the ball rolling. Just send us your up-to-date cv with a copy of your qualifications and 2 passport size photographs and we will be in touch with you soon.
We look forward to hearing from you soon......

New Opening in Belfast for 2009

2008-12-23T10:34:00.001Z

New Opening in 2009 for Belfast

The Fitzwilliam Hotel brand is expanding into Belfast in 2009 with the addition of the new 30 million Fitzwilliam Belfast which will create up to 100 jobs. Scheduled to open in March 2009, the 131 bedroom 5 star property is owned by local businesswoman June Burgess and will be managed by Hotel Partners under the Fitzwilliam Brand.

Vincent O Gorman has been appointed as General Manager of this exciting new venture and brings a wealth of experience and dedication to the role. Previously, Vincent was Deputy General Manager with The Fitzwilliam Hotel on Stephens Green and then successfully opened Park Plaza Tyrrelstown in the capacity of General Manager, another property managed by Hotel Partners.

We would like to wish all the team at The Fitzwilliam Hotel Belfast a successful and prosperous 2009.

Words of Wisdom

2008-09-30T15:44:00.000+01:00

This is the best I have ever heard it explained...

One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people. He said: 'My son, the battle is between 'two wolves' inside us all. One is Evil. It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego. The other is Good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith.' The grandson thought about it for a minute, and then asked his grandfather: 'Which wolf wins?'The old Cherokee simply replied: 'The one you feed.'

Confidence and Action

2008-08-19T15:33:00.001+01:00

Professionals in the hospitality sector felt compelled to inform industry colleagues, in light of the recent down-turn, that the industry is alive and kicking.

Interventions were actioned through guest speakers, Pat McCann – CEO Maldron Hotels, and Valentina Doorley – Sales and Marketing Manager Guinness Storehouse, who delivered factual, uplifting results.

Commenting recently on National Confidence Day was Ewan Plenderleith, General Manager, Herbert Park Hotel and President of the Irish Hospitality Institute "In light of the current economic climate we are asking all of our members and Industry colleagues to adopt an approach for confidence on this our National Confidence Day. The goal of today is to acknowledge and increase confidence of all individuals in both their personal and professional lives.
Professionally, it is reminding people to radiate confidence to achieve ones goals as we face the many challenges that lie ahead."
“Confidence and Action” was held in the Guinness Storehouse on the evening of Tuesday 12th August and was hosted by Action Recruitment and judging by the attendee feedback, the evening was an excellent success...

Speaker - Pat McCann CEO Maldron Hotels

Speaker - Valentina Doorley Sales & Marketing Manager Guinness Storehouse

Brian Fahy MD Action Recruitment addressing the crowd

Ewan plenderleith, Eric Rothchild, Terry McCoy, Mary Jennings, Pat McCann & Colm Deignan

Denise Arthur, John Ferry, Jonathon Ruane and Janet Doyle

Michelle Conaghan, Sarah Collins, Jane Stacey, John Carty, Roshan McPartland, Des McCann & Adrian Sherry

Ollie McMahon, Paul Carty, Richard Collins & Peter Doran

Tara O Neill, Oonagh O Dowd, Claire Maynard & Maureen Carroll

Dara Forrest, Helen Fahy, Anna Wood, Valentina Doorley, Katja Schildman & Angela Canny

Amanda Winters, Brian McNamara, Leah Morris, Deirdre Fitzsimmons & Sarah Collins

Action Recruitment with associates Mary Jennings & Des McCann

IHI Summer BBQ - Carton House

2008-08-06T13:54:00.000+01:00

A very enjoyable evening was had by all in the sumptious grounds of Carton House on Thursday 24th July which was hosted by the IHI.

Included in the pictures are Fiona Teehan, Joyce Dolan, John Carty, Shane Callaghan, Siobhan O Sullivan, Natasha Kinsella, Sarah Collins, Noel Cafferkey, Michelle Conaghan, Michelle Ryan and Jane Stacey

