Meet The Team

Madeleine Dermody

President

Madeleine Dermody is the newly elected President of the Irish Accommodation Services Institute (IASI) and has been an active Council member since 2018. A seasoned professional, Madeleine holds degrees in Management and Human Resource Management and is an associate member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development (CIPD).

With a career in hospitality spanning over two decades, Madeleine began her journey at Hotel Westport in 1997, where she spent more than 20 years in the accommodation sector. Starting as an Accommodation Assistant, she quickly progressed to Accommodation Manager, where her leadership drove exceptional service standards and operational excellence. Madeleine later contributed her expertise at Westport Estate before taking on her current role at Ashford Estate. She firmly believes that the success of any hospitality operation lies in the dedication and quality of its accommodation teams, with a focus on attention to detail, operational efficiency, and fostering a culture of excellence.

Passionate about the ongoing development of the accommodation sector, Madeleine regularly provides training, guidance, and advice to industry professionals, helping them refine their skills and implement best practices across the sector.

In her current position as People & Culture Manager, Madeleine continues to focus on developing high-performing teams and cultivating a workplace culture that supports both individual and organizational growth. Her career reflects her unwavering dedication to the accommodation sector and her commitment to excellence in every aspect of her work.

Sharon Fallon

Vice President

Sharon graduated from Athlone Institute of Technology after studying Tourism Business and Management. Sharon’s background was in food and beverage and had worked in a variety of 3, 4 and 5 star properties throughout Ireland. Sharon joined Ryan’s Galway as a Duty Manager and during the hotel’s growth was promoted to Accommodation Manager.

In 2019, Sharon took on her current role as Group Accommodation Manager for the Connacht Hospitality Group which includes The Connacht Hotel, Hyde Hotel and The Residence Hotel, a role in which she enjoys immensely.

One of Sharon’s favourite aspects of IASI is the well-appointed courses that are ran for its members. Sharon feels the courses provide a great opportunity to develop your skill set and is an excellent opportunity to meet like minded people.

Sharon’s favorite event each year is the Showcase of Suppliers at the AGM. It provides a fantastic opportunity for everyone to explore emerging trends, industry staples, and the latest innovations in the market. This event not only keeps attendees informed about the evolving landscape of the sector but also fosters valuable connections between suppliers and industry professionals.

Fiona Heneghan

Secretary

Fiona is the Accommodation Manager at The Lodge at Ashford Castle, a stunning 64-bedroom hotel located on the renowned Ashford Castle Estate. She has held this position since the hotel first opened its doors in 2007, bringing 18 years of expertise in managing accommodation services at this prestigious property.

Throughout her career in the hospitality industry, Fiona has built a wealth of knowledge in the accommodation sector, continually striving for excellence in guest service and operational efficiency. Her dedication to the industry led her to join the Irish Accommodation Services Institute (IASI) in 2013. In April 2022, she furthered her commitment by becoming a member of the IASI Council, actively contributing to the institute’s mission.

This year, Fiona has taken on an even greater leadership role as the Secretary of the IASI Council, where she continues to support the development and promotion of best practices in accommodation services across Ireland.

Bernie Fitzgerald

Council Officer | Corporate Membership Officer

Bernie completed her training in CIT Cork in 1992 and since then has professionally progressed from her role as an Accommodation Supervisor to Accommodation Manager. Bernie is the current Accommodation Manager in the Great National South Court Hotel.

Bernie sums up her experience “Being part of the organisation has given me the opportunity to meet new people working in the same field which allows us to share our knowledge and experiences.”

Bernie has been a member of the IASI for several years and is former Vice President of the Council. This year Bernie has further committed to the organisation assuming the role of Corporate Membership Officer.

Kate Feighery

Council Officer | Outgoing Treasurer

Kate studied Hotel Management in Shannon College and fell in love with Accommodation while on placement in Switzerland. While finishing her degree Kate was lucky to find a job as an Accommodation Supervisor. From there, Kate’s career took her from 5-star hotels in London, Dublin, Edinburgh and for brief stint on a train. Kate’s love for her work comes from her passion to work with her team, her drive to exceed standards and desire to ultimately deliver to guests the highest quality service and experience.

Kate has been a member of the IASI for several years and is our Association Treasurer. Kate’s current venture is managing the accommodation services on behalf of the University of Limerick.

Jolanta Drabik

Council Officer | Learning & Development Officer

Jolanta is originally from Poland and moved to Ireland in 2006 where her career in hospitality began.

Jolanta’s career began as an Accommodation Assistant in Flannery’s Hotel Galway, where she found and formed her passion for accommodation services. Within six months, Jolanta was promoted Head Supervisor where she fulfilled the position for six years.

