Another well-known face at the Lough Erne Resort is set to leave the resort, with its General Manager announcing her departure.

Joanne Walsh confirmed she would be stepping down later this year, after three years in the role.

Joanne was there from the start of the five-star resort, working at the resort from 2007 to 2011, before moving on to work as a dental practice manager before returning in 2015 following the takeover by a US investment group led by Vine Avenue Advisors, LLC, headed by Michael Saliba, and TRU Hotels and Resorts, a hotel investment and management company founded by veteran American hoteliers Jeff Mahan and Mark Ward.

Then, in 2020, Joanne took over as General Manager of the resort – just as it was looking to get back following the shutdown of business due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

In a short statement, Joanne said: “The decision has been taken after a lot of careful thought and is very much about creating an opportunity for me to take things easier and enjoy the next exciting chapter of family life, as I have recently become a grandparent for the first time.

“I confirmed to the resort’s management company, TRU Hotels & Resorts, some time ago that I will be stepping down, and will be working with them and the senior management team over the next few months to ensure a smooth transition of my position.”

Joanne’s announced departure follows on the heels of the highly-respected culinary director of the Lough Erne Resort, Noel McMeel, who last December formally announced his intention to step down after 15 years at the luxury resort.