Kids to get new hotel menus

2008-07-29T14:46:00.001+01:00

THE IRISH Hotels Federation (IHF) today launches a new healthy eating initiative for children, called Food for Kids which will see participating hotels and guesthouses offering healthier children's menus.
Irish hotels prepare over five million meals for children each year and have a significant role to play in helping the fight against childhood obesity in Ireland, according to organisation president Matthew Ryan.
"There is a growing problem of obesity among children and teenagers in Ireland," said Mr Ryan, "and I know from eating out with my own three kids, that there is often a lack of choice.
"Our aim is to assist parents to choose healthier food options for their children."
The IHF represents almost 1,000 hotels and guesthouses in the Republic, and about one-quarter of these (some 250 premises) are participating in this first phase of the project.
"Almost 90 per cent of our hotels that are specifically geared towards providing meals for families and kids are involved.
"I think the overall number will increase gradually and I am confident that the initiative will take on a life of its own."
Chefs from hotels and guesthouses across the State have been provided with healthy preparation guidelines and suggested menus with an emphasis on balanced nutrition, prepared by nutritionist Margot Brennan.
"Food eaten outside the home tends to be lower in overall nutritional quality and higher in recommended rates of fat," according to Ms Brennan.
"It does vary hugely, but the majority of these menus are offering chicken nuggets and chips, sausages and chips or fish fingers and chips, and that is hugely frustrating to me.
"Those meals are very high in fat and poor in nutrients," she said.
"One of the main objectives will be to reduce the levels of salt and fat used during cooking and to promote healthier options such as baking, boiling and poaching rather than deep frying foods."
The programme is largely focused on healthy reinterpretations of those old favourites.
"It's a balanced approach," said Mr Ryan.
"We don't want to browbeat parents or children. This has to be a customer-driven model where we are helping to solve the problem rather than dictating what people can or can not eat.
"A lot of the family favourites will still be available, but they will be prepared and cooked in a more wholesome and nutritious way."
Participating hotels and guesthouses will display the Food for Kids symbol outside their property, on menus and websites.
The IHF will also publish a list of participating premises on its website, www.ihf.ie.
Participation in the initiative is voluntary and it will be largely self-policing, according to Mr Ryan.
"We will be doing checks ourselves to make sure that participating hotels and guesthouses are sticking to guidelines but I firmly believe that our customers will vote with their feet anyway, and that is ultimately what will make this a success," he said.
© 2008 The Irish Times

Approval for The Clarence Hotel

2008-07-22T11:49:00.000+01:00

Approval for U2's Clarence Hotel plans

U2 members Bono and The Edge have secured the go-ahead from An Bord Pleanála to redevelop the Clarence Hotel in Dublin.
An Bord Pleanála disregarded the recommendation of the inspector who held the public hearing into the case.
The inspector had recommended that the hotel not be granted planning permission.
Advertisement
Heritage groups had opposed the plan as most of the art deco hotel, and several Georgian buildings, will effectively be demolished.
Last April, U2's guitarist The Edge told a hearing by An Bord Pleanála that the future of the hotel may be in doubt, if the owners' redevelopment proposals were rejected.
Under those plans, developed by Norman Foster, most of the 1930s hotel, four Georgian buildings, and a Victorian building will be remodelled.
A huge glass atrium will then be built over the new structure, which is part of the designer's plans to make the Clarence one of the top ten hotels in the world.
However, the scale of the redevelopment led heritage groups to oppose it, arguing the redevelopment was inappropriate and affects protected buildings.
John Redmill, a committee member of the Irish Georgian Society, said it was a very black day for historic buildings and asserted the historic skyline of the capital would now be destroyed.
However, Damien Cassidy of the National Conservation Group welcomed the decision.
He withdrew an objection to the project after Bono arranged a meeting for him with the architect Norman Foster.
He said Mr Foster explained that the controversial glass atrium was an environmentally-friendly aspect, which would contribute to the heating of the building.
Mr Cassidy said the decision guarantees the Clarence will remain open for business as a landmark hotel, which was welcome in the context of the closure of several traditional Dublin businesses such as Bewleys and Jurys.

Congratulations to Patrick Stapleton on his new Appointment

2008-07-17T11:21:00.000+01:00

Congratulations to Patrick Stapleton on his appointment to the 800 room Hilton Birmingham Metroploe at the NEC.
http://www.hilton.co.uk/birminghammet

Patrick leaves Belfast (Hilton Belfast & Hilton Templepatrick) shortly to take up this senior role. We wish him very success.

IHI President's Comment on National Confidence Day

2008-07-17T11:17:00.000+01:00

Ewan Plenderlieth, Director, General Manager, Herbert Park Hotel and President of the Irish Hospitality Institute states:

"In light of the current economic climate we asked all of our members and Industry colleagues to adopt an approach for confidence on July 8th National Confidence Day. The goal of this day is to acknowledge and increase confidence of all individuals in both their personal and professional lives.
Professionally, it is reminding people to radiate confidence to achieve ones goals as we face the many challenges that lie ahead."

We're proud to announce National Confidence Day 8th July 2008 - Help us spread the word!!!!

