Donegal Hoteliers Receive Lifetime Awards for Outstanding Contribution to Tourism

Donegal hoteliers joined with industry representatives last night to present Mr Dom Breslin and Ms Phyllis Boyle with lifetime achievement awards in recognition of their outstanding contributions to tourism.  The awards were presented by An Tánaiste Mary Coughlan, TD, and Matthew Ryan, President of the Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) at the IHF Donegal Branch’s 2009 Annual Ball. The event also saw both Mr Breslin and Ms Boyle become the first two inductees into the inaugural ‘Hall of Fame’ of the IHF Donegal branch.

Mr Breslin is the proprietor of the Doms Pier One bar and restaurant and was previously the owner of the Abbey Hotel, which he took over from his father in 1958. Mr Breslin has worked tirelessly to expand and develop his hotel throughout the years and has successfully transformed it into one of the leading music venues in the North East, attracting artists such as Joe Dolan and Christy Moore.

Ms Boyle, owner of the Ostan Gweedore Hotel and the Seaview Hotel in Bunbeg, is well known throughout the industry. Having inherited the Seaview Hotel in 1958, Ms Boyle and her husband went on to open the Ostan Gweedore in 1970 on a stretch of 84 acres on the Gweedore coast line.

Speaking at the Annual Ball, Paul Diver, Chairman of the Donegal Branch of the IHF stated, “It is a privilege to recognise both Dom and Phyllis for their dedication to tourism throughout the years. They have made truly significant contributions to the industry and to the overall success of tourism in Donegal. On behalf of everyone involved in tourism in the North West, I am delighted to have this opportunity to honour their hard work and congratulate them on their achievements.”