2023 Award Winners 'HOSPITALITY HERO' AWARD 2023

Francis & John Brennan - Park Hotel, Kenmare

When Francis and John Brennan announced their intention to pass on the baton at the legendary Park Hotel Kenmare, it sent shockwaves rippling through the hospitality world – and indeed the general public. It was a brave move for Francis (or anyone) to purchase the grand old railway hotel in 1986 but there was no better man for the job and, in next to no time it seemed, he had established its reputation as one of our leading hotels and a haven of laid-back luxury in which – especially once he and John became household names, thanks to their incredibly popular ‘At Your Service’ programmes (into series 13 and still going strong) – we all somehow had a sense of sharing ownership with the likeable brothers. The Park - and the exceptional team that has made it what it is - has become dear to the hearts of many through the years and, having been an industry benchmark for over four decades, it’s interesting to reflect on its widely acknowledged role as a training ground for tiptop service and to wonder how many individuals and establishments have gone on to carry the flame, to the benefit of all. And it’s good to know that, while their other fine town centre hotel, The Lansdowne, is also close to reaching a sale, John has no such plans for his waterside beauty The Estate at Dromquinna. And, at 70, Francis is very much in the ‘age is just a number’ mode. A man on a mission as always, his plans – which include new TV programmes, developing his collection at Dunnes Stores and long weekend trips to every capital city in Europe - would exhaust most people half his age. With respect and affection in equal measure, we wish both Francis and John all the very best on their post-Park adventures.