Couple scoop guesthouse award

A CORK couple scooped the AA’s Guesthouse of the Year award last night.

Husband and wife team John and Anne O’Leary, who have run the 10-bedroom Ashlee Lodge and restaurant in the heart of Tower village for the last four years, were presented with the award in Dublin. John said they were delighted to win the prestigious award.

“It’s the result of a lot of hard work and commitment by us and our team of five dedicated staff,” he said.

Dennis Fisk, the AA’s director of membership, said inspectors were impressed with the high standards of hospitality at the lodge.

“Ashlee Lodge has the highest possible rating from the AA-that of Five Red Diamonds,” he said.

“Anne, John and their team are an excellent example of all that is good in Irish guesthouses and they are deserving winners of the award,” he added.

Kelly’s Resort Hotel in Rosslare, Co Wexford, won the AA Hotel of the Year 2006 and Gregans Castle Hotel in Ballyvaughan, Co Clare, won the AA Courtesy and Care Award.