Meet the Team
The People Behind Your Stay
At The Hoban Hotel, Kilkenny, our team combines years of industry experience with a personal, hands-on approach ensuring every guest feels genuinely welcomed from the moment they arrive. Here, we’d like to introduce the faces behind your stay.
Hugh Fitzpatrick
General Manager
Hugh Fitzpatrick is the General Manager of The Hoban Hotel, Kilkenny. A proud Waterford native, Hugh brings over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry to his role, with a steadfast commitment to delivering the highest standards of guest experience.
Hugh believes that exceptional hospitality begins with an exceptional team, and he takes great pride in the culture that has been cultivated at The Hoban. Seeing both returning guests and first-time visitors enjoy everything the hotel has to offer is, for Hugh, among the most rewarding aspects of his work.
Outside of work: Hugh is an avid golfer and a passionate sports enthusiast, always keen to follow and participate in a wide range of sporting activities.
Mary O'callaghan
Operations Manager
Mary O’Callaghan is the Operations Manager at the Hoban Hotel and a truly integral part of the team. With a hands-on approach and a deep understanding of the business, Mary is actively involved across all departments, ensuring the smooth day-to-day running of the hotel. Her dedication, leadership, and attention to detail make her a key pillar of the organisation, always ready to support colleagues and enhance the guest experience.
Outside of work: Mary channels her creativity through her passion for diamond painting, a hobby she finds both relaxing and rewarding. Her creative spirit and commitment carry through in everything she does, both professionally and personally.
Karen Corcoran
Assistant Operations Manager
Karen Corcoran is a proud native of Kilkenny and brings a wealth of experience from many years working across the tourism and hospitality industry to her role as Assistant Operations Manager. Throughout her career, Karen has developed a strong passion for creating exceptional guest experiences, with a particular focus on the finer details that help make every visit memorable and unique.
Her warm, attentive approach ensures guests feel genuinely welcomed and valued from the moment they arrive. In her role, Karen is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards across all aspects of hotel operations, always striving to leave a lasting and positive impression.
Outside of work: Karen enjoys playing Brazilian percussion — a hobby that reflects her vibrant and energetic personality. When it comes to dining at The Hoban, her favourite dish is, without a doubt, the Chicken & Mushroom Vol-au-Vents.
Karen O'Sullivan
Sales & Marketing Manager
Karen O’Sullivan is the Sales & Marketing Manager at The Hoban Hotel Kilkenny, a role she has held with distinction since joining the team in June 2021. A proud Kilkenny native, Karen brings a wealth of industry experience, a genuine passion for hospitality, and an in-depth knowledge of the local area to everything she does.
Karen’s career in hospitality began at just 16 years old in a local hotel, sparking a journey that would take her around the world, from Disneyland Paris to SeaWorld California and Australia, before returning home to Kilkenny. In her current role, Karen is instrumental in welcoming corporate, leisure, and local guests, while fostering strong relationships within the community. She is the key point of contact for all Sales & Marketing enquiries and takes great pride in promoting Kilkenny as a leading destination.
Outside of work: Karen enjoys spending quality time with her family, cooking, entertaining, walking, and practising yoga.
Kilkenny recommendation: Karen recommends exploring Kilkenny on foot, beginning with a stroll through Kilkenny Castle and its beautiful grounds, continuing along the historic Medieval Mile, and finishing at St. Canice’s Cathedral for a true sense of the city’s unique charm and heritage.
Chrysaintha (Chrys) Penha
Reception Manager
Chrys Penha is the Reception Manager at The Hoban Hotel, where she has been a valued and respected member of the team for over five years. Originally from Mumbai, India, Chrys moved to Ireland with her family as a child and proudly calls Ireland her home.
With a warm and highly professional approach, Chrys ensures a genuinely welcoming experience for every guest and plays a pivotal role in maintaining the smooth operation of the front desk. Her consistency and dedication have made her a trusted presence at the heart of the hotel.
Outside of work: Chrys has a passion for travel and seizes every opportunity to explore new destinations. She enjoys staying active through regular workouts and finds relaxation in watching Bollywood films — a reflection of both her cultural roots and her love for storytelling.
Catherine Lane
Accommodation Manager
Catherine Lane is a proud native of Tipperary and brings an extraordinary 44 years of experience in the hospitality industry to her role as Accommodation Manager at The Hoban Hotel, where she has been based for the past four years.
