'After 30 years of creating something really special, it's time now for somebody else to write the next chapter.'
Donegal hoteliers Deirdre McGlone and Marc Gysling have today announced that they are stepping back from Harvey’s Point to focus on family life.
The iconic hotel on the shores of Lough Eske is to be sold, 30 years after it was founded by Jody Gysling in 1989.
Deirdre McGlone has said the decision was a ‘life-changing, lifestyle choice’ for her and her husband, but their move from the hotel should be greeted with celebration, not sadness.
Mark Gysling and Deirdre McGlone of Harvey’s Point
Deirdre McGlone from Ballintra, who has been the face of Harvey’s Point since it opened, said: “This is a life-changing, lifestyle choice for us as a family. We want to spend more time with each other and with our three teenage children.
“Life is for living. Jody, Marc and I have spent an immensely enjoyable 30 years at Harvey’s Point and it has been an amazing journey.
“2019 is a milestone year for the hotel and a year of celebrations is planned. However, the time has come for someone else to write the next chapter of the Harvey’s Point story,” Deirdre said.
Harvey’s Point hosted a large celebration of 30 years last Friday, which was a chance for their 150-strong staff team to pay tribute to the people who made dreams a reality and to thank customers for their loyal support.
Mark Gysling and Deirdre McGlone of Harvey’s Point
Harvey’s Point is to be bought by a Fund managed by Davy Real Estate, which is planning to make a substantial investment which will see major expansion at the multi-award winning hotel.
Awards for the hotel are numerous and Harvey’s Point has been named TripAdvisor ‘No 1 Hotel in Ireland’ for six of the past seven years. It has also been ranked as the 12th best hotel in Europe by millions of TripAdvisor reviewers.
Harvey’s Point, Lough Eske
Marc Gysling added that the hotel will remain in the safe hands of familiar team members, including GM Noel Cunningham:
Mark said: “So, while there is a change of ownership, there will be no change with the overall experience people have come to love at Harvey’s Point. Led by General Manager Noel Cunningham and Financial Controller Michael Cullinan, the hotel will continue to aspire to the highest standards of excellence in hotel-keeping and hospitality.”
Noel Cunningham, who has been part of the Harvey’s team for 10 years, said an exciting new chapter is ahead.
Noel said: “While we will sorely miss the Gyslings, I look forward to leading our amazing team towards the next chapter of the Harvey’s Point story and to building on our success to date in terms of standards of customer care and service. I would like to thank Jody, Marc and Deirdre for everything down through the years and to wish them all the best for their future.”
Deirdre added that she and Mark will always hold Harvey’s close to their hearts, while many members of their own family remain weaved into the team.
She said: “We have a huge emotional attachment to Harvey’s Point and we will continue to live in the area and plan to be regular customers. We would like to take this opportunity to thank our dedicated team, our suppliers and our guests for their support and loyalty over the last 30 years. 2019 is the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Harvey’s Point and the planned investment in the hotel is great news for Donegal and the North West.”
