Company director Frank Ford made his remark when commenting on new accounts showing that hotel operator Western Railway Operations Ltd recorded a 54pc increase in post-tax profits to €676,006 in the 12 months to the end of last May as revenues increased by more than 10pc. The 2024 fiscal year profits followed post-tax profits of €437,972 in the prior year. The Co Galway hotel was the location of the Golfgate controversy in August 2020 during the early stages of the pandemic. It resulted in two political figures, Phil Hogan and Dara Calleary, resigning from senior posts. Asked if guests still mention the controversy, Mr Ford said: “Yes, some people still mention the event but thankfully people have moved on from blame and it’s more a curiosity now than anything else. “The hotel was found to have acted in accordance with all guidelines and laws, and at this point it does not negatively impact our business.” There are international uncertainties which will impact later in the season Two directors of the firm, hotel owner John Sweeney and his son, James Sweeney, were two of the four defendants in a criminal prosecution concerning the staging of the Oireachtas Golf Society dinner on August 19, 2020. All Covid-19 breach restrictions charges against the four were dismissed by a judge in February 2022. The hotel has recently undergone a €2.5m renovation. “Bar some final touches, the complete refurbishment of the public areas on the ground floor was finished two weeks ago,” said Mr Ford. “The previous fit-out was 28 years old and the next generation of the family, with James Sweeney as general manager, was keen to elevate the standards of the hotel. “We have increased the size of the restaurant and provided much improved entrance, reception, bar and lounge areas by utilising space previously given over to conference and banqueting facilities. “The design and construction team, led by Studio Duffy and Carey Developments, has given the hotel a fantastic new look. With high-quality design and materials throughout, we are hopeful it will prove to be a landmark and lasting improvement of the hotel. It was a significant investment of just over €2.5m – but in the life-cycle of the building, we feel it is an appropriate investment.” Numbers employed at the hotel increased from 49 to 53 and the director was bullish about prospects for the current year. “We are satisfied with the business on our books – but we are mindful that there are international uncertainties which will impact later in the season and possibly into the next number of years.” Asked about the driving factors behind the increased profit, Mr Ford said: “We managed to increase our rate and occupancy, primarily in the shoulder season.” Accumulated profits totalled €2m. The company’s cash funds increased from €672,437 to €950,259. The profit takes account of non-cash depreciation costs of €272,393.