What Catherine values most about The Hoban is the team’s shared commitment to a guest-focused experience. She believes firmly that teamwork is the cornerstone of success, and works collaboratively with colleagues across all departments to deliver exceptional service and create memorable moments for every guest.
Outside of work: Catherine enjoys playing golf and practising yoga — two activities that help her maintain balance and energy both in and out of the workplace.
Kilkenny recommendation: Catherine recommends Kilkenny Castle for a coffee, pastry, and leisurely stroll; St. Canice’s Cathedral for history enthusiasts; and Campagne Kilkenny, a Michelin-starred dining experience for food lovers.
Bartosz Ratuski
HR Administrator
Bartosz Ratuski joined The Hoban Hotel team in April 2025 as HR Administrator and has quickly become a valued member of the team. Originally from Kętrzyn, Poland, Bartosz has been living in Carlow since 2007 and is proud to call Ireland his home.
Since joining, Bartosz has been struck by the strength of the team dynamic at The Hoban. As he describes it: “The teamwork here is exceptional. Every day, I feel supported and motivated to come to work.”
Outside of work: Bartosz is dedicated to fitness — particularly cardio — and is a proud dog owner to Vader and Apollo. He also enjoys hiking, attending concerts, and spending quality time with friends and family.
Kilkenny recommendation: Bartosz recommends taking a scenic boat tour of the city, followed by a visit to The Hoban Hotel for excellent dining and a warm welcome.
Przemyslaw Glaz
Head Chef
Przemyslaw Glaz has been an integral part of The Hoban Hotel since its earliest days, making him one of the longest-serving and most valued members of the team. His passion for food is evident in every dish he creates, and he takes immense pride in his contribution to The Hoban’s reputation as a leading dining destination in Kilkenny.
Przemyslaw thrives in a collaborative kitchen environment and takes great satisfaction in leading a dynamic team that shares his dedication to culinary excellence and consistent quality.
Outside of work: Outside the kitchen, Przemyslaw is an avid beekeeper — a hobby that reflects the care, patience, and precision he brings to both his craft and his team.
Dezlino Damiao Travasso
Food & Beverage
Dezlino Travasso brings over 23 years of international hospitality experience to The Hoban Hotel, with a distinguished career spanning luxury cruise ships, London, Goa, and Ireland. Originally from Goa, India, his breadth of experience across diverse hospitality environments has given him a deep understanding of service excellence, team leadership, and guest relations.
For the past two years, Dezlino has been a valued member of The Hoban Hotel team in Kilkenny. He takes particular pride in the relationships he builds with both colleagues and guests. As he puts it: “The team, and our regulars — they call you by name, there’s a real relationship. It makes all the difference.”
Outside of work: Dezlino is a passionate sports enthusiast and a dedicated supporter of Chelsea FC.
Kilkenny recommendation: Dezlino recommends a tour of Kilkenny Castle and a visit to The Smithwick’s Experience for an authentic taste of the city.
Marie Prendiville
Front Desk Agent
Marie Prendiville is a native of Abbeyleix, County Laois, and has been a proud member of The Hoban Hotel team since beginning her career in hospitality three years ago. For Marie, the greatest reward of her role is the people — the exceptional colleagues she works alongside every day and the guests she has the pleasure of welcoming.
Marie is a natural ambassador for the hotel, embodying the warmth and attentiveness that defines the guest experience at The Hoban.
Outside of work: Marie enjoys exploring the beautiful natural surroundings of County Laois and spending quality time with friends and family.
The team at The Hoban Hotel Kilkenny is made up of experienced and friendly hospitality professionals across departments including reception, management, food and beverage, and sales. Each team member plays an important role in creating a welcoming and enjoyable stay for guests.
The Meet the Team page highlights a variety of roles within the hotel, such as receptionists, managers, and key team leaders. These profiles give insight into the people who deliver exceptional service behind the scenes and on the front line.
The team is known for being approachable, knowledgeable, and passionate about Kilkenny. Many team members are local or have strong ties to the area, allowing them to provide personalised recommendations and insider tips for guests.
Yes, the team is always happy to share recommendations on things to do, places to eat, and attractions to visit in Kilkenny. Their local knowledge helps guests discover both popular highlights and hidden gems.
From check-in to dining and beyond, the team ensures every guest feels welcome and well looked after. Their focus on friendly service and attention to detail helps create a relaxed and enjoyable stay for all visitors.
The team is always available throughout the hotel, whether at reception, in the restaurant, or around the property, and they are happy to assist with any requests or questions during your stay.