Ashford Castle’s Paula earns Global Lifetime Achievement Award

ONE of the best-known names in hospitality in Ireland has been awarded a Global Lifetime Achievement Award by her industry peers.

Director of sales and marketing at Ashford Castle and The Lodge at Ashford, Dubliner Paula Carroll headed west some 34 years ago and has been central to the reputation and success of each hotel ever since.

Paula was selected for the Global Lifetime Achievement Award from the thousands of Red Carnation staff members in the group’s 20 hotels around the world, which include the Ashford estate properties.

Niall Rochford, general manager of Ashford Castle and The Lodge, said: “In all my years working with Paula, I have never seen her rendered speechless, until now; the award was a complete surprise.

“Paula’s passion for and commitment to, not only the hotels, but the people who make them so special are extraordinary. I have never encountered anyone as fiercely proud and loyal as Paula and I am thrilled that her many years of loyalty and hard work have been recognised. We know how much this means to her.”

The virtual presentation was made this week before hundreds of Red Carnation employees from around the world and Paula was not alone in flying the flag for the Ashford estate.

The Head Chef award was made to Ashford’s executive head chef, Philippe Farineau, Emer Mulcahy was awarded Front Office Manager of the Year for her outstanding customer service and Martin Dunleavy (The Lodge) was presented with linen Porter of the Year.

As the hotels in Cong keep busy in anticipation of reopening in June, there is always time for celebration.