I'm a really big fan of good customer service.
I know I might sound like an old fuddy-duddy but I really like it when staff make an effort when I'm paying for something or availing of a service.
It really takes a lot to say hello or thank you or have a quick chat. After all, it's nice to be nice, and I really loathe having to deal with staff who are rude or lazy.
Now that I have children, I make an even bigger effort to show them how important it is to be kind to people and have good manners in the hope they will adopt the same traits as they grow up.
This week, the McConville clan enjoyed a few refreshing days in Co Donegal, where we got the chance to partake in lazy lie-ins, lots of ice-cream and fun in the pool.
The four of us ventured to Redcastle Hotel in Moville and while in itself it was a relaxing little holiday, Darren and I were really touched how this lovely hotel went above and beyond for Abbie and James.
From the minute we arrived, the hotel staff put the kids front and centre and ensured the whole mini-break revolved around them.
On our arrival, the wonderful concierge Gerry immediately sprang into action, making a fuss of the kids, showing them around their room.
The hotel had a DVD player set up in the room along with a selection of movies and at night when we were going to the restaurant for something to eat, the staff made a big fuss, even setting a place for Abbie's bright pink unicorn.
In the mornings, there was no trouble meeting special requests for the kids at breakfast and every member of staff who passed us in the hotel made an effort to say hello to them.
On one of the evenings, when James was over-tired and not in the mood for eating, the staff happily worked around his crying and reassured us there was no issue, which helped us try to stay stress-free.
When the time came for us to leave, Abbie and James were very sad but suffice to say our time at Redcastle was just lovely and we will definitely be returning because their customer service was top grade as was their effort with the kids, which made all the difference to us.
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I want to give a mention this week to Irish popstar Una Healy who has been spoken publicly for the first time about her battle with post-natal depression.
The 36-year-old Tipperary-born singer, who is best known as a member of The Saturdays, revealed how she was crippled by the condition following the birth of her second son Tadhg.
She revealed her rugby player husband, Ben Foden, helped guide her through a "dense fog" and now she is in a "very good place now".
Well done to Una for being brave enough to speak out on this sensitive and important subject.
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Competition
Summer time is here, so how do you fancy winning a family pass to Ireland’s only theme park and zoo?
Located at Ashbourne in Co Meath, Tayto Park has fast become of Ireland’s best loved family attractions and it’s easy to see why.
Visitors to the park can enjoy a range of fun activities including having a ride on Europe’s largest wooden rollercoaster with an inversion, The Cú Chulainn Coaster or the Viking Voyage, a fun water flume ride.
Tayto Park is also home to an impressive collection of zoo animals, including many types of cheeky monkeys, mischievous meerkats and Kahn and Gara, the resident amur tigers.
Visitors can also explore the World of Raptors – Tayto Park’s free flying bird of prey display.
Less than a two hour journey by car from Belfast, further information about Tayto Park is available online at www.taytopark.ie
I have a family pass for Tayto Park to give away to one lucky reader.
If you fancy the pass, simply email your name, address and telephone number – along with the answer to the question below – to competitions@irishnews.com
Closing date for entries is 12 noon on Tuesday, June 26, 2018
(Q) Where in Co Meath is Tayto Park located?
Normal Irish News Rules Apply
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The winners of the Her Mother's Daughter competition are Ellen McGarvey from Sixmilecross, Kay McDonagh from Omagh, Valerie McCarry from Ballycastle, Joy Griffin from Dromore, and Helen Rooney from Newcastle.
