Ballintra woman Deirdre McGlone is the co-owner of the multi-award-winning Harvey’s Point Hotel.
Deirdre has been honoured as Donegal Person of the Year for 2016 and earlier this year took the reigns as President of the Donegal Women in Business Network.
In 2009, she was awarded Fellowship of the Irish Hospitality Insititute and was given the title Hotel Manager of the Year in 2010. In 2015, she was selected as a member of the National Tourism Leadership group before being appointed as a Lead Volunteer in the ACORNS Programme.
This is Deirdre’s Donegal…
(1) What is your favourite place in Donegal and why?
I love Rossnowlagh Beach. It was my playground during my childhood and in recent years, it is a special escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
(2) If you could change one thing about Donegal what would it be?
I wouldn’t change anything other than the perception that it’s ‘so far away’. I would rather highlight that Donegal may be remote but it’s not hard to get to.
(3) Who is the one person that you look up to and why?
Jody Gysling, the founder of Harvey’s Point. He is more than my brother-in-law, he is my mentor and my dear friend. Jody has incredible vision for business and he has taught me so much over a period of almost thirty years.
(4) What’s your happiest memory in Donegal?
When Sam Maguire came home to the hills, not just once but twice!
(5) What has been Donegal’s proudest moment in recent years?
Being awarded the “Coolest Place on the Planet” by National Geographic.
(6) If you found a magic wand that allowed you to grant one wish, what would it be?
I would wish for peace for all people.
(7) What is your favourite Donegal-made product?
I love Magee of Donegal for sheer quality and class. I also love Donegal Pens and Lottie Dolls. All great success stories.
(8) Who is Donegal’s greatest ambassador around the world and why?
It’s a toss between Daniel O’Donnell and Enya.
(9) What has been the biggest compliment you’ve ever received?
To be awarded Donegal Person of the Year 2016.
(10) Who is your favourite Donegal sportsperson of all time?
Packie Bonnar
(11) What is your favourite Donegal restaurant?
I think they are all great but one of my favourites is Danny Minnies of Annagry. Great food and personal service in a cosy setting.
(12) What is your favourite Donegal saying or expression?
Aye surely!
(13) What is the biggest challenge facing the people of Donegal today?
Attracting new businesses and the creation of employment opportunities.
(14) What is your favourite food that you associate with Donegal?
Hand dived scallops from Mulroy Bay.
(15) Is there anything that really annoys you about Donegal or its people?
Nothing really annoys me but I would love if everyone worked together more to promote our beautiful county.
(16) Do you have a favourite local band?
Paul & Mary B.
(17) If you had a million euro to improve something in Donegal what would it be?
I would use this money to undertake a major marketing campaign to put Donegal on the map.
(18) Where’s the most unusual place you’ve logged on to Donegal Daily?
Nothing unusual to report. I enjoy keeping up with the local news.
(19) Is there anything about Donegal that you are very proud of?
I am proud of the natural charm and friendliness of the people of Donegal. As Paul Brady mentions in his song: “your hearts are like your mountains in the homes of Donegal.”
(20) What is the most rewarding thing about what you do?
It gives me great pleasure to welcome guests to Harvey’s Point and I just love when I see them relaxed and rejuvenated after a short break in our hotel.