2008-07-07T12:47:00.000+01:00

‘Confidence is the Companion of Success’ -anon

We are proud to announce tomorrow ( July 8^th) as NATIONAL CONFIDENCE DAY the current gloom around our national economic uncertainty has impelled us to ask all our contacts to inspire their colleagues, friends, relatives and business associates to adopt a more confident approach to their jobs and lives in general.

Here are some thoughts that may help you get started, if you have more interventions we would love to hear them.
Email: brian@actionrecruitment.ie

SMILE

Send this mail or your own version to as many people as you can.

Add your own confidence ideas
Compliment a colleague, customer , supplier
Call your mother, sister, brother, aunt etc
Whistle, sing, dance (not all at the same time of course)
Send someone a card.
Wear your loudest tie
Pay a bill.
Make a donation
Set some challenging Goals
Play a trick on someone (not a confidence trick)
Stand tall
Give someone a hug
Take a deep breath
Walk the dog
Tell a joke
Take someone (or yourself) to lunch
Do someone else a favour and ask for their help (people love to help)

Confidence

The Koto Project -My Experience by Brian Fahy

2008-03-05T13:19:00.001Z

On a recent visit to Vietnam I met Daragh Halpin in Hanoi City. Daragh helps run the Koto Project which is truly inspirational.

Koto takes in underprivileged and street children and by training them in their restaurant makes them employable and placeable with many of the branded hotels and restaurants in Vietnam.

Koto not only trains them in the kitchen and restaurant skills they also feed clothe, educate and teach them english as well as paying them. The restaurant is very busy and offers great food and is firmly established on the Hanoi tourist trial.

This project is catering based and very worthy of our support. Our aim is to organised a fund & organise scholarship training programmes to Ireland for the Koto trainees.

http://www.koto.com.au/

We're climbing Slieve Donard, Co. Down on the 9th & 10th of May!!!

Slieve Donard Climb: Our other worthy charity PSP -Mary's experience

2008-03-05T13:07:00.000Z

My father was diagnosed with a disease called 'Progressive Supranuclear Palsy' (PSP) towards the end of 2006. In hindsight he probably had it for approximately seven years which is the average life expectancy of a patient with this disease.It is a brain disease affecting the area of the brain that controls balance, movement, vision (particularly upgaze and downgaze), speech, the ability to swallow and behavioural changes.

Unfortunately my Father displayed all of these symptoms.Because it is very difficult to diagnose, my Father attended lots of doctors and consultants over the years and each symptom was treated in isolation.

By the time he was finally diagnosed he was in the latter stages of the disease. It was extremely difficult and frustrating for him and for the family. At that stage we came in contact with 'The Progressive Supranuclear Association' in Northern Ireland. They were extremely supportive, not only to us as a family, but to all my Father's carers - Doctor, Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist, Home Help etc. They provided packs containing information relevant to his care.

My Father bore the disease with incredible patience and dignity. He died in the comfort of his own home in the care of his family, supported by a wonderful medical team. From our point of view having the support and understanding of the Association was of immense help and comfort.Raising awareness of PSP, amongst the medical profession, the Government and the general public at large is essential as it still remains relatively unknown.

This is an opportunity for us to raise awareness of PSP and the work of the Association. And if my Father's death can make a difference then it will not have been in vein.

For more information http://www.pspeur.org/ or to make a donation to the climbers contact Noel or Brian 016778544

The Brandon Ten Raise almost €5k for Soft Ireland and we're gonna do it all again next year!!

2008-03-05T12:53:00.000Z

Well it didn't quite take as long to climb the mountain as it took for me to write this blog. We all truly enjoyed ourselves and I can't explain the feeling of achievement we all got from getting to the top but mostly getting there as a team. Soppy or what, I know but doing great things together as a group really brings people together as a team.

Well it was all planned for May 25th; lots of planning went into the big climb. Noel from our office was using his powers of persuasion to get use some fab accommodation in Dingle at reasonable rates for some daring hospitality people and it worked. The Dingle Skellig was the base for our little adventure and celebration :) and they did a super job listening to us sing the Rattling Bog till some ungodly hour on the Sunday morning. Well actually to be fair it was Noel singing it as he was way too fast for the rest of us to keep up. Well we all made our way down to Kerry by planes, trains and automobiles on the Friday and myself and Fiona Teehan were very sensible (and scared) so went to bed quite early on the Friday night in preparation for THE CLIMB!!!

Saturday morning at the breakfast table everyone was stocking up on high energy foods to keep us going for the rest of the day. Ok, ok there was a fry included in that! So myself and Fiona in all our gear and there was a lot let me tell you. Not exactly 'picking up a date material' but 'keep you warm and dry cause it's gonna rain all day' gear. So there we were all ten of us in rain gear, walking sticks, back packs, water and wooly hats ready to go. Then our chariot arrived with our fabulous guide for the day and drove us to An Fhaiche.

