Enniscorthy shines at hospitality awards
It was all glitz, glamour and success at the second year of the South East Radio Hospitality Awards at the Ashdown Park Hotel last Monday as le crème de la crème of Wexford’s hospitality sector gathered together in large numbers to honour those who go that extra mile to provide the very best of customer service in County Wexford.
Supported by Wexford County Council, the South East Radio Hospitality Awards are made all the more special by the fact that it is the listeners who vote for their favourite pub, restaurant, hotel or tourist attraction.
Sixty one were then shortlisted for the 39 awards with adjudicating panel of Niall Rochford, Ashford Castle; Patrick O’Donoghue, Gleneagle Hotel; Sally Ann Parker, L’Ècrivain Restaurant; celebrity chefs Edward Hayden and Joe Shannon and Johnny Fitzgibbon making the final deliberations.
Master of Ceremonies, South East Radio’s Alan Corcoran, began proceedings by calling on chairman of Wexford County Council John Hegarty, who congratulated all those nominated and complimented them for the massive contribution they all make to the hospitality sector and confirmed that Wexford County Council would be continuing their support of the hospitality awards for the next two years.
The sell-out black tie event was a most glamorous affair with black – either long or cocktail – being the favourite choice of dress for most ladies. But vibrant splashes of cobalt blue and scarlet were also to be seen gliding around the magnificent function room.
Full marks to the Ashdown Park for the most succulent repas, and the prompt, efficient service and the outstanding entertainment with harpist Roseanna Caulfield, Voice of Ireland star Kayleigh Cullinan, 15-year-old Stacey Breen from Ferns and The City & Us band and to South East Radio for the thoroughly enjoyable and most engaging event.
Enniscorthy, I am happy to say, featured in many categories and came away with several awards including Best Sports Bar of the Year for Stamps, Market Square; D Bar won the Best Modern Bar, The Wilds took the Best Organic Restaurant Award, Best Wedding Venue went to Riverside Park Hotel, and Best Wedding Co-ordinator to Liz Fagan of Riverside Park Hotel.
Excellent result for the town as the overall standard was extremely high according to the judges with the Sky In The Ground winning Best Overall Bar, The Duck At Marlfield House named as Best Overall Restaurant and Kelly’s Hotel, Rosslare taking the coveted Best Overall Hotel Award.
Enniscorthy can be proud that we more than doubled our success from last year.