Ashford Castle's Niall Rochford named GM of the year

SINCE the completion of its three-year restoration, Ashford Castle has been sweeping the board at award ceremonies, with prestigious accolades including Virtuoso’s World’s Best Hotel. Now it is the sterling leadership efforts of Ashford Castle’s general manager, Mr. Niall Rochford, that have been recognised at a glittering ceremony in London hosted by Red Carnation Hotels, of which Ashford Castle is now part.

The Red Carnation Hotels staff appreciation party is held at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London every year and welcomes 850 employees from the 17 properties in the worldwide collection.

The ceremony recognises the achievements of staff members from around the globe but the big award of the night went to the Ashford Castle principal as he was crowned General Manager of the Year, honouring the exemplary service and exacting standards that are enjoyed by guests at the iconic property.

The award was presented by Red Carnation Hotel president and founder Mrs. Beatrice Tollman, along with managing director Mr. Jonathan Raggett. After a standing ovation from everyone present, including the 68 staff members that had flown in from Ashford Castle and sister property The Lodge at Ashford Castle, Rochford was joined on stage by his team who he credited as being integral to Ashford Castle’s success.

“I am deeply honoured to have been awarded General Manager of the Year,” said Rochford. “We’ve been on an incredible journey over these last three years together. This historic castle has been brought back to life, thanks to the passion, meticulous care and investment that the Tollman family has brought with the property restoration and the addition of amazing new facilities, such as the spa, cinema and wine cellars.

“I am very proud to have been so involved in the most recent chapter of castle’s and the estate’s history, and of the phenomenal team that we have in place, who work so hard each and every day.”