So the games begin our team was made up of Brian Fahy our illustrious leader in Action Recruitment, me (Action), Noel Cafferkey (Action), Fiona Teehan (Council Member), Douglas Jordan (Fáilte Ireland), Paul O Toole (Tourism Ireland), Greg Manahan (iDirect), Fergal O Connell (Radisson Dublin Airport), Stephen Williams (HSMAI & Fitzgerald Group) and Conor O Connell (Gleann Fia). Not forgetting our amazing guide Con Moriaty from Hidden Ireland Tours http://www.hiddenirelandtours.com/

So we set off, all the lads raced off I was hoping this was not the pace for the whole expedition as I definitely won't have been up for it. Looking up at the second highest mountain in Ireland was incredibly daunting but I had my walking stick so I thought ah sure we'll be grand. It was pouring rain, no sun whatsoever let me tell ya it was a bit like 'oh my god why did I say I would do this again'. But it was for a great cause and I kept repeating to myself a quote I heard at the Managers Forum 'Pain is temporary, quitting lasts forever'. So that kinda kept the quote in my head during the day.

Well myself, Stephen and Fiona thought it a great idea to invest in a walking stick, it had been a saviour for me climbing Croagh Patrick on numerous occasions so I was all for it. In Westport it was a fine strong stick you got however I decided I'll invest in a real posh one, it must be better I thought!So we’re walking, some people were doing a bit of running/jogging (whatever you want to call it, it was much faster than me) but I was most definitely walking up the steep incline to the start of the climb. Don't you love that the way you have to walk for ages up a really steep path to actually get to the start of the walk when you're like I thought I was on the mountain? The thoughts were running through my brain and my body kept reminding me how nice the bed was in the hotel and what a great spa they had as well. But I told the brain to ‘shut up’, we're getting to the top and the body was just going to have to suffer. It's always looking for an easy way out.

Then disaster hit, my fabulous fancy stick broke. Yes broke in two, I mean give a girl a complex like. It was horrific I was totally convinced no there is no way I'm getting to the top without the stick. I can't do it, I really can't, I needed it. Plus I'm going to slow the team down a mile; well they were practically a mile ahead of me at this stage anyway. They looked down at me and my little sad face after I broke my stick and were like 'are you ok?' Yes I have to admit it, I nearly cried how sad I know but when you're looking up at this big mad mountain that you're suppose to be going to the top of it, it was a little upset. So I held onto the stick as I was definitely going to get my money back as Stephen and Fiona were flying along.Then the voice of reason appeared in the shape of Douglas, he said get rid of that stick it's just negative energy and he took it off me. Well I have to tell ya I was like oh poor me and then said you know something he's right. So off I went again, still cursing the stick a little bit. :)

We walked and different people were going at different paces which I loved as I was paddy last. Going at your own pace was so enjoyable the views were amazing the fact that it was raining wasn’t even really that big a deal. Con our guide was excellent advising us of were we should and shouldn’t step. Some parts were pretty dodgy I have to tell you, then it was a good job there was no manicured fingernails between myself and Fiona cause the climbing bit up the rock face would have really damaged the French polish. Having stopped for loads of little mini breaks I really was amazed Con our lovely guide was not tying a rope onto me and pulling me up the damn mountain so we’d be back before nightfall. He advised me if I took smaller steps and controlled my breathing a little better I wouldn’t have to stop as often. A very polite way of saying ‘Hurry the Hell Up’, no he was an absolute gentleman and when we got to the summit he was giving me the extra tiny little bit of encouragement I need to make it to the top.

The top; well couldn’t see very much as it was pouring rain and actually even snowed ‘yes’ it was May in case you have to go back up and check when we did it. Check out the pic, me in the yellow and the answer is YES I was actually as cold as I looked. It was fantastic we all got to the top safe and sound; the form was great and the craic mighty. We got a few pics and then head down to find a cosy spot for lunch however the distinct lack of picnic benches and sheltered areas meant we were really getting close to nature with a few boulders for shelter while it continued raining. The sandwiches and flasks were out in a flask and some who shall remain nameless (you know who you are) were fed as they lunch consisted of two bottles of Volvic which were well gone by the first hour through dehydration from many pints the night before.The descent was really beautiful we walked along the cliffs and took in the breath taking views and how the fog hugged certain parts of the cliff edges and not others. It wasn’t hard to realize looking down into the Atlantic Ocean why this mountain needs to be respected and can be a very dangerous place.There were a couple of tumbles on the way down but nothing was hurt other than pride. After climbing the mountain who cared anyway if someone had fallen into a big of watery hole and they feet were soaking. All part of the experience!

