You've been served: Trevor Sheehan, guest relations manager at Castlemartyr Resort

Trevor Sheehan is guest relations manager at Castlemartyr Resort in Cork. Castlemartyrresort.ie

I started my career in the hospitality industry at a young age working in the Garryvoe Hotel as a summer job. I have been fortunate since then to travel and work in five-star hotels in London for 10 years before returning to Cork. Since being home I have not only worked in hotels but have also worked as a Customer Service and Hospitality Skills Lecturer for Failte Ireland, joining the team at Castlemartyr Resort five years ago.

I chose this career because I enjoy meeting people and my work has allowed me to travel and to meet and look after some amazing people.

The hotel is always very busy, so I plan my day around the business on that day, working closely with our general manager Brendan Comerford. This could involve looking after our corporate clients, our international visitors, our leisure guests, guests that stay with us for special occasions, as well as wedding couples and their guests, and meeting their five-star service expectations.

As guest relations manager, it is my role within the hotel to ensure each and every guest has a memorable experience with us and we look forward to their return visit.

The best part of my job is being an integral part of the guest’s experience.

I was asked to organise a setting for a proposal in the woods surrounding the resort. The champagne, chocolates, and flowers were all in place and as I was putting the finishing touches to the setting when I lost my footing and heard a loud crack and I knew I’d broken my foot!

Knowing that the couple were due to arrive at the scene in the next few minutes, in haste I had to get my colleagues to collect me whilst the ambulance was on its way. As I was carted off up to the CUH, fortunately the couple were none the wiser, and I was delighted to learn that she said yes. I was back on two feet to welcome them back to the hotel some time later on their wedding day!

Starting work one evening I was surprised to see and to hear Bruce Springsteen singing with our resident traditional Irish band in our Knights Bar!

He had just arrived back after his concert in Cork City and was enjoying the hospitality of our team. It was a surprise that none of us will ever forget!