The Carlton Hotel Galway this week said goodbye to its chef Pat Lynn who has worked in the kitchens since the summer of 1969.
Hotel manager Shay Livingstone said yesterday that there was an air of sadness in the hotel at the retirement of Mr Lynn who was stepping down after 43 years in their kitchen.
Back in July 1969, at the request of general manager, Denis Hickey, who had worked with him in Tralee, Pat Lynn came to work in the Galway Ryan Hotel , which was just newly opened that summer in Galway city.
“Originally from the Muckross Road, Killarney and having trained in both Germany and Switzerland and worked with the Great Southern Group, prior to his arrival to The Galway Ryan, we were very fortunate that Pat met and married a “Galway Girl” his lovely wife Maura and settled in the City of the Tribes, where he raised his family,” said Mr Livingstone.
“Early in his career, Pat Lynn’s culinary and people skills were noticed and he was promoted to head chef, which he remained until 2006, when while still devoting himself to his craft and to our hotel, Pat decided to take a step back and spend more time with Maura and his family.
Mr Lynn has seen many changes and developments in the Carlton Hotel over the years, not least he major re-development of the property in 2004 and 2005, which increased the size of the hotel from 96 to 363 rooms, making it one of the largest and busiest hotels in the West of Ireland. Never changing, though was his commitment and dedication to his work throughout his 43 years with the company.
“Speaking to many people who have both worked with or known Pat, they all speak so highly of him. They describe him as an unassuming gentleman yet a strong leader, who epitomising the spirit of cooperation and teamwork, dedicated, flexible, and always with a smile for everyone.”
“We sincerely thank Pat for all the years he has given to our hotel. Pat was a valued member of our team at the Carlton Hotel Galway city and we will miss him. We wish Pat, his wife Maura and his sons Keith and Damien, many years of good health and happiness to enjoy life after his retirement,” concluded Mr Livingstone.
