Few could claim to be as dedicated to and knowledgeable of the hotel industry as Michéal Stapleton, General Manager at the Radisson SAS Hotel and Spa, Cork.

Having worked in the industry his entire adult life, Michéal knows more than a thing or two about what makes hotels work and armed with this knowledge, he intends on bringing the Radisson SAS in Cork to the next level.

Michéal's first introduction to the world of hospitality came at the tender age of 14 when he jumped at the chance to take up a part-time job at a hotel at home in Donegal. This early initiation into the world of hotels had a lasting impact on Michéal and each summer he fuelled his love for the industry, spending his summers in hotels and seeing first hand how they worked and blossomed.

On completing the leaving certificate, Michéal embarked on a three year hotel and catering course at Dublin's College of Catering which undoubtedly secured his future in the hotel industry. Eager to learn more and more about hotels, on completing his course, Michéal took up a position at Dublin's Conrad Hotel. Starting as night manager, Michéal quickly moved up the ranks, taking on more and more responsibilities and after 14 years at the Conrad he had built an impressive curriculum vitae which provided evidence of his skill, versatility and forward thinking.

From the Conrad, Michéal moved to Galway's Radisson SAS where he held the position of Operations Manager for almost four years. Michéal quickly fell for all that the Radisson as an international hotel had to offer including management training and professional development and found even more doors opening for him within the group.

The latest opening saw Michéal move south last May to take the lead at Cork's Radisson SAS Hotel and Spa. While still relatively new to the Little Island Hotel, Michéal says that he already feels like he has been there a lifetime and has many plans for the future of the hotel.

He owes the success of the Cork hotel to date to its versatility, dual-personality and location. "The Cork Hotel is proving very successful and I think the reason for this is because it's offering the total package with hotel rooms, food and beverage , the leisure centre, the spa and conferencing," he said.

He also attributes the fusion of old and new at the hotel to the success of the business and says he believes that the Radisson SAS's modern hotel facilities which are joined to the beautiful Ditchley house have huge appeal to customers, particularly brides and grooms looking for a wedding reception venue which has old-time charm without sacrificing on modern facilities.