Hospitality success for Culloville student

By Brónagh Murphy

The academic excellence of a university student from Culloville was rewarded recently when she was presented with a prestigious award recognising her high achievements.

Margaret Caherty, from the Concession Road in the village, was presented with the Da Vinci Cup for excellence in academic performance, having recently graduated from the University of Ulster with a first class honours degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management.

The prize, sponsored by businessman, Garvan O’Doherty, and presented by Mr Charlie Nicel, Human Resource Manager, rewards the highest achieving student in the strategic management module.

Chosen from more than fifty students, 23-year-old Margaret said: “I am absolutely delighted at winning this award.  It’s such a boost because it was based on one of the core modules of the course – strategic management – and this is recognised within employment organisations.  It has definitely helped me a lot with my work.”

As part of her degree requirements, Margaret undertook a one-year work placement, which she spent as a trainee manager in the d Hotel in Drogheda. She clearly made an excellent impression on her employers as she is now works there full time as Reservations and Events Coordinator.

Margaret says she is gaining invaluable experience from her position and hopes to put some of that experience into practice to pursue the marketing aspect of her career.

In the future, she hopes to return to the University of Ulster to complete a Masters degree in Marketing.

Frances Devine, Course Director for Hotel and Tourism Management praised her student’s achievements saying, “Margaret is an outstanding student. Throughout her studies she was highly motivated, enthusiastic and determined to be successful – participating in the Irish Hospitality Institute Business Management Game in March 2009.  All these qualities are very important for a successful career in the hotel and tourism industry.”