Leitrim woman recognised as Ireland’s Hotel Employee of the Year

A Leitrim woman has been named the Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) National Employee of the Year at the IHF’s Annual Conference in Killarney.

Chantalle Wymbs from Kinlough works as Chef de Partie at Harvey’s Point in Donegal. The award celebrates and recognises hotel team members who have made an outstanding contribution to their workplace.

National winner Chantalle didn’t always plan to work in hospitality, initially pursuing an art and design degree before deciding to utilise her creativity in the kitchen instead. This led her to complete a culinary course in Killybegs.

Now a valued member of the team at Harvey’s Point for four years, Chantalle is a Chef de Partie and serves as the hotel’s allergen champion. 

She is highly motivated and has demonstrated both initiative and ambition by asking award-winning chefs if she could stage in their restaurants to further develop her cookery skills.

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When she is not working, she loves to cook for her family, in particular for her granny and her young son.

Presenting Ms Wymbs with her award, Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke said, “Hearty congratulations Chantalle on this national recognition of your outstanding contribution to the superb offering at Harvey’s Point. People represent the authentic and human face of the sector, and the impact of your work ethic, leadership and talent, and that of your fellow awardees, is rightly being celebrated here tonight. You are a champion of quality, taking pride in your craft, and an inspiration to your peers, well done on your award.”

“On behalf of all our members in Donegal, I would like to congratulate Chantalle on winning this amazing award. Chantalle is a fantastic ambassador for our hotel sector. Her innovation, dedication and leadership inspire her team and consistently elevate the guest experience,” said Aisling Arnold, IHF Donegal Chair.

“She is a testament to the thousands of hard-working hotel team members throughout the country who deliver genuine hospitality and customer care every day. Well done Chantalle.”

IHF President Michael Magner paid tribute to the high calibre of people working within the sector and commented that Chantalle’s warmth, creative approach and passion for elevating the customer’s experience is “truly admirable.”

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IHF members nominated over 170 team members for this year’s awards in Killarney, with 11 branch winners celebrated as finalists on the night.

Chantalle Wymbs, Chef de Partie at Harvey’s Point, receiving the overall IHF Hotel Employee of The Year finalsist award from Peter Burke TD, Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment and IHF President Michael Magner. Photo Don MacMonagle.