Wow the bottom of the track never looked so good but at the same time it was such a great day you kinda didn’t want it to end there and it definitely didn’t. As the good hoteliers that we are, we visited the ‘Bothar’ and it was pints all round and large numbers of soaking wet climbers hugging the huge log fire they had on in their lounge. BTW: We did it in six and half hours, not bad!!!

Well we can’t forget what brought us all there; Brian and his support of SOFT Ireland http://www.softireland.com/ for whom we raised almost €5000 euros. It certainly was a really mixed bag of characters an amazing experience and a huge achievement for us all, all while raising money for a fantastic charity.

Till next year!!!!

Roll on Slieve Donard ......May 2008 If you are interested in joining us, watch this space mountain to be confirmed.

A huge big thank you to all you lovely people who sponsored us, the Brandon Ten and are so grateful.

Clarence Hotel set to light up the Dublin Sky

2007-01-31T17:01:00.000Z

Dublin's Clarence Hotel, owned by U2's Bono and the Edge, in partnership with property developer Paddy McKillen, is to be redeveloped at a cost of €150 million as "one of the most spectacular city hotels in Europe".

At the heart of the scheme, which will incorporate the former Dollard printing works and four Georgian buildings on Wellington Quay, will be a sculptural “sky catcher” which embraces the main public spaces and pulls daylight deep into the base of the hotel. It emerges at roof level and incorporates a ‘skyroom’ and viewing terrace, uniting and complementing the existing buildings.

Only the quayside facades of the existing hotel and adjoining buildings - all of which are protected structures - would be retained, although the oak panelling from the Clarence's Octagon Bar is to be salvaged for re-use.

The rear elevations of the hotel and adjoining buildings on East Essex Street would be demolished in their entirety and replaced by an undulating glazed facade, with shops and cafés at street level and bedrooms above.

The 49 bedroom Hotel has been in existence for the past 140 years and on completion will have 114 bedrooms and 28 suites in addition to a 1360 sq metre Spa.
The development will incorporate a number of sustainability strategies, including natural light and ventilation, to ensure that it will function as an energy-efficient and environmentally sensitive mixed-use hotel, spa and conference facility.

Blog in for regular updates on this exciting scheme.

Jan Article: Noel Cafferkey

Watch out for the 26th & 27th May 2007! We're climbing Mount Brandon-Interested?

2006-12-18T15:14:00.000Z

Watch out for the 26th & 27th of May 2007! Our climbing group (Brian Fahy, Pat McCann, Con McConnell, Paul O Toole, Douglas Jordan and James Tynan) had a really successful day on Carrantuohill led by Con Moriarty on the 22nd of July 2006.

We intend to have a similar event on Mount Brandon in 2007 with the fundraising effort donated to S.O.F.T. again. www.softireland.com

We'd love to have your company for next year. Please get the dates into your diary and start your training programme.

For more info email me at bf@actionrecruitment.ie

Regards,
Brian Fahy

IHI Founders Banquet 2006 -Celebrating 40 Years

2006-11-29T16:38:00.000Z

The 2006 Irish Hospitality Institute Hotel Manager of the year is Nicky Logue, General Manager of Fitzpatrick’s Castle Hotel, Killiney. This is one of the most prestigious awards in the Irish hospitality industry and was announced at a gala ceremony in the magnificent setting of the Four Seasons Hotel, Dublin. The Awards were presided over by Douglas Jordan FIHI, President, Irish Hospitality Institute.

Mr. Jordan addressed the guests on the night, speaking on the Founders and Past Presidents of the Institute, “This evening at our Founders Banquet we remember and honour the former Presidents of the Irish Hospitality Institute, our Honorary Fellows and Life Members alongside outstanding professionals of to-day who are recipients of our Annual Awards. I believe that our Founders would marvel at the development of our industry over the past four decades, the opening of so many new hotels of the highest international standard, the expansion and refurbishment of others and the enormous level of job creation which has seen the industry workforce exceed 240,000 people”.

Also announced on the night were the winners of the Irish Hospitality Institute Catering Manager of the Year, Robert Bell of the Galway Bay Hotel, Irish Hospitality Institute Human Resources Manager of the Year, Triona Brangan of the Mount Juliet Conrad, Young Manager of the Year, Eiléan Hynes of Kelly’s Resort Hotel and Graduate Manager of the Year, Josephine Matthews of Waterford Institute of Technology.

