AN EMOTIONAL Joe Mahon was left speechless after receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Mahon’s Hotel began its journey back in 1883, when it was opened by Joseph Mahon who had previously owned the Erne Hotel in Ballyshannon.
Joe had been studying hotel management in Manchester when his father Vincent’s passing in 1982 led to him returning home to run the hotel and build upon Vincent’s success.
There have been tough times as well such as the hotel being bombed in February 2000 by dissident Republicans. However, under Mahon’s impressive leadership, the business bounced back and was awarded a three-star rating having been a two-star for so long.
Described by Awards host Paul Clark of UTV as “the heart and soul of Irvinestown”, the choice to award Joe was clearly a popular one as he stepped up to receive his prize.
“Everyone knows that Irvinestown is a great place to be – as I’m sure everyone knows, said Joe. “I’d like to thank everyone associated with the hotel for all their hard work.
“Getting this award is a bit of a shock. I was inside the toilet talking to somebody and I got a shout saying that I was wanted back in there. When I walked in and saw my face on the screen, I couldn’t believe it.
“We’ve been going for 140 years and it’s been good to keep the show on the road. This award is for everyone at the hotel – not just for me. Not to mention the loyalty of those guests who’ve been coming for 30 or 40 years now. Mind you, they’re getting older and they’re not liking the stairs anymore so maybe we’ll have to put in a lift in for them.”
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