When we needed a good break with some of our cherished customers we hired Costa del Sol Events, who sorted everything out for us completely from arranging collection at the airport through to Golf for those who wanted to play, and a selection of bars and some great restaurants we would not have known about, without their knowledge of the area.

It took all the hassle away from trying to plan anything and left us free to do what we should be doing, ie enjoying and make the most of our time with our customers.

Thanks to Finola Sloyan for all the hard work from all of us and making the few days so memorable.

Alastair Bell, Managing Director, The Bell Group, Portsmouth, Hampshire May 2006

Hi Finola

I have been meaning to e-mail you to say thanks for a great few days, the lads really enjoyed themselves and everything went great (except the weather). Peter was raging he missed the trip, but there will more. The few lads who were looking to go next week, I told them to contact you. I have your card and numbers - again thanks a lot and hopefully will meet you on another trip.

Dessie White, Drumcondra Golfing Society, October 2008

Finola

Thanks again for organising our corporate golf outing. I received several compliments on your services and the outstanding quality of the golf courses - I see why it is called the Costa del Golf! I see a repeat trip on the horizon.

William Ohrt, President, STI Global Limited, 7211 Regency Square Blvd, Houston, Texas 77036

Hi Finola,

I have not got a chance to mail you and thank you for our trip, it was great and thanks to you for all your help and mothering hope to see you soon and will you tell James if he is home around Fri. 7th Nov were havin our turkey floc in Beech Park to give me a buzz, once again thanks for everything.

Regards,

Tony Holbrook, Rathcoole Overseas Golf Society (ROGS)

Hi Finola,

Many thanks for everything while we were here. You really did a great job, most efficient! Trip was thoroughly enjoyed by all – can't understand how we forgot the wine tasting in Mijas. Journey home worked out well as we left a bit early and made the 8.30 bus to Kilkenny. Snow here yesterday a.m. Our Captain's Drive-in had to be cancelled.

Regards to you both and many thanks again.

Patty Burke, Kilkenny Golf Club

Hi Finola,

Kevin here from the Mater Golf Society. I trust all is well with you. We're all very excited at this end having watched the Andalucia Open on TV..

Once again, thanks for all the organising you've done for us and sorry for all the changes at this end. Looking forward to hearing from you, and even more to seeing you over there.

Kevin O'Boyle, Mater Hospital Golf Society 2010

Hi Finola,

The 6 guys went playing golf on Sunday and made their own arrangements from there. I was back home by the time I got the messages from you,

From our point of view everything went great and I will surely pass on your details to any others I hear heading that way

Finola, Thanks again for everthing and best of luck with the bussiness

Eoin Begley – Mater Hospital Golf Society 2009

Hi Finola

Just to say Thank You for a beautiful holiday and the golf club hire.We really enjoyed the golf. Everything was all good esp the weather. Its not very nice here but will have to deal with it.

We did go to Ronda was very nice pity there was not a bull fight next time PG. We also did go to the beautiful restaurants you recommended – Regina was the best. You really gave us all best things to do and of course the lads loved the golf.

Keep in touch Finola with offers etc.

Best Wishes

Peg (Noonan) November 2009

Finola

Now that I’m settled back in Kilkenny playing my usual bad golf etc I’m writing to thank you for organizing holiday in Fuengirola. We all really enjoyed it and had good fun and lovely meals. It was lovely to see where you live and hope you’ll be both very happy there and also your business goes well – it should. Tell Jimmy Peter Chardes is going to Spain next week and I gave him phone no.

Best wishes and luck

Aileen (Hehir), Kilkenny Golf Club - 2009

Hi Finola,

I just wanted to thank you for your help with organizing the golf and the hire car. (And deep sea fishing even though we didn’t make it …) Excellent!

Alan Digman September 2008

Hi Finola,

Sincere thanks for your professional and friendly service, we had a great time.

We will be returning next year and I will be in contact nearer the time. If you wish to leave me on your mailing list for offers it would be appreciated. Once again thanks for everything.

Regards, Ray Campion - February 2009

Hi Finola,

Attached are the photos you took in El Faro restaurant in Cadiz during the Mitsubishi trip. Thanks again for looking after us so well.

Best regards, Frank McGinty, Industrial Solutions Ltd., Co Meath

Finola, Sorry I missed you on Monday—we weren’t far behind—and thanks for all your assistance. Some weather or what—give my regards to Jim.

