The Concierge of the Year Award

The winner of the prestigious Les Clefs d’Or Ireland Concierge of the Year award will be announced on the evening of the Gala Ball. This recipient of this award is recognised for their professionalism, commitment and knowledge and for the outstanding contribution they provide in the role of concierge to their hotel, valued guests and local hospitality industry. Candidates, nominated by another respected member, their general managers, a social or professional affiliate or a national or international honorary member, face a rigorous test process culminating in a one-to-one interview with leading individuals from within the hospitality industry. The winner will join an outstanding list of exceptional individuals who have previously lifted this very exclusive trophy to be acclaimed Concierge of the Year.

Sponsor of

The Denis TC O'Brien Concierge of the Year Award

We are delighted to announce our sponsor for the Concierge of the year 2025 is Goldstar Chauffeur Drive under the leadership of Mr Todd Kelly. This is a partnership that we look forward to growing over the years and we appreciate their valued and continued support of the Les Clefs d’Or Ireland society through our business affiliate program.

Goldstar stands at the forefront of the corporate chauffeur drive industry with a highly sought after reputation, gained as a result of passion, integrity and an ambition to provide unrivaled service. With a diverse fleet of executive and luxury vehicles, dedicated premises and staff based at Dublin airport, we have earned the trust of our client portfolio, with people from the corporate, entertainment and private aviation market as well as state dignitaries depending on us for impeccable service. 

 

The nominees for 2024 / 2025 are:

Gerard McCavanagh

The Fitzwilliam Hotel, Belfast

Eddie Burke

The Westbury Hotel, Dublin

The Denis TC O'Brien Concierge of the Year Winners

2024

Gerry McKeever

2023

Paul Fitzsimons

The Jimmy Connor Concierge of the Year Winners

2019

Robert Smyth

2018

Padraig Casey

2017

Keith Geragthy

2016

Gerard McCavanagh

2015

Marie Claire Sabogal

2014

Robert Smyth

2013

Krishna Kumar

2012

Paul Fitzsimons

2011

Robert Devine

The Concierge of the Year Winner

2010

Stephen Brannigan

Past recipients of the Concierge of the Year Award

The Denis TC O'Brien Concierge of the Year

In 2023, we named the award to honour the memory of our dear friend Denis O’Brien. Denis was Head Concierge at the Shelbourne Hotel. Denis was the embodiment of our motto, In Service Through Friendship, with work colleagues, guests, and Les Clefs d’Or colleagues alike. In June 2022, Denis passed away, and with the blessing of Denis’s family, we renamed our prestigious award after him, to honour one of our finest ambassadors. 

The Jimmy Connor Concierge of the Year

Jimmy Connor was concierge at the Grand Central Hotel and then at The Europa Hotel in Belfast. For many years, Jimmy flew the flag for Les Clefs d’Or in Northern Ireland. He was Mr. Concierge to the many guests who crossed the threshold of the hotels where he was Head Hall Porter.

John D. Toner, who was then Director of Hastings Hotels and General Manager of The Slieve Donard Hotel had been the sponsor of the initial Concierge of the Year Award. At the presentation of the award in 2010 John suggested that the award should be named in Jimmy’s honour. This suggestion was widely accepted by all.

So from 2011 the Concierge of the Year Award was renamed The Jimmy Connor Award in honour of a consummate gentleman, a wee man with a big heart and a true professional.

The Concierge of the Year