Article Updated: 9.40am

Karoline Sweeney of Castle Grove Country House has been elected as the President of the Letterkenny Chamber Council for 2026/27.

Karoline is Managing Partner of the family-owned, award-winning four-star Castle Grove Country House Hotel, overlooking Lough Swilly.

She brings significant leadership experience in hospitality, both internationally and locally, having spent 17 years in New York building her career before returning to Donegal in 2016 to lead the next chapter of the family business.

A long-standing and active member of Letterkenny Chamber, Karoline has previously served as Treasurer and as Chair of the Membership and Research & Development Committee. She has also played an important role in strengthening links between the Chamber and the wider business and food community across Donegal.

On her appointment at last night’s AGM, Karoline said she looks forward to working with all members on the Chamber’s goal of lobbying local and national government and state agencies on issues affecting the development of the region.

“I’m really looking forward to representing our 337 members, which represents over 15,000 employees,” Ms Sweeney said.

“I am very privileged and honoured to be nominated into this role.

“I look forward to working with all of our members and would like to take this opportunity to thank our board members and look forward to working with our new members.”

Karoline Sweeney, newly elected Letterkenny Cahmber President at the Letterkenny Chamber AGM in Dillions Hotel on Tuesday evening last. Photos Clive Wasson

Ms Sweeney continued: “I am proud to represent such a vibrant and ambitious business community. Letterkenny plays a pivotal role in the economic success of Donegal and the wider North West region, and I look forward to working with our members, the Chamber Board and stakeholders to continue the strong work that has been carried out over many years.”

Karoline takes over the role from Bank of Ireland Area Operations and Risk Manager, Jimmy Stafford, who commented that the “Chamber is in great hands”.

Jimmy Staffrod outgoing President handing the Presidents Chain to newly elected President, karoline Sweeney at the Letterkenny Chamber AGM in Dillions Hotel on Tuesday evening last. Photos Clive Wasson

On handing over the Chain of Office, outgoing President Jimmy Stafford welcomed Karoline to the role and said: “It has been a real privilege to serve as Chamber President over the last year. It has been a very busy and rewarding time. I have been supported by a fantastic group of people, and I know they will all be there for Karoline. I would like to wish her every success in the role. Karoline brings tremendous energy and commitment, and we are fortunate to have her. She will be a huge asset to our Chamber going forward.”

Karoline has outlined her commitment to enhancing member engagement, supporting business growth, and ensuring that Letterkenny Chamber remains a strong voice for enterprise at regional and national level. She is particularly passionate about supporting local businesses, promoting innovation, and strengthening Donegal’s reputation as a leading destination for business, retail, hospitality and food tourism.

Chamber Members at the Letterkenny Chamber AGM in Dillions Hotel on Tuesday evening last. Photos Clive Wasson

The Letterkenny Chamber marked its 60th anniversary in 2025 and it has been a hugely successful year for the organisation. Membership has grown to 337 members and more than 1,300 people attended 18 Chamber events throughout 2025.

In 2025, annual sales of ShopLK Gift Cards reached a record high of €9,246,175, representing an increase of €2.2 million on the previous year.

The Chamber also elected its Council for 2026/27. The Council consists of representatives from a wide variety of business sectors and meets monthly to guide the policy direction, initiatives and activities of the organisation.

Chamber Council 2026/27:
President – Karoline Sweeney (Castle Grove Country House Hotel);
Past President – Jimmy Stafford

Brian McCormick (Brian McCormick Sports);
Gerard McCormick (Magees Pharmacy);
Leonard Watson (Watson Menswear);
Michael Margey (ATU);
Bernard Gallagher (CBM Signs);
Kristine Reynolds (Reynolds & Associates);
Sean Quinn (Highland Radio);
Tanya Russell (Boyle Construction);
Enda Mulligan (PTSB);
Johnny Loughrey (JT Physio);
Kevin McElhinney (VP McMullin)
Shane McGee (FM Services Group);
Chantelle Grant (Century Complex);
Karl Tonna (PGIM)

Annette Houston, Shane McGee and Karoline Sweeney at the Letterkenny Chamber AGM in Dillions Hotel on Tuesday evening last. Photos Clive Wasson

Enda Mulligan and Brian McCormick at the Letterkenny Chamber AGM in Dillions Hotel on Tuesday evening last. Photos Clive Wasson

Paul Clancy and Jimmy Stafford at the Letterkenny Chamber AGM in Dillions Hotel on Tuesday evening last. Photos Clive Wasson

Jimmy Stafford, Suzanne McPhilips and Michael MacGinty at the Letterkenny Chamber AGM in Dillions Hotel on Tuesday evening last. Photos Clive Wasson

Karoline Sweeney, Kristine Reynolds and Clare McNickle at the Letterkenny Chamber AGM in Dillions Hotel on Tuesday evening last. Photos Clive Wasson

Gerard McCormick, Jimmy Stafford and Sean Quinn at the Letterkenny Chamber AGM in Dillions Hotel on Tuesday evening last. Photos Clive Wasson

Mark Doherty, Claire McDonough and Chatntelle Grant at the Letterkenny Chamber AGM in Dillions Hotel on Tuesday evening last. Photos Clive Wasson

Annette Houston and Michael Margey at the Letterkenny Chamber AGM in Dillions Hotel on Tuesday evening last. Photos Clive Wasson

Karoline Sweeney ‘privileged’ to be new Letterkenny Chamber President was last modified: March 4th, 2026 by Staff Writer

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