Chair hosts reception for Mr James McGinn
17th February 2023
Recently the Chair hosted a reception for Mr James McGinn in recognition of his contribution to the Hotel and Hospitality industry. The following are the remarks made by the Chair at the reception:
As Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, I am delighted to be here to The Grange, Omagh this afternoon for this reception in honour of Mr Jimmy McGinn. Jimmy you are very welcome.
This reception is to recognise Jimmy’s success and commitment to the hospitality industry and for the recognition he has attained over the years.
Jimmy, you started your career in hospitality at the age of 15 when you worked as a waiter and barman in Knock-na-moe Castle, Omagh. In 1998 you graduated from Queens University after which you went to London to work in an American themed restaurant. In 1990 you returned to Omagh as a Food and Beverage Manager in the family business, the Woodlander.
In 1994 you attained a Masters in Hotel and International Tourism Management following which you embarked on your travels again to Washington DC where you worked for the Hilton Hotel.
It was in 1996 that you returned back to Ireland to take up employment with the Hastings Hotel Group whom you continue to work with today.
Currently you are General Manager of the Europa Hotel in Belfast and recently you were appointed as a Director of the Hastings Hotel Group. This is a prestigious position given the highly acclaimed hotels owned by the Hasting Hotel Group and I know it is a position you are honoured to hold, following in the footsteps of Howard and Sir William Hastings.
Your appointment as a Director is well deserved having shown 27 years commitment and hard work to the Hastings Hotel Group.
Your excellent reputation and your friendly and down-to-earth nature has earned you fame on the TV. Firstly was your appearance on Lobby Lives almost 20 years ago. This series showed the running of the hotel from behind the scenes with everything from Black Friday to a Fairy Tale wedding and numerous charity events to dealing with managing staff.
In the latest show, The Hotel People, we gained an insight into how you managed the Hotel as it bounced back from the Covid-19 pandemic, one of the hardest times in the hospitality industry.
Although you have a busy working life and aside from your TV fame, you are an avid supporter of St Vincent de Paul. You regularly give of your time for events to raise much needed funds for the charity. This is characteristic of your generous and committed nature.
Jimmy, your hard work and commitment to the hospitality industry is outstanding and is admired by many. Throughout your career you will undoubtedly have faced many highs and lows, however, you have demonstrated great resilience, work ethic, commitment and, as described by some, you are a passionate perfectionist always striving to achieve the best.
On behalf of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, and on my own behalf, I would like to congratulate you on your outstanding career and achievements to date. I would also like to thank you for your ongoing support to St Vincent de Paul. You have certainly done yourself, your family, the Council area and Omagh proud. Thank you.