Nicky Logue – Hotel Manager of the Year

Nicky Logue is General Manager of the 4 star Fitzpatrick’s Castle Hotel, Killiney. Since joining the hotel three years ago, Nicky has guided the hotel to win the ‘Ireland’s Best Service Excellence Award 2004”. Nicky is a Graduate of Shannon College of Hotel Management and is the Chairman of Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Tourism Council.

Robert Bell – Catering Manager of the Year

A Graduate of DIT Cathal Brugha Street, Robert Bell worked as Head Chef in the Henry Grattan Restaurant, Dublin before taking the position of Executive Head Chef at the Park House Hotel in Galway. Robert then worked for 8 years in the Great Southern Hotel, Eyre Square as Group Executive Head Chef for the Great Southern Group. In 1998, Robert assumed his current position of Executive Chef at the Galway Bay Hotel.

Triona Brangan – Human Resources Manager of the Year

Triona Brangan is Human Resources & Training Manager at the Mount Juliet Conrad. Triona has been instrumental in the creation of a local HR skill net in the Kilkenny region. A member of the CIPD and IITD, Triona is also completing the final year of her Honours Degree in HRM Industrial Relations.

Eiléan Hynes – Young Manager of the Year

Eiléan Hynes is Assistant Manager at Kelly’s Resort Hotel, Rosslare, Co. Wexford. A Graduate of Hotel & Catering Management in GMIT, Eiléan received the titles of ‘Best Student 2001’ and ‘Student of the Year 2001’ at college and has helped Kelly’s win the ‘National Hygiene Award in the Hotel Category 2006’. Eiléan has worked with Kelly’s Resort Hotel for the past three years.

Josephine Matthews – Graduate Manager of the Year

Josephine Matthews works as Receptionist at the Gresham Metropole Hotel in Cork. Josephine graduated from Waterford Institute of Technology this year with 1st Class Honours in her BA (Hons) in Hospitality Management. With an impressive background in the hospitality industry, Josephine is currently participating in a Rooms Division Management Training Programme at the Gresham Metropole Hotel.

Irish Hospitality Institute Fellowships were presented to Enda O’ Meara FIHI, General Manager of Clontarf Castle Hotel, Tony Shone FIHI, Director of Invisio, Annette Devine FIHI, Proprietor of the Majestic Hotel Tramore and President of the Irish Hotels Federation, Robert Frizelle FIHI, and to Adrian Gregan FIHI, Head of Department of Tourism and Hospitality at CIT.

To get back to our home page: www.actionrecruitment.ie

IHI Fellows 2006-Congratulations

2006-11-29T16:33:00.001Z

Irish Hospitality Institute Fellowships 2006
23rd November 2006

Irish Hospitality Institute Fellowships were presented to Enda O’ Meara FIHI, General Manager of Clontarf Castle Hotel, Tony Shone FIHI, Director of Invisio, Annette Devine FIHI, Proprietor of the Majestic Hotel Tramore and President of the Irish Hotels Federation, Robert Frizelle FIHI, and to Adrian Gregan FIHI, Head of Department of Tourism and Hospitality at CIT.

ENDA O’MEARA FIHI
Enda started his career in the hotel industry in 1982. Having graduated from Shannon College of Hotel Management, he worked for Forte in the UK in various management positions before moving to the Caribbean – Dutch West Indies for 3 years. After a year in the US, Enda returned to Ireland to work in Jurys Ballsbridge for 3 years before going to open Clontarf Castle as a hotel in 1997. Since then, Clontarf Castle Group has opened the award winning Crowne Plaza Dublin Airport and Express by Holiday Inn at Dublin Airport and has 5 hotels under construction – Crowne Plazas Dundalk and Blanchardstown, an Express by Holiday Inn in Kilkenny and 2 hotels in Germany.

TONY SHONE FIHI
Tony is a Director of the Consulting and Training Company, Invisio. A native of North Wales, he trained at Gleneagles in Scotland and the Royal Garden in London before moving to the Middle East where he worked in a number of 5 Star hotels and resorts. He moved to Ireland in 1994 to join the Quinn Group. In 1997 he formed Q.E.D., a Hospitality Consulting and Training company; in 2001 he merged his business with that of Louise Mc Namara’s to form Invisio. Tony has served on the Institute’s Council and chaired its marketing committee. A Fellow of the HCIMA, Tony is married to Bernadette and has two sons aged 4 and 9.

