The characters of the Castle: Colm Dalton

What is your full name?
Colm Dalton

What is your role at Ashford Castle?
Accounts Manager. My background has always been in accountancy; manufacturing, distribution, insurance and finally the hospitality industry. 

What was your first experience of Ashford Castle?
When I was interviewed by Ashford's previous General Manager – the legend that is Mr Rory Murphy!

What were your thoughts when you saw the Castle for the first time after the restoration?
I just couldn’t get over how opulent the furnishings were – it was like opening up an Aladin’s Cave - no two rooms were the same and each was individually furnished with its own bespoke furniture, wall coverings and fabric.

Tell me something about Ashford that people might not know?
It has a fully functioning accounts department 

What makes Ashford so special?
The wonderful people that work here are a privilege to know! 

What does a typical day at Ashford look like for you?
Currently, my working day starts before 8 am working from home. I start by checking the previous day’s revenue, preparing and reporting daily figures to our head office and then I issue the daily revenue report to management and HOD’s. Later I update the cash flow forecast and report funding receipts to the relevant departments. Emails that may have come in overnight are then followed up before moving on to day-to-day tasks. 

What is your favourite part of your role?
Engaging with some of my favourite colleagues.

What do you do to relax when you are not working?
I love cycling, running, hiking and foreign travel.

What three words would you use to describe Ashford?
Iconic, wonderful, memorable.

What is your proudest achievement of your time at Ashford Castle?
My proudest achievement does not come from any awards or recognition I have received. I am extremely proud that after all of these years I can still say that I love my job! I am hugely proud of my long association with Ashford Castle.