This time last year we were getting all excited about attending the Gold Medal Awards in Dublin. We were delighted to be nominated in the “Final Four” of the competition for Irelands Best 3 star Hotel.

The competition was fierce; 3 other great family run hotels who had set the standards across the country were joining us on the shortlist.  The Fitzgerald’s from Adare in Co. Limerick, the Ruddy- Maddens from Westport Co. Mayo  & the Rosneys from Killarney in County Kerry.  All are legends in the Hotel business for many’s the year.  We were the New Kids on the Block, still learning our trade only being on the scene for 5 years.

As the night went on in the Shelbourne we thought we were just their to make up the numbers.  Our table was No. 24 out of 25 Tables, Right beside the exit door.  Our night manager Joe asked had we sent in our list for accepting the prize and we had not. As the awards in the other categories were announced we had convinced ourselves that one of the other hotels had won.  The little smile, the loud laugh from their table, these were all signals that they knew something that we did not- they were the winners or so we thought.

It came to our category presentation  the finalist were called out we named our favourites (oh ye of little faith) the winner is…  surprised, stunned and speechless already in applauding mode for the winner it was us The Claregalway Hotel.  We stood up, sat down, hugged and kissed, took a second look at the stage yes our name was up in lights this was a milestone in the journey to excellence.

To say we were very humbled by winning such a ward was and is a understatement.  At this level the smallest difference just about gets one the nod.  Thank God we got the nod from the Judges.  It was a great achievement for all the team here in the hotel.  They work long and hard in delivering the standards of service they would like to be served with when they are customers in a hotel. We try every day to be consistent in all that we do, have a big welcoming smile and look after the environment.  We want guests to feel that they have treated themselves when they visit the hotel- that is our true measurement of success.  Our customers set the standards and we try to exceed their expectations.

So twelve months later, after a  mystery judge’s visit  - the magical Gold envelope arrived last week beckoning us to make our way to Dublin on the 20^th of September.   The excitement about the hotel is similar to that of Kids waiting for their Leaving Results knowing that there is little left to do now but wait until the big night when the results are announced.  All our local customers are truly excited …they love being part of a winning team.

This year the judges in their wisdom have decided to extend the short list to 6 fabulous hotels from all around the country.  Although we have friendly rivalry between the hotels on the shortlist, I am sure there may be some dagger looks on the night!!  Needless to say it is a great achievement in itself to make it this far.  As the Great Sports Teams say – Last year counts for nothing and its all about the here and now.  So the bar has been set higher, the standards have gone up and fingers are crossed that we have improved enough this year to retain our title and if not we will be back next year!

Paul