*(L-R) George Leahy (Midlands Park Hotel & Judge), Deirdre Fitzsimons (IHF Director of People Services), Stefan De Souza (IHF Shannon Branch Employee of the Year), Michael Magner (IHF National President), and Dermot Kelly (IHF Shannon Branch Representative). Photograph: Brendan Gleeson
STEFAN De Souza has been announced as the 2026 Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) Shannon Branch ‘Employee of the Year’.
The announcement was made at an awards ceremony at the Radisson Blu Hotel Limerick, where guests gathered to celebrate and recognise nominees from hotels and guesthouses across the region who have made an outstanding contribution to their workplace.
Congratulating Stefan, Trainee Manager at Great National South Court Hotel, on the award, IHF Shannon Branch Representative, Dermot Kelly said the judges highlighted Stefan’s interest in his career development, his ability to work in a team and his approachable attitude when selecting him as the winner.
At the event, IHF President, Michael Magner said, “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 supports 270,000 livelihoods across Ireland including over 25,000 across the Shannon.”
Stefan has worked at Great National South Court Hotel for just over a year. Having worked at a variety of hotels in India, Stefan enrolled in a master’s degree in Shannon College of Hotel Management, which he completed in September 2025 while working at the Great National South Court Hotel, initially as a receptionist before moving into the role of Trainee Manager. Colleagues say “Stefan’s analytical thinking, combined with his ability to translate ideas into structured plans demonstrates a capability well beyond his tenure.”
Other award presentations on the day included a ‘Rising Star Award’ for Chloe Branigan, Sales & Events Executive at the Savoy Hotel, and a ‘Special Recognition Award’ for Ursula McNamara, Hotel Administrator at the Inn at Dromoland.
The IHF Shannon Branch extends its gratitude to the expert judging panel of Bernadette Enright, Project Manager at Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board, and George Leahy, General Manager of the Midlands Park Hotel who had the difficult job of selecting a winner from the nominees.
The members of the IHF Shannon Branch wish Stefan the very best of luck as he goes on to represent them at the upcoming National IHF Employee of the Year Awards, which will be held during the IHF’s Annual Conference at Gleneagle, Killarney in late February.
