Berty Dunne, owner of The Annebrook House Hotel which has been open for nearly four years now, is reporting growth in its wedding and function sectors despite the economic downturn.

The Annebrook House Hotel's location in the centre of Mullinagar town, parking facilities, unique features such as the 200 year Old Georgian House and the adjacent Brosna river coupled with the great service and dedication from staff led by Berty mean the Annebrook continues to prosper despite the increasing amount of obstacles.
Berty knows that this year and the oncoming years will be harder for Mullingar's and Westmeath's hotels as well as every other business but believes that determination, innovation, and ambition will be key characteristics needed for continued business growth and sustainability.
"Westmeath and Mullingar have a lot to offer in terms of amenities and things to do, we have a lovely town park, Belvedere House and gardens, and our beautiful lakes to name just a few while also boasting a vibrant nightlife and social scene with the greyhound stadium and nearby Kilbeggan Racecourse providing fantastic day's out.
"Mullingar is also easily accessible from other counties, at off peak times it only takes a hour drive from Dublin to Mullingar and the town is excellently served by rail and bus also."
With 111 bedrooms, state of the art Conference & Banqueting facilities catering for up to 300 delegates, the Annebrook House Hotel can facilitate any function with a style and elegance rivalled by few.
One of the key areas of business for The Annebrook is weddings and the hotel is continuing to grow a reputation as one of the midland's premier wedding venues.
The Annebrook provides a unique and picturesque venue in a great location with a dedicated team focused on making sure couples have a day that they will never forget and will cherish forever.
Berty is also keen to provide the Annebrook's facilities to Gaa clubs for functions, meetings, and awards nights.
In the past few years, The Annebrook has hosted five time All Ireland hurling club champions Ballyhale Shamrocks including nine time all star winner and Kilkenny hurling legend Henry Shefflin, they have catered for Kildare senior football team, while also hosting a number of other Gaa stars including Kerry Football duo Kieran Donaghy and the legendary Darragh O Shea.
The Annebrook hosted the Westmeath Senior Football Awards in conjunction with the Westmeath Topic in late November last year and the night was a great success with Paul Greville being the big winner on the night, winning player of the year and the top scorer award.
Berty was honoured to host such an event which rewards the sacrifices and dedication of Westmeath footballers and management and hopes to host other award nights in the future which acknowledge the great dedication of Westmeath's Junior and Intermediate football clubs and the county's hurling clubs.
The Annebrook also sponsored the man of the match award in each game of the Senior Football championship in conjunction with the Westmeath topic and each man of the match was awarded with a voucher for a meal for two at the beautiful Brook Restaurant located in the basement of the Old House at the Annebrook.
Berty is optimistic about business for the Annebrook this year and for the future and shares the same optimism for Westmeath's GAA scene.
Berty predicts a year where Westmeath's footballers and hurlers continue to progress and while he acknowledges that both teams have to be realistic when formulating their goals and targets, he also says that both teams should aim for the moon and they might just hit the stars.
"The Westmeath footballers were unlucky to lose to Louth last year in the Leinster Championship and Louth then went on to get to a leinster final which they should of won."
"There is no reason why Westmeath shouldn't at least aim to get to the Leinster Final, I believe they are have good foundations in the backline which are improving all the time and with forwards like Denis Glennon and Paul Greville to name just two, they will always get scores."
"I would love to see a great year for Westmeath's county footballers and hurlers and In my opinion they both have a chance of having a memorable year."
"Our county hurling champions Raharney kncocked out Coolderry of Offaly and gave Oulart the Ballagh a scare in the leinster hurling championship and it bodes well for Westmeath hurling."
Berty thinks the same characteristics that are needed to succeed in business can be applied to GAA football and hurling and also to life in general.
"I am no expert but in business I believe you need passion and a love for what you are doing and I know there is that passion and love for GAA in Westmeath.
I think it is also important to enjoy every second and show no fear, I believe if you are afraid to lose, you will never win."
Berty believes that if the Westmeath footballers and hurlers do their best, enjoy themselves and show no fear then there is no reason that the county can't succeed and reach their goals and possibly bring silverware back to the Lake County and have Mullingar town "Buzzing!" Tweet

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