Killarney-based hotel group, the O’Donoghue Ring Collection, is celebrating a major double win after receiving two prestigious accolades at last night’s Gold Medal Awards.

The independent, family-run business whose portfolio includes some of Killarney’s most popular hotels, bars and restaurants such as Killarney Plaza Hotel & Spa, Café du Parc, The Tan Yard, Pig’s Lane, Killarney Towers Hotel, and Killarney Avenue Hotel was crowned Ireland’s Best Hotel Group, recognising its outstanding commitment to excellence and its position at the forefront of Irish hospitality.

Adding to the celebrations, Killarney Avenue Hotel was also named Ireland’s Front of House Team, an award that honours exceptional service, professionalism, and guest care.

The Gold Medal Awards are widely regarded as the leading independent awards programme in the Irish hospitality industry. Winners were announced on the evening of January 27th at a spectacular sold-out black-tie gala held at The Galmont Hotel & Spa in Galway.

Managing Director of the O’Donoghue Ring Collection, Gemma Ring, said: “Winning Ireland’s Best Hotel Group is an incredible honour for our family-run business, and to see Killarney Avenue Hotel recognised for Front of House excellence makes the achievement even more special. As a group, we are constantly innovating and evolving, driving new ideas and experiences that enhance every stay, while remaining grounded in the genuine hospitality our guests know and love. This recognition reflects the dedication of our entire team across the collection, and I couldn’t be more proud of what we have achieved together.”

Other local hotel to receive medals include The Europe Hotel, The Victoria and the Gleneagle.
Silver medals went to The Great Southern and The Brehon Hotel & Spa while third place prizes were given to the Brook Lane Hotel and the Killarney Park.

A sculpture of Daniel O’Connell, the Liberator, was unveiled by Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy at Leinster House on Wednesday to mark the 250th anniversary of his birth.

O’Connell, who was born in Kerry, was the foremost Irish nationalist leader of the 19th century.

He was the first Irish Catholic to speak in British Parliament and advocated for the abolishment of slavery.

His last speech in the British Parliament focused on the plight of the Irish people during the famine.

The unveiling took place in the coffee dock of LH2000. 

The Ceann Comhairle opened the event with a short welcome address to guests in attendance including members of both Houses of the Oireachtas and the staff of Bank of Ireland.

Addressing those in attendance, the Ceann Comhairle said that sculptures have a way of slowing us down, asking us to pause, look and examine from different angles. 

She said: “We are not here to simply unveil a statue today, but to acknowledge a chapter in the history of this island. A statue is never only about the person it depicts. It is also about us, the people who choose to remember, to reflect, and to learn. This sculpture marks moments in time; reminders of choices and a tale of a man who shaped the path we walk today.”

The sculpture, created by Andrew O’Connor in 1932, was donated to the Houses of the Oireachtas by Bank of Ireland.

The Daniel O’Connell sculpture will sit on the Kildare Street side of the Leinster House complex, outside the entrance to LH2000.