S

STAFF at The Gleneagle gathered together recently for a special length of service ceremony which paid tribute to the outstanding team at the hotel, many of whom have dedicated decades of their careers to working there.

The stars of the ceremony, Niall Doherty and Christy O’Sullivan, received standing ovations from their colleagues in recognition of their hard work and dedication having worked at the hotel over 45 years and 40 years respectively.

Speaking after the event Eileen O’Donoghue, director of The Gleneagle Hotel, said: “It is difficult to describe the level of emotion and pride there was in the room at this very special ceremony. When you are acknowledging staggering levels of service, from five years which is something remarkable in today’s hospitality world, all the way up to 40 years for Christy and 45 years for Niall, it is very hard to find the right words to even attempt to show the regard and esteem you feel for these very special people. Simply put, we are just humbled and grateful.”

The Gleneagle Group currently employs over 700 people and 400 of those are based at The Gleneagle Hotel. In excess of 130 people, from this 400 strong team, have been with the hotel for between five and fifteen years. Staff members Norma Lynch, Patrick Sheehan, Muiris O’Connor, Noreen Moynihan, Terence McCarthy, Liam Kelleher, Ann McCann, John Drummond, Breffni Ingerton and Derek Lee have worked at The Gleneagle for over twenty years, while Dorothy Daly, Tom Moriarty and Eamonn Quigley have worked at The Gleneagle for over twenty-five years. Mossie Gleeson, Geraldine Tangney and Eileen Doherty have worked at the hotel for over thirty years and Bridget Herlihy, Maura O’Connor and Dan O’Sullivan have all worked there for over thirty-five years.

General Manager John Dolan said: “It’s great to be a part of a team that has dedicated so many years of service, through the good times and hard times. Kudos to Niall Doherty at forty-five years, Christy O’Sullivan at 40 years and at 35 years' service – Dan O’Sullivan, Maura O’Connor and Bridget Herlihy, all of whom are still enjoying life on our cruise ship on land. I myself am a relative newcomer and having only enjoyed ten years working with this dedicated and professional team.”

Above: Staff of The Gleneagle Hotel pictured at the recent length of service ceremony. PICTURE: NERIJUS KARMILKOVAS