George White (b. 1958)

Track 1: George White is a native of Sneem, and he explains that his father, Jack, worked on the farm at the Great Southern Hotel, Parknasilla in the 1940s, and would go on the ‘beet run’ to England in the off season as was customary in the area at that time. George joined the staff at the hotel in 1974 as a commis waiter. Track 2: He recalls his colleagues on the staff at that time, his work and the long hours on duty, the attention to detail and the return visits by guests over the years. Track 3: The change of ownership at the hotel in 2006 and the consequent redundancy of many members of staff at that time are recalled, as is the development which took place at the hotel during the boom years when the hotel was in the ownership of Bernard McNamara. The later change of ownership in 2009 is also discussed, and the decision to retain the old name of the hotel is welcomed. Track 4: His work in the dining room at the hotel, keeping a good table, the dress code and the changes in food and beverages over the years are discussed. His meeting with local woman Betty Casey, his future wife and a member of staff at the hotel, is recalled and George is proud to relate that his daughter, Georgina, is now a member of staff at the Great Southern Hotel, Parknasilla.