Tributes are pouring following the sad passing of Donegal’s most iconic hoteliers, Jody Gysling.
Mr Gysling, a native of Switzerland, founded Harvey’s Point hotel in 1989.
The hotel on the shores of Lough Eske grew into one of Ireland’s finest residences, and continues to be a shining example of warm Donegal welcomes today.
Mr Gysling passed away in Portugal this morning, following a short illness.
He is mourned by his wife Renate, his brother Marc and his wife Deirdre, their children Carl, James, Christina, his two sisters and extended family and friends in Donegal and Switzerland.
Jody and Renate Gysling
His legacy lies in Harvey’s Point, which was owned by the Gysling family for 30 years.
“Harvey’s Point stands as a monument to the vision of a great man,” said a tribute from the hotel team today.
“Jody’s contribution to hospitality and tourism in Donegal is immense. His legacy is everlasting and Harvey’s Point continues to proudly carry on Jody’s dream. Our hearts are full of sadness but also great pride at the passing of such a wonderful man.”
Jody’s Donegal story begins in 1983. He was visiting Lough Eske when he found a little piece of Switzerland hidden away in the Hills of Donegal. He bought an old cottage from two brothers by the name of Harvey. On what can only be described as a swamp, he painstakingly drew stones by tractor 10 miles away. Over the years, many friends came to visit and so with true Donegal hospitality, Jody entertained guests with fine food and wine.
Escaping the pressures of a hectic life in Switzerland, Jody decided to stay in Ireland and build a small guest house. He started out with four rooms and in 1989, Harvey’s Point was opened to the public with twenty bedrooms and a small restaurant.
At this time his brother, Marc had joined him at the hotel. Not long after, Marc fell in love with a young employee, Ballintra woman Deirdre McGlone, and together with Jody, they developed the business. Marc and Deirdre bought the hotel in 1996.
Marc Gysling, Deirdre McGlone and Jody Gysling
Harvey’s Point, with its inimitable Swiss influence, became world-renowned in the travel sector and won numerous top awards, including Number 1 Hotel in Ireland in the TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Awards for five consecutive years.
The hotel changed ownership in 2019 when Austrian investor, Thomas Roeggla purchased the Hotel from the Gysling Family.
Condolences are flooding in from around the world today as news of Mr Gysling’s passing reaches former guests and colleagues.
Funeral arrangements for the late Jody Gysling are to be confirmed at a later time.