Anna May McHugh honoured at Midlands 103 hospitality awards

The Midlands 103 2026 Hospitality Awards have recognised excellence across Laois, Offaly and Westmeath
The Heritage in Killenard won Overall Hotel of the Year
O’Gorman’s Kilminchy won Overall Bar of the Year
Old Warehouse in Tullamore won Overall Restaurant of the Year
Belvedere House, Gardens and Park won Overall Tourism Experience of the Year

Anna May McHugh, founder of the national ploughing championships, was recognized with the lifetime achievement award at the Midlands 103 Hospitality Awards in Portloaise.

The awards recognised hospitality, tourism and entertainment industries across Laois, Offaly and Westmeath and brought together representatives from across the industry to recognise excellence in hotels, bars, restaurants, tourism, entertainment and customer service. Among the major winners The Heritage in Killenard took home Overall Hotel of the Year while O’Gorman’s Kilminchy in Portlaoise was named Overall Bar of the Year.

Old Warehouse in Tullamore was crowned Overall Restaurant of the Year and Belvedere House, Gardens and Park in Mullingar received Overall Tourism Experience of the Year. The Greville Arms Hotel in Mullingar enjoyed success in several categories including Best Customer Service Hotel of the Year and Hotel Manager of the Year for Martina Madden. JJ Houghs Singing Pub in Banagher was named Music Venue of the Year, Electric Picnic in Stradbally took Festival and Event of the Year and Glasson Lakehouse was named Golf Club of the Year.

The awards also recognised individuals including Aimee Clarke of the Greville Arms Hotel named Industry Personality of the Year and Paul Crosby of Castle Varagh Hotel and The Stables Tea Rooms who was named Chef of the Year. Midlands 103 Managing Director Will Faulkner reported the hospitality industry is an important part of life across Laois, Offaly and Westmeath. TV stylist Marietta Doran, Offaly’s Yvonne Carty from Hey Pesto and Eoghan Corry of Travel Extra were this year’s judges.

Will Faulkner shared “The hospitality industry is such an important part of life across Laois, Offaly and Westmeath. It supports local jobs, brings visitors into our towns and villages and creates places where people can meet, celebrate and enjoy themselves.”