Employee Recognition Programme

At the Irish Heritage Trust, we understand that our people are our greatest asset. They drive our vision and mission to ensure the future sustainability of Ireland’s built and natural heritage. We are committed to nurturing and developing our colleagues’ talents, promoting learning and teamwork in a culture that values openness and diversity.

Our Living the Values recognition programme rewards employees who actively demonstrate our core values. Based on peer nominations, some of which are featured below, it acknowledges those who embody our values. We are delighted to share the first award recipients of 2024 and congratulate them all.

Teresa Dunleavy, Senior Visitor Service Coordinator & Membership Administrator at Johnstown Castle, Estate, Museum & Gardens “Teresa personifies the Trust values – she is always very positive, helpful and personable with colleagues and visitors alike. She maintains a calm presence even if dealing with challenging situations. She oversees the work of the front desk with diligence ensuring the highest standards of communication are adhered to and is a supportive mentor to her visitor service colleagues.“

Joanne Clarke, Collections & Interpretation Manager, 11 Parnell Square “Joanne joined the Trust to cover a maternity leave and was retained to take responsibility for a Business Continuity & Disaster Recovery project. She is now covering another maternity alongside her responsibilities for BCP/DR. Joanne actively engages in a positive way with colleagues, volunteers and other stakeholders. Her sense of ‘Community’ is evident in her approach and attitude. Joanne’s work in Collections & Interpretation exemplifies our value of ‘Professional – Best in Class’, and she puts heart and soul into ensuring that our visitor experience is world class. I’m proud to have a colleague like Joanne.“

Siobhan Brett, Café Supervisor, Strokestown Park House “The café in Strokestown has undergone a lot of change over the past 8 months, this was at the time Siobhan joined the team. She brought a steady hand to the help lead the team and a bundle of knowledge that also helped the business. A calm leader who imparts knowledge when training is a great asset to have in a team. Her welcome to customers and desire to help people is a wonderful example for all the team. In relation to our Trust values, Ambition & Community are the two areas Siobhan excels in and leads by example.”

Hugh Geary, Maintenance & Facilities Assistant, Fota House, Arboretum & Gardens “Having transitioned from working at Fota House on the community scheme to become a full member of IHT staff in July 2023, Hugh has flourished in his role in house maintenance. A skilled craftsman in his own right, he has taken on many responsibilities and is very much self-guided in maintaining the house to a very high standard working alongside Martina Madden. His adaptability in looking after a wide scope of work and hassle-free way he approaches these tasks is very impressive. Easy to work with and a popular member of the Fota team Hugh is a perfect example of one who is living the Trust values in what he does daily and his good-natured engagement with others.”

Laura Killeen, HR Officer, 11 Parnell Square “Laura is always professional, proactive and has an engaging work style that demonstrates our values of Professional, ‘Best in Class’ and ‘Community’. She joined HR last August and has been key to the successful implementation of our new HR system Bizimply which has brought many benefits to IHT. Laura demonstrates the value of ‘Ambitious’, continually looking for innovative ways to develop the system and processes to benefit our teams. She is friendly, approachable, supportive and a real team player”.

Matthew Catterall, Head Gardener, Strokestown Park House “Matthew is a role model for the values of the IHT. Always incredibly professional in how he deals with staff and visitors. A trusted partner who works along with and supports all relevant projects taking place on site. He is wonderfully kind, inviting and supportive of our garden volunteers, particularly the younger more vulnerable volunteers, who he has really forged an enriching relationship with. In terms of our events, he is always willing to support in whatever means possible, nothing is ever too much. I feel privileged to work with such a lovely person.“

Tara Doyle, Café Team Leader, Johnstown Castle, Estate, Museum & Gardens “Tara shows consistently that she is a hard worker, a team player and someone who brings positivity to the workplace. After being promoted to the position of team leader this year, she has taken on more responsibility with no hesitation, and goes above and beyond to help and assist management with daily tasks and administrative duties. Tara is a valued member of the team whose opinions, insights and hard work are very much noticed and appreciated.“

Ian Graham, Project Horticulturist, Fota House, Arboretum & Gardens “Ian’s work with the Orchard and Frameyard volunteers as well as his work with corporates over the past eight years has proven that he ticks each box of the Trust Values. He manages to collaborate effortlessly with both the house, the gardens and the OPW and retains respect and trust from everyone. He has retained a strong relationship with Apple, Eli Lilly and continues to work with ensuring Corporates continue to give back.”

Fáilte Ireland Employer Excellence Programme Also proud to share that we have successfully completed the Employer Excellence Programme with Fáilte Ireland recognising our commitment to creating a positive and inclusive work environment.