The Wright Group is proud to announce a series of prestigious award wins in recognition of its exceptional contributions to Ireland’s hospitality and nightlife in 2024. The leading food and beverage hospitality group in Ireland operates 18 units, including the award-winning Marqette at Dublin Airport T1 and Wrights Anglers Rest in County Dublin.
The company received seven awards across key categories, underscoring its commitment to excellence, innovation, and people.
Ronan Galligan of The Wright Group was announced as the Winner of the Chief People Officer of the Year Award at the Business Post Leadership Excellence Awards. Ronan’s vision for positive employee culture across The Wright Group has seen him build a progressive and highly adaptive community of over 700 people, ensuring service excellence across the Group’s growing portfolio of restaurants, bars, food halls, cafes, event spaces and convenience retail.
Speaking about the recent award, Ronan Galligan, Chief People Officer of The Wright Group, said: “I am honoured to represent the great people that work across our group. They are the ones who help drive business innovation every day, delivering a positive customer experience and creating a wonderful sense of community. While I work to deliver strategic foresight to support business capability, our people are the true champions of our brand, and they are the real winners of this award.”
Wrights Café Bar in Swords, County Dublin, was also on the winner’s podium at the recent National Irish Pub Awards when it was crowned Best Late Night Bar in Ireland. Mickey Wright of The Wright Group spoke fondly of the hard-working team at the popular venue, saying: “This is such a great recognition for the team at Wrights Café Bar, especially for the hard work and dedication that they put in year-round. Late night industry at the moment is very different to what it was pre-pandemic across the country, and the challenges are even greater for venues in this category. At Wrights Café Bar we work really hard to create a brilliant atmosphere for our customers to enjoy their night out and we want to ensure that we look after every detail to make their experience exceptional.”
Offering a unique portfolio of brands such as Hogs & Heifers, Gilbert & Wright, The Phoenix Park Café and the recently opened Fruitality Juice and Smoothie Bar at Dublin Airport’s T2, The Wright Group’s venues provide a space for people to connect, have fun and feel welcomed. Two of these venues were each recognised for their customer service excellence at the recent Fingal Business Awards 2024. Hogs & Heifers Swords was named Best Restaurant while Gilbert & Wright picked up the award for Best Bar/Pub 2024.
Hogs & Heifers Liffey Valley also picked up Best Place to Eat at the South Dublin Chamber Awards 2024 and Erin William Waters from UCD Centra was awarded Rising Star and the Pride of Centra Awards 2024.
Marqette at Dublin Airport T1 was awarded best Airport Hospitality Provider at the recent Aviation Industry Awards which celebrates excellence and innovation in the industry.
Despite a challenging year for the hospitality sector in Ireland, The Wright Group continues to navigate a successful path with its ‘out of the box’ brands. Last year, the Group delivered 38% growth in revenues driven by strong sales and the successful opening of units in new markets and regions in Ireland, the group plans to continue to innovate for further growth in 2025.
“This year we focused on developing our people and culture and adding value to the overall experience. Ending the year on a high with the awards, the launch of Fruitality in T2 and new openings in the pipeline has been testament to that strategy paying off. 2025 is set to keep that momentum going.” said Michael Wright, CEO, The Wright Group.
