Clare hotelier new IHF President
A fourth generation hotelier with over 25 years’ experience in the sector, Michael represents the 34th IHF President, succeeding Paul Gallagher. A native of Clare, he’s a graduate of the Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology with a BA in Hotel and Catering Management.
Michael hails from a well-known family involved in hospitality and tourism over the years. His father Micheal was IHF President in 1967. During his presidency, Michael’s core issues will include tackling the lack of credit available to businesses, supporting effective promotion of Ireland in its key tourism market of Great Britain, the positioning of the West in national tourism plans and proposing measures to reduce the high costs associated with doing business in Ireland.
Vaughan Lodge is a four star hotel property. Michael has previously worked as Group Sales Manager for Travel Trade with Jurys Hotel Group. During his career, he provided consultancy services to many hotel and tourism enterprises including Shannon Airport Authority.
For the last six years he has been an active IHF member, has been IHF National Vice President since 2011 and Branch Chair of the IHF’s Shannon branch since 2006. He has also served on a number of its executive committees. Married with one son, in his spare time he enjoys photography, swimming, cycling and the occasional round of golf in the famous golf links at Lahinch.
The IHF represents over 900 hotels and guesthouses employing over 54,000 people.