From 2012, Jolanta has had the pleasure and privilege to work as an Accommodation Manager in a variety of 3, 4 and 5 star Luxury properties. During this time, Jolanta worked on improving her skills, education, and networking within the industry.

Jolanta became a council member in 2019. Jolanta feel the IASI membership allows her the opportunity to connect with passionate and hardworking individuals within the industry and feels the IASI are a continued support to her.

Jolanta currently works for the The Dean Group as the Executive Head of Accommodation, she has the pleasure of running the department in their new 4-star property, The Dean Hotel Galway.

Jared Warner

Council Officer | Incoming Treasurer

Jared was the Accommodation Manager at the Cork International Hotel from 2013 to 2018 and then ventured to the Kingsley Cork from 2018 to 2022. Jared is a proud member of the IASI since 2013 and joined the council in January 2018. Jared advocates for improving the work life of all accommodation Staff. He believes by improving the daily running of the business in anyway possibly will help lead to improving and maintaining high standards whilst offering his team better work/life balance. Jared believes the most dangerous words in business are “Because we’ve always done it that way”.

Jared has demonstrated practical expertise in:

  • Developing sustainable operational frameworks
  • Implementing efficiency-driven management systems
  • Creating comprehensive training programs
  • Driving organizational transformation
  • Enhancing service delivery standards

Currently at Dollard & Associates, Jared and the team at Dollard & Associates specialise in helping hospitality organisations optimise their operations through data-driven methodologies and sustainable practices.

Ingrid Brett

Council Officer | Health Care & Colleges Officer

Ingrid’s journey in hospitality began with her very first job in a hotel. Immersed in the dynamic and fast-paced environment, she quickly discovered a genuine passion for the industry—one that would define her professional path.

She pursued her academic studies in Hotel and Catering Management at both DIT and GMIT, laying a strong foundation for her future career. Over the years, Ingrid has worked in a variety of respected establishments across Dublin and Galway, gaining extensive experience across multiple hotel departments and diverse accommodation settings. This breadth of exposure has shaped her into a versatile and knowledgeable hospitality professional.

Ingrid is currently proud to serve as the Accommodation Services Manager at Stewarts Care in Dublin, where she continues to bring excellence and dedication to her role.

A long-standing member of the Irish Accommodation Services Institute (IASI), Ingrid values the organisation as a key source of professional knowledge, peer support, and meaningful networking opportunities.

Kathleen Dollard

Council Officer | Membership Officer

Executive Accommodation Manager at The Ashe Hotel Independent Accommodation Consultant
With over 30 years in the hospitality industry, Kathleen has worked across various departments, but accommodation has always been her passion. It is the heart of the hotel, where attention to detail and guest comfort come together to create a welcoming and seamless experience.
Kathleen joined the Irish Accommodation Services Institute (IASI) in 2024 and was honoured to become a member of the council. Over the years, IASI has been a fantastic support to her, and now, being part of the council allows Kathleen to contribute to the institute and the wider accommodation community.
Kathleen takes great pride in maintaining high standards and working alongside incredible accommodation teams. Being part of IASI has given her the opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals, share experiences, and continue growing within the industry she loves. She looks forward to learning, supporting others, and helping to uphold excellence in accommodation services.

Zsuzsanna Szeberenyi

Council Officer | Assistant Treasurer

Zsuzsanna currently serves as the Accommodation Manager at the award-winning Galway Bay Hotel, a distinguished member of the Hodson Bay Group. Since joining the group in 2017, she has demonstrated remarkable leadership and dedication, progressing rapidly from her initial position as Assistant Accommodation Manager to her current managerial role within the same year—a testament to her exceptional capabilities and commitment to excellence.

With a strong foundation in hospitality, Zsuzsanna has cultivated an in-depth knowledge of the accommodation sector, underpinned by years of hands-on experience and a keen understanding of operational best practices. Her expertise lies in delivering high standards of guest service, managing large teams effectively, and continuously striving to enhance operational efficiency and guest satisfaction.

In addition to her professional achievements, Zsuzsanna has been an active member of the Irish Accommodation Services Institute (IASI) since 2017. She was elected to the IASI Council in January 2023, where she continues to play a vital role in shaping the future of accommodation services in Ireland.

Renata Lohinski Llanos

Council Officer | Treasurer's Office

Renata Lohinski Llanos is the Executive Housekeeping Manager at Lyrath Estate Hotel, bringing over 30 years of executive management experience in the hospitality industry.

A Tourism Management graduate, Renata began her career in 1994 and quickly excelled in the field, managing housekeeping operations on luxury cruise ships with 3,000 rooms. Her expertise lies in implementing and maintaining 5-star service standards across Europe and North America, ensuring excellence in every aspect of hotel operations.