ANNETTE DEVINE FIHI
Annette is a native of Waterford and a commerce graduate of UCD. Having started her career as a teacher, she quickly went on to set up her own business, establishing and running a chain of successful fashion boutiques in Limerick before entering the hotel industry 18 years ago in Co. Waterford. Having sold her retail interests, she and her husband Danny bought the Majestic Hotel in Tramore and extended, refurbished and managed it over the many years to become the successful landmark hotel it is today. Annette has been a member of Management and Council of the Irish Hotels Federation for 10 years as well as sitting on the boards of other tourism bodies. She is currently President of the Irish Hotels Federation

ROBERT FRIZELLE FIHI
Robert began his career in 1962, when he took the position of Trainee Manager at the Talbot Hotel in Wexford. In 1966, Robert was appointed Assistant Manager at the Tower Hotel, Waterford. Promoted to Food & Beverage Manager, and then General Manager, Robert remained at the Tower Hotel until 1973, when he joined the Waterville Lake Hotel. Robert worked as a partner with Action Recruitment from 1975 to 1982, and since then has worked with CERT/ Fáilte Ireland as Recruitment/ Placement Manager and also as a Manager in the Marketing Department.

ADRIAN GREGAN FIHI
Adrian commenced his career at the Prince of Wales Hotel in Athlone, prior to attending Dublin College of Catering, where he qualified in Hotel Management. He held a number of management positions in hotels throughout the country before joining CERT as Regional Training Advisor for Cork and Kerry. He currently holds the position of Head of Department of Tourism and Hospitality at CIT. Adrian has served on the Council of IHI and has been instrumental in starting the IHI Day Release Certificate in Hospitality Management at CIT. In addition to his qualification in Hotel Management from DIT he holds a Bachelors Degree in Economics and Psychology from UCC and a MBS in Travel and Tourism from The Smurfit Graduate School of Business at UCD.

To get back to our home page: http://www.actionrecruitment.ie/

IHI Fellows 2006-Congratulations

2006-11-29T16:33:00.000Z

SMILE Conference-What a great day!

2006-10-31T11:58:00.000Z

I love the idea of the SMILE Conference, somewhere for tourism sales and marketing professionals to come together and network and learn in a positive and enlightening environment. I have also had the pleasure of working behind the scenes with Islandbridge (Ger Tannam and Christine), Cyril McAree of Hotel and Restaurant Times and another one of my favourite people, Alex Gibson of DIT. I looked at the line-up and was really looking forward to hearing Marc Charron from TripAdvisor.com - but didn't really expect to be as impressed as I was by the entire day.

The programme was packed and the day superbly chaired by Orlaith Blaney, whose informal and relaxed manner whilst keeping up a mighty impressive pace was a lesson to us all. Marc Charron gave a fascinating insight into how hotels and most importantly hotel customers are using TripAdvisor.com. He was followed by Dave McKeirnan of Java Republic who took us through all the trials and tribulations of developing not only market share, but a new and innovative product and company. We also heard from Anne Marie Whelan how the renovations are going at the Shelbourne, and then were blown away by Stuart Fogarty of AFA O'Meara Advertising.

Stuart's presentation was more than memorable for it's honesty, creativity and absolute on the button-ness (OK, so I just invented a new word...) on the subject of how hotels and hospitality are having to be hugely inventive to market themselves in the current age. Advertising appears to be dead... product placement, relevance, experiental marketing are all the buzz words du jour.

Brilliant job done by the Storehouse, as always and I know that many people had the opportunity to try and blag a guest pass to one of the Mandarin Oriental Hotels from David Spooner - Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Mandarin - in the Gravity Bar afterwards. He was a fantastic speaker as well, and the images of the Mandarin Five Star properties left us all drooling! As well as grinning and smiling... roll on SMILE 2007!

You can listen to an interview with Marc Charron of Tripadvisor on Alex Gibson's Persuaders Marketing Podcast www.thepersuaders.libsyn.com

Smile 2006 presentations are available for download at: www.eventznet.ie/ev/ac/smile/thesmileconference2006/Downloads.aspx

To get back to our site: www.actionrecruitment.ie

10th Annual HSMAI Awards -The Winners!!!

2006-10-27T14:21:00.000+01:00

Spas Supreme!

Spas Clean Up at 2006 Hospitality Sales & Marketing Awards

Destination Spas cleaned up at this years Hospitality Sales & Marketing Awards (HSMAI). The cream of tourism and hospitality’s marketers gathered in Jurys Ballsbridge Hotel to award Hodson Bay Hotel Best Marketing of a Spa, Cork’s Maryborough Hotel & Spa Best Spa Brochure and newcomer destination spa Monart Best Marketing of a New Product Venue of Property.

Recognised as the flagship industry awards, the 10th HSMAI Awards reward excellence in sales and marketing in the tourism and hospitality sectors and the black-tie ceremony was attended by Minister for Tourism John O’Donoghue, TD.

