You've Been Served: John O'Grady, Tulfarris Hotel and Golf Resort

I have worked in the hotel business for 30 years. My mother wanted me to work in finance but I caught the ’bug' working at the Newpark Hotel in Kilkenny under the great Bobby Kerr Sr.

I love the daily interaction with both colleagues and guests alike and that no day is the same. Managing a resort can be very challenging but I am lucky to work with a great team at Tulfarris. I am working with the Prem Group for the past five-and-a-half years, first as general manager of Ballykisteen Hotel and Golf Resort then as an area manager overseeing a number of properties.

I am currently the resort general manager at Tulfarris for the past three years.

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Operating a resort is very different from a hotel in that there are more departments spread over a greater area.

I meet the department managers every morning and review the business of the day ahead and the status of each department. I conduct a daily walkthrough of departments, checking on standards and reviewing any scheduled building and maintenance works on the resort.

My day is very structured with meetings, reviewing our finances and sales strategies across the board.

Hosting the Euro-Pro Tour golf event at Tulfarris for the past two years has been a great experience. This event attracts more than 150 of the best up and coming golf professionals from Ireland, Great Britain, and Europe. The event is televised by Skyy Sports so it is always an honour to see our super course and resort on show for the world to see.

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Also being part of the transformation in Tulfarris over the past three years has been great. Huge investment has been made by Prem Group in the Golf course, clubhouse, and facilities. The restoration of the manor house, new lobby and bedrooms, and more investment is scheduled for 2020.

The best part of my job is the variety it entails and being given the autonomy to bring ideas to fruition. I am privileged to work with a great team and we bring out the best in each other which makes Tulfarris what it is today. There are always ‘curve balls’ on a resort but experience over time and working with a committed team means we overcome and learn to deal with most things. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of meeting and looking after many politicians, heads of state,actors, and sports people.

John O’Grady is the general manager at Tulfarris Hotel and Golf Resort, Blessington Co Wicklow.

www.tulfarrishotel.com