Local Lady Eveanna Ryan - New Galway City Chamber President

Eveanna Ryan - incoming Galway City Chamber of Commerce President

Incoming Galway City Chamber of Commerce President and Group Marketing and Innovation Manager at Connacht Hospitality Group is Ballinasloe's own Eveanna Ryan.

A popular pupil in St Joseph’s NS, she then spent 6 amazing years in Scoil Mhuire, before obtaining her diploma from Cornell University in strategic Management. “Having spent my teens working in the East County Hotel and Tohers, I caught the bug for hospitality early. The summer after my leaving cert I worked in Clifden and deferred college (fine art degree in Waterford) to travel and that spring I was lucky enough to be hired to do a season with Kel Air Vacances (Campotel) working in the west coast of France. From there I joined the team in the Office of Kel Air in Ballinasloe and stayed there for a very happy 8 years, until the Carlton Shearwater opened and I returned to my hotel roots, I was part of the preopening team working in reservations, before moving into a sales role and from there I continued my career with Carlton for 8 years working in both the Shearwater and in Blanchardstown in Dublin. It was at this time I completed my Cornell University course and really found my love for marketing and was able to get back to being creative.” recalls Eveanna.

​But ultimately the West called again, and she returned to Galway City to the role of Sales and Marketing Manager for the reopening of Glenlo Abbey Hotel and the Harbour Hotel under MHL. She spent a whirlwind four years learning about the luxury market and building her connections in Galway and now finds herself in the most exciting role yet with Connacht Hospitality Group where she oversees all the marketing and innovation functions of 11 brands (and growing).

Reflecting on her two decades in hospitality she accepts it is not for the faint hearted, but if you thrive on working at pace, and genuinely enjoy people it is a wonderful career. “No two days have ever been the same and the world of Marketing changes every day, and you need to stay ahead and relevant. Hospitality gets a bad reputation, but it has given me a life and career I could only have dreamed of. It allowed me to work and study at the same time as well as being a young mother (he’s 22 now) and if you are willing to work hard there are so many rewards. If it’s any testament my son Cillian having trained in a completely different field (graphic design) has recent taken up a hotel management role and I couldn’t be prouder, I know he is in the right career for him and I’m excited to see him grow and develop within this exciting industry” enthuses Eveanna. She won "Sales and Marketing Manager of the Year 2019" at the Irish Hospitality institute Awards in 2019, serving on the national council for the IHI. She then joined the board of the Galway Convention Bureau and is currently the deputy President and soon to be the President of the Galway Chamber.

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Hospitality Manager of the Year Winner - Sales & Marketing, Eveanna Ryan of Connacht Hospitality pictured with William Cotter, Managing Director of Netaffinity

When asked why she preferred to reside for so much of her last two decades in the town she is blunt - “For me it was proximity to family, Cillian being able to go to a school like Garbally and see his Grandparents every day. Also affordability, my commute on a daily basis was “just a quick podcast” and for nights that I had events I would avail of the 10.10pm train home so it was a great asset."

“Ballinasloe is home and will always be home, more and more of my childhood friends have moved home as I did to raise families. Hotels like the Shearwater gave me a career and for that I will always be grateful.” she states.

Focusing on the tourist potential of town she believes that Ballinasloe has as much to offer as any town on the Shannon with our Marina and waterways, great hotels, growing restaurant & bar community and the wealth of local history. "Ultimately, I believe this is about branding, deciding what we want to be perceived of as a town, what markets we are looking to target and working together as a town and industry to get them here. As the businesses of Kinsale say “let's fight together to get them here and fight over them when they are here” she explains. Looking forward to her new role for the Regional Capital Business Community she states “I’m honoured to be the incoming President of Galway Chamber of Commerce. For me it was about giving a voice to the hospitality industry and highlighting the importance of tourism in the overall Galway business community, from marketing to FDI. I follow a line of financiers in this role, and I hope to be able to bring my own strengths, in storytelling, positive outlook and strategic planning to the role”.

She strongly believes the West of Ireland is incredibly well positioned for business growth as indeed is Ballinasloe. “Boasting a highly skilled and educated workforce. Renowned universities and educational institutions that produce a steady stream of talented graduates, makes it easier for businesses to find qualified professionals across various industries. The West of Ireland's diverse economy, spanning sectors like technology, tourism, healthcare, agriculture, and renewable energy, also contribute to its appeal for business growth” she ascertains. In her view the diversity ensures that companies in various fields can find a suitable niche and prosper in this dynamic and robust marketplace. Beyond business, the West of Ireland offers an incredible quality of life. Its breathtaking landscapes, and charming towns and villages like Ballinasloe make it an attractive destination for employees and their families.

As for those grappling with CAO choices her advice is simple - “I have always preached the benefit of having a good attitude and working hard. Attitude wins over aptitude every day in my opinion. And also to be patient with yourselves, you don’t need to have a fixed career path any time soon, be flexible and curious and let the opportunities find you. And last bit of advice “take the job your think you’re not qualified for and figure it out” It’s worked for me to date,” she frankly admits.

In looking back on the breaks she still has a wonderful soft spot for The Keller’s for giving her first “office job” when she didn’t even have an email. “I still recall the wise words of GaGa (Mr Liam Keller). “If you don’t know something, be honest but go find out!" A life lesson I still live by, my years working in Kellers were some of the happiest of my life. And ultimately huge thanks to my parents, siblings and my son Cillian who keep me in check but are also my biggest supporters,” states a very busy Eveanna.

Eveanna with Charlene Hurley Director of Fundraising and Communications with Galway Hospice and members of the Connacht Hospitality Staff at one of their many Charity Fundraising Events - at the Galway Bay Golf Club