Graduates and friends of the Shannon College of Hotel Management were welcomed by Irish Ambassador to the UK, Dan Mulhall at a glamorous and entertaining evening on April 21st 2015, celebrating the valued contribution made by members of the Alumni to the wider UK economy.
With over 100 guests in attendance on the night, Ambassador Mulhall fully embraced the atmosphere of the evening with a moving and thoughtful speech in which he recognized the many accomplishments of the Alumni, and the collective contribution made to the continued excellent relationship between Ireland and the UK.
Drawing attention to those Irish graduates who have recently been honoured and recognized by Britain, including Gerald Lawless (Class of 1975) who was inducted into the British Travel & Tourism Hall of Fame earlier this year and Patrick Dempsey (Class of 1981) who has been awarded an OBE for services to the hospitality sector, the Ambassador was keen to draw a line between Shannon College, the Alumni and the strong business links between Ireland and the UK.
Also speaking on the night, College Director Phillip Smyth make a personal and heartfelt speech on the proud history of Shannon College and its enduring links to the global economy, noting in particular the great tradition graduates have of helping one another whenever possible.
Recalling a particular point in time when circumstances in the global economy left questions hanging over 2nd and 4th year placements, he recalled issuing a plea to the global Alumni and was immediately inundated with offers of help.
“There’s a sense of community and family among the Alumni, regardless of where they are in the World or even if they’re still in the hotel sector. It’s a feeling of camaraderie and friendship which has prevailed throughout the history of the College, and which we certainly hope to see continue” he said. He finished his speech with the words of the former director Jorgen Blum:
#KeepTheContact
Big thanks to Edward Bracken, Jack Conroy and Ciarán Fahy for organising such a special evening, to Arlene McCaffrey for helping with the PR and to Jeremy Rata for some wonderful photos.
Full gallery of photos from the night (and some from the pub afterwards in true SCHM style!) are in the gallery below.
