Letterkenny businesswoman Sharon Roarty has just become the successful tender of the AVIVA market in Donegal.
Sharon’s new business Face2Face Insurance Solutions is now the new tied agency for AVIVA in Donegal and will service existing customers and welcome new customers.
She is a well-known face across the county. Donegal Daily caught up with her to sees what she likes and doesn’t like about her native county.
What is your favourite place in Donegal and why?
Ards Forest Park. Such beautiful long walks and a great place to clear your head………especially on a really wild and windy day.
If you could change one thing about Donegal what would it be?
The weather !!!
Who is the one person in Donegal that you look up to and why?
There are a few Donegal people I look up to. Joanne Sweeney Burke of Mediabox is a business woman I admire for her energy and positive attitude. She “doesn’t do stress!!” She built a successful business and she works tirelessly to help other businesses achieve success. She and her team are enthusiastic, creative, positive and genuinely dedicated to helping businesses survive and overcome challenges being faced during this economic environment.
Daniel O’Donnell or Packie Bonner?
Daniel ODonnell. The Kincasslagh man is known in every corner of the globe. I wonder do they sing My Donegal Shore in China?
What has been Donegal’s proudest moment in recent years?
I think everyone would agree and say bringing Sam back home on 23th September. The atmosphere in Letterkenny was something I haven’t experience since 1992. For a few weeks we all forgot the doom and gloom and partied.
What was Donegal’s saddest moment?
For me it has to be road fatalities. Young lives and families being effected by road deaths. Sadly we have experienced a few.
What is your favourite Donegal-made product?
Has to be McDaids Footbal Special. Am addicted. Harrys of Bridgend even use it to make Football Special Cheesecake.
Who is Donegal’s greatest ambassador around the world and why?
Oh! That’s a hard one. There have been a few great ambassadors over the years but I would have to say Sir Gerry Robinson. Geography wasn’t an obstacle for this man from Dunfanaghy.
Who is Donegal’s most successful businessperson in your opinion?
It depends on what is meant by successful. I think every independent business person in Donegal providing employment and services are successful in there own way. They are all contributing to continued success of Donegal.
Who is your favourite Donegal sportsperson of all time?
Our very own Letterkenny man Danny McDaid. He is a retired postman who competed at 2 Olympic Games in Munich 1972 and Montreal 1976. He even has a 15k race and running track named after him.
What is your favourite Donegal restaurant?
I love eating out and have tried nearly everything from a top restaurant to a greasy spoon in Donegal. So, if I had to give my top 3 it would have to be Linda and the gang in Lemon Tree in Letterkenny, Castle Murray in Dunkineely and I lurve the Steaming Chocolate Pudding in Blueberry in Donegal Town. Its worth the visit to DT just for that.
Donegal’s golden eagles or basking sharks?
Has to be the majestic eagles
Your nomination for Donegal’s most stylish person?
We all use the streets of Donegal as our own personal catwalks from time to time. But I think the ladies in Hair Craft, Aileen, Julie and Nicola really turn on the glamour with fab updo’s and brill manicures that last for 3 weeks.
What is your favourite Donegal saying or expression?
It’s not so much a saying or expression. I call it the Donegal Wave or One finger salute. Drivers lift one finger off the steering wheel to salute each other when passing. I haven’t seen it anywhere else except Donegal.
Will Donegal win the All Ireland this year?
Absolutely they will. The boys are definitely determined and built like machines. They have the focus to achieve the same success again. They are an inspiration and role models. They show what focus, hard work and determination can achieve.
What is your favourite Donegal food?
My mammy’s turkey stuffing. Wish I could have it more than once a year.
Is there anything that really annoys you about Donegal or its people?
It takes a lot to annoy me but one thing does. Not giving way to other drivers on the road. We are all busy and guilty of rushing here and there that we forget to be courteous to each other. Let go of the frustration, deliberately cutting off other drivers and aggressive hand gestures. Let your fellow motorist out and feel the love!!!
If you had a million euro to spend on improving something in Donegal, what would it be?
A deposit for a train station.
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