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Skal Club present Eckhard Gogsch award
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The Skal Club of Kerry in co-operation with the Irish Academy of Hospitality and Tourism at IT Tralee recently presented Michelle O’Sullivan, a first year Higher Certificate in Arts and Hotel Operations student, the 2018 Eckhard Gogsch Service and Skills Award.
Eckhard was a hugely popular personality in the local tourism trade having spent his entire life working at different levels in the industry. He was born and reared near the spectacular Lake Constance in Germany and moved to Killarney in 1968 to take up a position in the Hotel Europe as waiter. He also worked in sister hotel, The Dunloe Castle, and has lived in Killarney since then.
In the mid 1980’s, Eckhard took up a position with Fáilte Ireland, the state agency Cert and was centre manager in many of their training schools at the former Torc Great Southern Hotel, Rosslare Great Southern, Dromhall Hotel and Kenmare Bay. It was in these schools that students were prepared for careers in the tourism industry.
Students acquired a range of skills, food preparation, restaurant service, accommodation service, bar and front office as well as business operations and communications. Eckhard always stressed to students that working in the hospitality industry was rewarding and there were ample opportunities for career progression.
In addition to formal training and practical experience, Eckhard had the ability to inspire and motivate and demonstrate excellent customer skills to the students. He always used to say that a satisfied customer tells at least three people whereas an angry customer tells 3,000.
He later started a freelance tour company with his wife Patricia, bringing visitors from all over the world to Ireland and leading them on great adventures throughout the country.
Eckhard was a very active member of the Kerry Skal Club since its inception 21 years ago and the decision was made to present this fantastic award in his memory. Speaking at the ceremony, club members also expressed their hopes that his wife Patricia would be taking up the mantel.
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