Over 400 attendees gathered to hear Rally Ireland awarded Best Festival or Sporting Event Marketing. Meanwhile, National Museum Northern Ireland won Best International Marketing Campaign whilst Horse Racing Ireland took Best Domestic Marketing Campaign. Dublin Convention Bureau won Best Overall Sales and Marketing strategy.

O’Callaghan Hotels was declared Best Hotel Sales & Marketing Team, whilst the Tower Hotel Group took Best Marketing Innovation. The Castlecourt Hotel won Best Customer Retention Strategy whilst Quality Hotels were awarded Best Advertising Campaign. Arlene Gibbs of Days Hotel was declared Best Hotel Sales & Marketing Professional.

In the design and internet categories, Kenmare’s Brooklane Hotel won Best Website and The D Hotel Best Group Website. The Brehon Hotel was awarded Best Hotel Brochure and West Cork LEADER Co-op won Best Tourism Brochure. Cybercome/Jurys Doyle took Best Internet Strategy.

Lee Kidney of Lee Hotel Group was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award by the board of HSMAI. In memory of the late hotel innovator, the Paddy Fitzpatrick Award to reward the best of young Irish talent in hotel sales and marketing was presented to Deirdre Prendergast of Dublin’s Four Seasons Hotel.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, Stephen Williams, President HSMAI said, “This year’s winners are reflective of a more innovative approach to sales & marketing in the hospitality sector, both domestically and internationally”.

ENDS
For reference: Alma Feeley, Midas PR Mob: 087 8204934

To get to our site: www.actionrecruitment.ie

NEW CEO FOR JURYS DOYLE

2006-05-31T16:50:00.000+01:00

Jurys Doyle names Geoghegan as new CEOMay 31, 2006

The Jurys Doyle Hotel Group has appointed Niall Geoghegan as its CEO.
Mr Geoghegan (47) has been Marketing and Sales Director of the group for the past ten years. He succeeds outgoing CEO Pat McCann and assumes his post with immediate effect.
Niall Geoghegan joined the hotel chain in 1993 as Head of Marketing and Sales having worked in the consumer electronics, food and advertising sectors. He joined the Board in 1996 and has been responsible for the branding strategy of the Group's hotels and Jurys Inns. www.rte.ie

Tourism News from Failte Ireland

2006-05-31T15:53:00.000+01:00

Ireland’s largest tourism trade fair takes
place in Killarney
Monday 8th May 2006: Ireland’s largest tourism trade fair, Meitheal 2006, was launched by Minister of Arts, Sport and Tourism, John O’Donoghue TD at the Gleneagle Hotel in Killarney today. The event, which is jointly organised by Fáilte Ireland, the national Tourism Development Authority, and Tourism Ireland, is expected to generate over €800 million in trade as 300 overseas tour operators from all over the world meet with more that 500 Irish product providers. For full article www.failteireland.ie

Job News: Park Plaza Hotel to bring 121 new jobs to Tyrellstown

2006-05-31T14:47:00.000+01:00

FinFacts.com (Ireland's Business and Finance Portal) has a recent article announcing that the new Park Plaza Hotel planned for the West Dublin area is set to create 121 jobs. The 155 bedroom, 4 star hotel is the first of a number of new hotels planned to open in Ireland.

You can read the full article here

Food Festival

2006-05-09T13:13:00.000+01:00

Taste of Dublin, Dublin's first outdoor gourmet food and drink festival will take place at Dublin Castle from the 22 to 25 June 2006. This unique four day event will showcase Dublin's most prestigious restaurants and top chefs serving a stunning selection of sample sized signature dishes. The line up of participating restaurants in Taste of Dublin 2006 include Bang Café, The Cellar Restaurant at The Merrion, Chapter One, Diep Le Shaker, Jaipur, King Sitric, La Stampa, L'Ecrivain, Peploes, Roly's Bistro, Silk Road Café, Town Bar & Grill, Unicorn, Yo'Thai/Chai-Yo. The Chef Demonstration Theatre offers you the chance to see a number of high profile celebrity chefs in action, delivering delicious demonstrations, entertaining tutorials and enlightening Q & A sessions. Participating chefs include Darina Allen, Paul Cartwright, Derry Clarke, Ed Cooney, Richard Corrigan, Fred Cordonnier, Lorcan Cribben, Kevin Dundon, John Howard, Guillaume LeBrun, Ross Lewis, Sebastian Scherr, Eugene McSweeny and Amit Wadhawan. http://www.tasteofdublin06.ie/