For the past six years, Renata has been at the forefront of 5-star hospitality in Ireland, leading housekeeping teams to deliver exceptional guest experiences. Her strategic leadership, deep industry knowledge, and commitment to innovation continue to drive the council’s mission, setting new benchmarks for quality and service excellence.

Davina Murphy

Council Officer | Membership Officer

Davina Murphy is the Accommodation Manager at the Cork International Hotel, part of the Trigon Group, a role she has held since 2018.

With over 25 years of experience in hospitality, Davina has dedicated the past 15 years to accommodation management. She began her career at Castlemartyr Resort before moving to Fota Island Resort, ultimately stepping into her current role at the Cork International Hotel. Throughout her career, Davina has continuously grown as a leader, taking on key responsibilities and projects. She has served as the hotel’s Lean Six Sigma Champion, Mental Health First Aider, Health and Safety Champion, and Sustainability Advocate. Additionally, she has developed training standards and implemented innovative solutions, including SOP QR codes with video links to enhance the guest experience.

In recognition of her leadership and dedication, Davina was shortlisted for the IHI Inspiring Manager of the Year 2024 award. She has also been an active member of the Irish Association of Safety Professionals (IASI) since 2022.

Marian Murnane

Council Member | Former President

Marian Murnane is a highly respected hospitality professional with extensive experience in the hospitality industry. She is a key member of the team at the Armada Hotel, where she plays a vital role in delivering exceptional guest experiences. Marian is the current Accommodation Manager in Armada House in West Clare.

Marian previously served as President of the Irish Accommodation Services Institute (IASI), demonstrating her leadership and commitment to upholding the highest standards in hospitality. Her expertise and dedication have made her a well-regarded figure in the industry, inspiring excellence in accommodation services.

Patricia Mew

Council Member | Membership

With over 25 years of distinguished experience in the hospitality industry, Patricia has dedicated her career to delivering excellence in the luxury sector across multiple international markets. She began her journey with Four Seasons Hotels, where she honed her skills over 19 years, followed by eight years with Ritz Carlton Hotels. For the past three years, Patricia has proudly served as the Director of Housekeeping at Adare Manor, where she continues to drive operational excellence and exceptional guest experiences.

Throughout her career in the accommodations sector, Patricia has been deeply committed to team development and leadership. One of her most rewarding achievements has been nurturing and advancing the skills of her team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional growth.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Patricia is an avid learner and explorer, passionate about discovering the beauty of Ireland through travel, biking, and golfing. She looks forward to connecting with fellow accommodations managers and industry professionals to share insights and forge lasting collaborations.

 

Alex Broderick

Council Member | Corporate Membership

Alex graduated from Shannon College of Hotel Management and has built an impressive career in the hospitality industry. Over the years, he has worked in renowned hotels such as Lyrath, Mount Juliet Estate, and The Savoy in London. For the past seven years, he has been based at The K Club in Kildare, where he has held various leadership roles, including Night Manager, Front Office Assistant Manager, and, for the past three years, Executive Accommodation Manager. In this role, he has successfully led teams through high-profile events such as the Irish Open Golf Tournament and Dubai Duty Free events.

Beyond his managerial expertise, Alex has also worked as a butler for prestigious families in private resort accommodations, adapting to unique challenges and delivering an exceptional standard of service.

As a young male professional in the accommodation services industry, Alex is excited to bring his knowledge and experience to the iASi. He is passionate about building strong, resilient teams that continue to thrive even after he moves on to new challenges. His leadership philosophy centers on preparing for future industry challenges and fostering lasting, values-driven teams.

Alex believes that those in the hospitality industry are more than just employees; they are guardians of buildings, teams, and employees, ensuring that they pass on a stronger, more resilient industry to the next generation.

Katarzyna Cwik

Council Member | Learning & Development

Katarzyna (Kasia) Cwik is originally from Poland and has been living in Ireland for the past 20 years. With a strong work ethic and a passion for the hospitality industry, she embarked on her career in accommodation services 12 years ago as a housekeeping assistant.

Kasia quickly developed a deep interest in the field and was eager to expand her skills and responsibilities. Through hard work, dedication, and continuous learning, she progressed in her career and is now a highly respected Housekeeping Manager. In this role, she ensures high standards of cleanliness, organisation, and guest satisfaction, leading her team with professionalism and attention to detail.

Beyond her managerial role, Kasia is also an active member of the IASI (Irish Accommodation Services Institute), where she serves as a council member. Being part of this organisation is both an honor and a privilege, allowing her to collaborate with experienced professionals, contribute to industry standards, and stay at the forefront of best practices in accommodation services.

With a commitment to excellence and a passion for hospitality, Kasia continues to grow in her profession, always striving to create welcoming and comfortable environments for guests and staff alike.

Hannah Duignan

Council Member | Event Coordinator