Joe Scally - Chairman
As a lifelong hotelier, Joe Scally along with his wife Margaret, has been welcoming guests for many years now. With a passion for the hospitality industry spanning over 50 years, Joe is committed to ensuring that guests of the Scally Hotel Collection receive the service that they deserve to ensure a memorable experience with an emphasis on personal service. He has ensured that each property is distinctive, classically styled and renowned for the finest service levels. Joe is now Chairman of the collection.
Claire Scally -Director
Claire is the youngest daughter of Joe & Margaret Scally. She holds a degree from Dublin Business School where she then went on to study fashion marketing in London College of Fashion. Claire never thought that she would work in hotels, however having been immersed in the hotel industry from an early age, one thing led to another and Claire became involved in the family hotel business where she is now a Director for Scally Hotel Collection. Claire is based in Killarney and her role involves liaising with visiting agents, welcoming FAM trips and greeting VIP guests. Claire also attends sales trips on behalf of the collection and represents all four hotels at local events including Kerry & Cork Convention Bureau.
Mark Scally - Commercial Director
Mark joined the family business in 2005 having previously worked as a stockbroker in Ireland’s leading stockbroking firm - Davy. Mark brought with him a wealth of experience from the financial industry that he has utilised in his role as Group Commercial Director. Mark’s role as a member of the senior executive team is to provide leadership for the Board's Finance and Accounting strategy, to optimise the company's financial performance and strategic position.
Brian Scally – Director
Brian began his career in retail, studying Retail Management at TU Dublin and gaining hands-on experience across Musgrave’s retail outlets throughout Ireland. With an early ambition to one day open his own Donnybrook Fair– or Wholefoods-style store, Brian developed a strong commercial foundation and a deep understanding of customer experience from the outset. A pivotal opportunity led Brian into the hospitality sector within the family business when he was appointed General Manager of the Killarney Royal. Five years later, he progressed to General Manager of the Great Southern Hotel, before moving into the role of Group Revenue Manager three years on. In 2021, Brian took up the position of General Manager at The Ashe Hotel, where he continued to build his reputation for strong leadership and operational excellence. In August 2025, Brian was appointed Company Director of Scally Hotels, marking a significant milestone in a career defined by growth, adaptability, and long-term commitment to the industry. Outside of work, Brian is a devoted family man, proudly sharing life with his wife, their three children, and the family dog, Jessie. When time allows, his favourite place to unwind is at the top of Mangerton Mountain.
Michael Jacobi- Managing Director
Michael joined the Scally Hotel Collection in 2021 as Managing Director, bringing more than 25 years of international hospitality leadership experience. He began his career in Germany with a clear mission: to explore the world through hospitality and gain a deep understanding of different cultures, people, and markets. That ambition has since taken Michael and his family to live and work in eight countries. A personal highlight was a one year journey across South America, spending quality time with his wife and three children. Throughout his career, Michael has held senior operational leadership roles across Europe and the Middle East, including multiple General Manager positions and, most recently, Regional Director with responsibility for hotel operations across the Baltics, Ukraine, and Sweden.
As Managing Director, Michael leads the Group’s Executive team with a strong focus on sustainable growth, operational excellence, and developing high-performing teams that deliver memorable guest experiences while attracting and retaining the best hospitality talent.
Danielle Murrihy-Group Sales & Marketing Director
Whilst Danielle had grown up in a family hospitality business in her hometown of Youghal, Co Cork, her initial introduction to hotels was her first-year management placement at Hayfield Manor in 2001. It was during this placement where she fell in love with the industry. After a year spent working with the IHG Group in Florida, Danielle completed her Bachelor of Business in Hotel Management from Galway Mayo Institute of Technology. After completing her college qualification, Danielle held a number of operational roles within the industry in notable hotels in Kilkenny and Clare. In 2012, Danielle moved to the UK and became General Manager of the Hallmark Hotel in London. After returning home to Cork in September 2015, Danielle joined the sales team at the luxurious Castlemartyr Resort, and was appointed Sales and Marketing Manager. She has been Director of Sales and Marketing for the Scally Hotel Collection since the Summer of 2021. Outside of work, Danielle is passionate about exploring new countries, cooking and long walks on the beach with her husband and two young daughters.
Gerhard Erasmus- General Manager at Hayfield Manor.
With over 20 years’ experience in luxury hospitality, Gerhard Erasmus brings an impressive global track record of leadership across world-class hotels and resorts throughout Europe and beyond. Deeply passionate about exceptional guest experiences, Gerhard is known for fostering a culture of excellence, innovation and people-focused leadership. Originally from South Africa, Gerhard joined the Hayfield Manor in March 2025 from Germany, where he most recently managed a private collection of high-end luxury properties. His distinguished career includes senior leadership roles with some of the industry’s most prestigious brands, including One&Only Resorts, Belmond and Radisson Hotel Group. Most recently, he served as CEO of Buccara and Apex Alliance Hotel Management, overseeing strategic expansion, new property launches and brand development across Europe. Renowned for elevating guest experiences, building high-performing teams and delivering strong operational results, Gerhard brings a wealth of expertise, vision and passion to Hayfield Manor. Outside of the hotel, Gerhard is a proud father of three. He enjoys endurance sports, outdoor cooking and is a devoted supporter of his favourite rugby team, the Springboks.
Jamie Power- General Manager at Great Southern Killarney
Jamie joined the team at Great Southern Killarney in 2024. Having previously enjoyed stints in a number of leading Irish and international properties, including the Waldorf Astoria New York, River Lee Hotel Cork and Director of Operations at Mount Juliet in Kilkenny, Jamie brings with him over 15 years in the luxury hospitality industry. Hailing from Waterford, Jamie would have regularly visited and stayed in Killarney and Kerry, and briefly lived in the area during his college studies, so he is delighted to have made the move to the Kingdom. He is a keen runner and hiker, therefore Killarney is the perfect place for him to explore and enjoy the outdoors.
Pat McGrath – General Manager at Killarney Royal Townhouse
Pat McGrath, brings with him over a decade of distinguished experience within the hospitality industry. Originally from the West of Ireland, Pat has built a highly regarded career in Killarney, known for his strong leadership, operational expertise, and commitment to exceptional guest experiences. Pat joined Killarney Royal Townhouse from Killarney Brewing & Distilling Company, where he held the role of Head of Hospitality from April 2024. His career also includes senior leadership positions as Deputy General Manager at Lough Rynn Castle, Hotel Manager at The Landmark Hotel, and Operations Manager at both the Killarney Plaza Hotel and The Ross Hotel. With a deep understanding of luxury hospitality and a passion for genuine service, Pat now leads the Killarney Royal Townhouse team as the property continues to refine and enhance its offering. Under his guidance, the hotel remains focused on delivering warm, memorable experiences while embracing its exciting new positioning within the Scally Hotel Collection.