Life-time achievement award for publican Joe

Mr McDermott was recognised for his years of service and dedication in driving forward industry standards.

A qualified accountant and former Civil Servant, Mr McDermott opened his first venue, The Phoenix Bar in 1976 and added to this in 1985 with The Park Bar. He joined Hospitality Ulster in the early 1980s and became a stalwart of the organisation, becoming National Treasurer, a position he held until his retirement in November 2019.

Over the years, Mr McDermott has employed over 50 people, many of whom stayed with him throughout this considerable period of time.

Speaking at the recent Top 100 Hospitality Businesses Awards in Belfast, Danny Coyles, Chairman of Hospitality Ulster said: “I would like to thank Joe McDermott for all his years of service to the hospitality sector and to Hospitality Ulster. He is synonymous with the sector in the North West and is a recognisable face right across the island of Ireland. I know that our colleagues across the industry will be pleased to see Joe collect this well-deserved award.

“Anyone that knows Joe, will know his love for antique cars and in his spare time he enjoys fixing these cars up. It is this emphasis on fixing things that has made him such an important figure within the hospitality sector and a friend to everyone he came into contact with.”

Colin Neill, Chief Executive of Hospitality Ulster added: “Joe McDermott has played a substantial role in the development of the hospitality sector right across Northern Ireland and is very deserving of this special Lifetime Membership Award.”