AT YOUR SERVICE

In spring and summer 2009, we took part in RTÉ’s “At your Service” TV programme.
In the show Francis and John Brennan who operate the five star Park Hotel in Kenmare , Co. Kerry visit B&Bs, small hotels and other businesses in the hospitality industry around Ireland to analyse and suggest solutions to problems they are encountering.

We applied to be featured in the show when the first series finished last year. We were visited by the producers on a number of occasions and were told in February that we had been selected.

The first visit from Francis and John took place on Saint Patrick’s Day. When they arrived we were in the middle of getting our float prepared for the parade in Ardee. Niamh, Peter and George had put a huge amount of time and effort into getting it ready over the previous 7 days and the Brennans gave them some last minute pointers although this part did not feature in the show.

While the parade was on Francis and John had a good look around and were joined later by Karl Fradgley, the show’s interior design expert.

The next morning was when they made their recommendations. They were happy with the accommodation although they suggested that we should redecorate hall so that it made a better first impression with our guests. Karl suggested putting up some colourful wallpaper. However Francis’ suggestion of painting the front door black went down badly.

John’s suggestions focussed mostly on the leisure club. He wanted us to take care of some maintenance issues and concentrate our efforts on creating a good atmosphere for members.

Over the following months we organised a craft workshop for children, re-decorated the hall, cleared an unused area for an aerobics studio and held a fun jamboree for our younger members.

We also incorporated many of the little touches they suggested to make our guests feel more welcome. The show went to air on October 25th.