Martina Rafferty remembered as an outstanding ambassador for Donegal - Donegal Daily

Family, friends and Donegal’s tourism and hospitality communities will unite in mourning today for Martina Rafferty (née Mc Gee), who will be laid to rest in Fa...

Family, friends and Donegal’s tourism and hospitality communities will unite in mourning today for Martina Rafferty (née Mc Gee), who will be laid to rest in Falcarragh.

The respected hotelier, who devoted more than 30 years to hospitality and Irish tourism, passed away at her home in Newtown on Sunday.

Martina’s Funeral Mass will take place in St Finian’s Church, Falcarragh, at 1pm today, Thursday, 27th August, followed by interment in the adjacent cemetery.

Donegal Tourism CLG and Donegal County Council’s Tourism Unit have paid tribute to Martina as a hugely valued former Board member.

They described her as a passionate advocate for the county who promoted Donegal’s people, places, businesses and communities with enthusiasm and pride.

John McLaughlin, Chief Executive of Donegal County Council and Chair of Donegal Tourism CLG, said: “Martina was an outstanding ambassador for Donegal whose passion for her county was evident in everything she did.

“She was deeply committed to the growth and success of our tourism sector and worked tirelessly to showcase Donegal on a local, national and international stage.

“Her enthusiasm, professionalism and belief in the power of partnership made a lasting impact on all who worked with her.”

Martina worked alongside the Donegal Tourism team at trade shows and events, promoting the county as a destination.

Her colleagues said she brought energy, vision and dedication to her work and believed strongly in what could be achieved through collaboration.

Garry Martin, Deputy Chief Executive of Donegal County Council, said Martina’s contribution to tourism was “immense and far-reaching”.

He said: “She was a passionate and enthusiastic advocate and someone who always championed the strengths of our county and the very best of Donegal with great pride.

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“Her positivity, generosity and commitment to promoting Donegal inspired many people across the tourism sector.

“Martina leaves behind a remarkable legacy, and she will be fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of working with her.”

Martina was best known locally for her years at the Waterfront Hotel in Dungloe.

She joined the hotel as Sales and Marketing Manager in 2017 and became General Manager the following year. She guided the business through the difficult Covid-19 period and remained in the role until June 2025.

Martina also played a central role in many events at the Waterfront and helped bring the Sweeneys Hotel project to completion before it opened in July 2024.

She received an Inspiration Award at the Irish People Hospitality Awards in Athlone in 2021.

Martina’s earlier career included roles at the Silver Tassie Hotel and Spa in Letterkenny, Ashford Castle in County Mayo and The Merrion Hotel in Dublin. She also gained international experience in Australia and New Zealand.

She had recently joined Select Hotels & Experiences as Sales and Marketing Manager.

Martina is sadly missed by her husband Gavin, son Eli, parents John Joe and Mary Teresa, sister Maggie (Paddy), brother Shane (Meg), nieces Laura and Róisín, nephews Shaun and Johnny, and her extended family and friends.

Mrs Rafferty's Funeral Mass can be viewed on Kieran Roarty Funeral Director’s Facebook page and through the church webcam on MCN Media.