John Bows Out

One of Dromoland Castle’s longest serving members of staff has retired after more than three decades with the business.

John Hehir took the position of director of sales & marketing for the County Clare hotel in 1986, having spent the previous six years with Shannon Development Company and Shannon Castle Tours in the US promoting leisure and incentive travel to Ireland.

A sociable person in every sense, John spent his 37-year tenure at one of the country’s most iconic hotels travelling to and from the US, hosting dinners, extolling the virtues of his homeland and converting those all-important sales. His easy-going nature and innate gift for forming strong relationships ensured that Ireland was put firmly on the map, particularly with regard to incentive and conference business from the US. 

John said, “I am extremely proud to have been part of the Dromoland team for so many years of my working life. The hotel consistently delivers a genuine and enjoyable Irish castle experience for its many guests, and it has been a pleasure to have been involved in that.”

Proud Limerick man John has always been a keen hurler – previously taking home two Limerick county medals and all-Ireland club medals. Now aged 76, he intends to spend his well-earned retirement playing golf (“badly”), taking walks with his wife Yvonne in the countryside surrounding their home in Quin and, of course, watching his beloved Limerick play.

Dromoland Castle Hotel Director Mark Nolan said:

“Starting three years before I even came into the hotel, John has been an integral part of our team for as long as I can remember. He has always brought such life and warmth to the hotel and has a kind word and smile for everyone; not seeing him every day will feel like we’re missing our right arm! On behalf of everyone who works at Dromoland Castle, I’d like to thank John for his many years of exceptional service and wish him all the very best in this next chapter as he finally puts his feet up and hopefully allows his body clock to finally readjust to our Irish time zone!”