Limerick Hotel announces its new general manager

THE LIMERICK Strand Hotel, part of the MHL Hotel Collection, has announced the appointment of Donnacha Hurley as general manager.

A highly respected figure in hospitality and business leadership, Donnacha brings more than 25 years of industry experience to the role, having held positions in Ireland, the UK and Switzerland, most recently serving as Chief Executive of Limerick Chamber.

Donnacha joins The Limerick Strand Hotel following a period of transition for the business and succeeds the late Stephen O’Connor, whose leadership, professionalism and commitment to the hotel left a lasting legacy among colleagues, guests and the wider hospitality industry.

Appointed by MHL Hotel Collection partners John Lally and Paul Higgins, Donnacha will oversee all aspects of operations at the four-star riverside hotel, including the award-winning River Bar & Restaurant, extensive conference and events facilities, and Energize Health Club.

A native of Ballykeeffe, Co. Limerick, Donnacha's career has spanned some of the hospitality industry's most recognised brands and organisations.

After studying at Shannon College of Hotel Management, including a year in Zurich, he completed the InterContinental Hotel Group graduate programme before progressing through management roles in Manchester and London.

His career includes senior positions with Holiday Inn, Tate Modern, Jurys Doyle Hotel Group and Whitbread plc, before returning home to Limerick in 2007 as Opening General Manager of the Limerick Marriott Hotel.

In 2008, he took the helm at the Absolute Hotel Limerick, where he spent more than 17 years leading the business through the recession, a successful refinancing and ultimately its sale in 2025.

Most recently, as Chief Executive of Limerick Chamber, Donnacha led advocacy and engagement on key regional priorities including housing, infrastructure and preparations for Ryder Cup 2027.

Speaking about his appointment, Donnacha Hurley said: “Hospitality is where my heart is. My time with Limerick Chamber was a privilege, but leading The Limerick Strand Hotel felt like coming home. The Strand is one of Limerick's landmark hotels with a proud reputation for hospitality and service.

“My focus is to build on those strong foundations, support our team, enhance the guest experience, and ensure the hotel continues to play an important role in the city's life. With significant investment in Limerick and the Ryder Cup at Adare Manor on the horizon, there are exciting opportunities ahead for both the hotel and the region."

Welcoming the appointment, John Lally and Paul Higgins, Partners of MHL Hotel Collection, said: "We are delighted to welcome Donnacha to The Limerick Strand Hotel. He brings an exceptional combination of hospitality expertise, commercial acumen and deep knowledge of Limerick and the wider Mid-West region. His proven track record in hotel leadership, team development and business performance makes him ideally placed to lead the hotel while building on its strong reputation and success."

Donnacha holds an Executive MBA (Hons) from the University of Limerick, an MSc in Hospitality Management (Hons) from TU Dublin, and a Diploma in Hotel Management from Shannon College of Hotel Management.

He has also held numerous leadership roles across the sector, including President of Limerick Chamber, Board Member of Discover Limerick DAC and National Council Member of the Irish Hotels Federation.

His vision for The Limerick Strand Hotel centres on people, service excellence and sustainable growth, with a strong focus on preserving the hotel's established strengths while continually enhancing the experience for guests, colleagues and the wider community.