Toni Forrester is CEO of Letterkenny Chamber. She may be a native of Belfast but her heart belongs to Donegal and its people. This is her Donegal.
Letterkenny Chamber Chief Executive Toni Forrester
What is your favourite place in Donegal and why?
Well obviously I spend a lot of time in Letterkenny and it has some fantastic features, but I am also a bit of a fan of Kinnego Bay. I love it’s history but more importantly I love the golden sand and the beauty of this special place.
If you could change one thing about Donegal what would it be?
The access to Donegal in terms of roads and how fantastic it would be to have a rail system through the county.
Who is the one person in Donegal that you look up to and why?
I have a great admiration for all the business people and managers of companies that I have met through the Chamber. They are all determined, positive and committed to both their businesses and to Letterkenny.
Daniel O’Donnell or Packie Bonner?
It has to be Packie Bonner – I remember way back to the glory days
What has been Donegal’s proudest moment in recent years?
Letterkenny hosting the All Ireland Fleadh was a special time. This is a huge event and it was so successful for all involved.
What was Donegal’s saddest moment?
I can only mention the tragic road deaths that are thankfully reducing, but over the years there have been some very sad times.
What is your favourite Donegal-made product?
I am a bit of a fan of Donegal Rapeseed oil. I first heard of it at an event here locally with food by Rathmullan House and now I use it all the time.
Who is Donegal’s greatest ambassador around the world and why?
There are people like Hugh Green who have done so much for Letterkenny and Donegal but we also have to appreciate what Daniel does as an ambassador for the County
Who is Donegal’s most successful businessperson in your opinion?
Sir Gerry Robinson, and by coincidence Letterkenny Chamber has an event coming up with him in September
Who is your favourite Donegal sportsperson of all time?
Packie Bonner
What is your favourite Donegal restaurant?
The Yellow Pepper, right in the heart of Letterkenny
Donegal’s golden eagles or basking sharks?
Golden Eagles
Your nomination for Donegal’s most stylish person?
Clare McNickle , owner of Clare Clothing
What is your favourite Donegal saying or expression?
“Imagine if we had the weather”
Will Donegal win the All Ireland this year?
Of course they will.
What is your favourite Donegal food?
The wonderful fish found round our shores and I am a bit of a dulse fan.
Is there anything that really annoys you about Donegal or its people?
Sometimes there is a lack of confidence in ourselves and we can be a little parochial. We are all ambassadors for the North West and we need to be able to sell what we have here with confidence. We need to see teamwork and co-operation to really make things happen.
If you had a million euro to spend on improving something in Donegal, what would it be?
I would like to look at Market Square in Letterkenny and really make it a centre of attraction for bands, gatherings, markets, etc.
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