Carolynne Murray elected new Chair of Donegal IHF branch Carolynne Murray, Director and General Manager of the Shandon Hotel & Spa, has been elected as the new Chair of the Donegal branch of the Irish Hotels Federation (IHF). The appointment was confirmed at the branch’s annual gala dinner held at the Mount Errigal Hotel in Letterkenny on Wednesday, April 22, 2026. Murray succeeds Aisling Arnold of Arnold’s Hotel in Dunfanaghy, who has been widely recognised for her leadership and commitment to the hospitality sector in Donegal. Speaking at the event, Murray praised Arnold’s exemplary service, stating that she “has set a standard that challenges all of us to rise to the occasion.” She also acknowledged the ongoing contributions of Niall Coffey of Harvey’s Point, noting his steadfast commitment and excellent humour have ensured continuity in the branch’s work. With Arnold and Coffey continuing as IHF representatives at national level, Murray affirmed that Donegal’s voice will remain strong and influential in shaping national tourism and hospitality policy. She highlighted the collaborative spirit of the region’s hoteliers, emphasizing that Donegal does not simply follow trends but sets them in the Irish hospitality industry. The Donegal branch of the IHF employs over 8,000 people across the county, underscoring the sector’s significance to the local economy. Murray pledged to focus on unity, sustainability, and industry growth during her tenure as Chair, aiming to build on the strong foundation established by her predecessor. The election took place during the branch’s Annual Gala Dinner, an event attended by over 200 guests, including industry leaders and stakeholders from across the hospitality sector. The gathering served as both a celebration of past achievements and a platform to outline future priorities for Donegal’s tourism offering.
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