We recently marked the end of another era here at Shannon College of Hotel Management.
After 23 years, Ms Kate O’Connell has retired, leaving a very big hole and quiet hallways in our campus and community.
Kate is a graduate of Shannon from the class of 1980 and spent 20 years in the industry in the UK reaching General Manager status before returning to where she began, right here in our small campus.
As Registrar and Deputy Director of Shannon College, Kate has been involved in and played an extremely strong role in many changes that have taken place over the last 20 years. These include launching our BBS degree in 2001, being recognised as a college of NUI in 2002, managing our partnership with Seychelles Tourism academy and most recently, our integration as a school of the University of Galway in 2015. In addition to these accomplishments, Kate lectured in Human Resource Management and Asset Management and was Registrar up to our integration with the University of Galway
Kate stepped down as Deputy Head of school in 2019 and after conquering cancer and getting married, she returned to lecturing in the middle of the pandemic, and just a few weeks ago she submitted our application for Athena Swan Bronze Award – a mammoth task that she threw herself into!
Kate lit up the halls and demonstrated the true meaning of our college. She has a grá for everything Shannon and has shown such immense support for our staff and students.
A student, a graduate, an alumni, a lecturer, a leader, a voice of reason, a smile, a friend, family.
To mark her retirement on March 31st, we had a Guard of Honour into a college assembly for her followed by speeches. The O’Regan restaurant then welcomed Kate and her Husband Harry for lunch and we finished off with a wonderful Retirement Dinner for her which was cooked and served by our students.
Kate was presented with a bespoke pendant featuring the Wings and harp of the Heritage Crest of Shannon College – a gift that was perfect for a colleague and friend who has given so much of her passion and life to Shannon.
