The Donegal Branch of the Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) recently hosted a ‘Thank You Gala Dinner’ in honour of Paul Diver, owner of the Sandhouse Hotel in Rossnowlagh, who earlier this year stepped down as Branch Chair. The celebration, which was held at the Shandon Hotel, Dunfanaghy, saw over one hundred guests including local hoteliers from across the county come together to thank Paul for his enormous contribution to the sector and local tourism community.

Aisling Arnold, IHF Donegal Branch Chair said: “I am delighted to have this opportunity on behalf of my colleagues and fellow hoteliers throughout Donegal to say a huge ‘thank you’ to Paul for his leadership and the immense dedication he has shown throughout his tenure as our branch chair. Paul's passion for our sector and wider tourism industry is matched only by his tireless personal commitment to promoting business in Donegal.

“During this time, he has provided a strong voice for local hotels, advocating on behalf of our tourism and hospitality sector to ensure the right conditions are in place to deliver a sustained recovery so that our wider tourism industry can live up to its full potential. Paul epitomises all that is good about our sector and the talented people who strive every day to make Irish tourism such a success, and no more so than here in Donegal. His extensive experience, amazing drive and energy have been a tremendous asset to the IHF, and it has been a great pleasure to work closely with him at branch level in recent years. Thank you Paul.”

Paul has spent his entire life in the Hotel industry starting off in the Hyland Central Hotel collecting glasses. He spent a number of years in London before returning to Ireland to help with the transition of Teach Furbo to the Connemara Coast Hotel. In 1991 he moved to the Sandhouse Hotel to manage it for the Britton family. In 2012 he managed to purchase the hotel at the first Allsopp distressed property auction.

Paul thanked Aisling for the fantastic recognition and wished her well in her new role, commenting that the Branch is in very safe hands with such an enthusiastic and competent Chair.

Visit IHF Donegal Branch’s website