Eamonn O’Donoghue, Dublin - 2009

Hi Finola,

I will tank you fore a very good and nice day, all my friends send to you a big tanks.

Best wishes,  Peter Edstrom, Sweden 2007

Finola,

Just a note to thank you for your organisation of the Puebla Aida Day - It was a tremendous success and most enjoyable.

Regards, John and Barbara Hutchinson, England 2007

Once again I want to thank you for a well organized golf tournament and the dinner in the evening. I''m also very happy to tell you that my golf became much better the week after the tournament. Bad timing but that''s life.

With kind regards,  Rolf & Kajsa Sandlund, Kalix, Sweden

Dear Finola,  Thank you for making Bob's event so special and for all your hard work in making this a fantastic golf tournament.

Mrs Joyce Crozier, London

CORPORATE   TESTIMONIALS

Special Olympics World Games Ireland 2003 - The first time in its history outside of the USA. The games were the largest sporting event in the world in 2003 and included athletes from almost every country in the world.

Dear Finola,
I am writing personally to thank you on behalf of the management and the Board Of Directors of the 2003 Special Olympics World Summer Games for the role that you played in making the Games such a resounding success for Ireland. I know you gave up a significant amount of your private time in the lead up to and during the Games. Your dedication and commitment is greatly appreciated.
On behalf of all the Special Olympic Athletes, their families, friends, supporters, coaches and delegates I offer my deepest thanks for all your help. I hope you choose to stay involved with Special Olympics in some way in the future.
Yours sincerely,
Denis O'Brien, Chairman

Première of Angela's Ashes, Savoy Cinema & Burlington Hotel, Dublin
Ros and I just wanted to say how amazing the organization was of the ''Angelas Ashes'' premiere in Dublin. We know how many people work behind the scenes unsung and make the difference between an ordinary event and a great occasion.
John Hubbard and Ros Hubbard, Hubbard Casting, London W1F 8QL

Dear Fin,
Thank you so much for all the wonderful work you did to make Angela's Ashes party such a success. Without you, there would not have been such a great turnout of people and I don''t believe we would have made so much money. Once again, many thanks for all.
Kindest regards,
Cecilia Gallagher, London SW6 2HT

Finola,
Thank you for a most enjoyable night the other evening. A job well done - all the way down to the invoicing!
Richard Duggan, CFO eTel, Dublin

Dear Finola,
I would take the opportunity to congratulate you on a most enjoyable night. I thought the film was fantastic and the following party was brilliant, the food was delicious, the wine plentiful and The Corrs were superb. Our only problem was that I and all our guests felt like death the next day, or should I say the same date but later! I know how hard you and all the team must have worked but the whole thing was a resounding success and I hope you raised lots of money. Kindest regards to all at Irish Youth Foundation.
Mary Clancy, Irish Youth Foundation (UK) Limited, London W6 9DT

Canadian High Commission, Accra, Ghana, West Africa
As Consular Officer, Ms Sloyan has been responsible for one of Canada''s busiest passport programmes in Africa; she has brought the High Commission rare praise for having reduced errors from an embarrassing high which she inherited at the beginning of her tenure, to a satisfying ''nil report'' after only a few weeks on the job. Her efficiency and expertise extended to her up-to-date, detailed reports on travel conditions and warnings to Canadians, her substantial input into well-conceived contingency plans, and her accounting for Government funds and financial assistance to distressed Canadians.

Ms Sloyan's forte is her ability to deal with people, both in Ghana and Canada. Her clients are often in emergency circumstances; they can be difficult to manage, and are almost always in great distress or worry. Some are deeply affected by tragedy. Finola Sloyan has nonetheless established a hard-won reputation with Consular Division in Ottawa, the staff of the High Commission and her clients for her pragmatic, useful, cool-headed yet concerned solutions and her persuasive advice. She has dealt with the deaths of Canadians in Ghana: when a Canadian nun was murdered in particularly shocking circumstances, her work with the family in Canada and concerned colleagues here won universal praise. Similarly, her caring management of the deaths of Canadian businessmen in accidents or from illness brought grateful accolades from family and employers. Her patience and discretion with Canadians in business and family difficulties have gained the High Commission universal gratitude for helpfulness, tact and pragmatism.

The result is that Ms Sloyan has been nominated for the Minister's Award for Consular Excellence. She has been one of the most popular members of our staff, known for encouraging morale, inspiring teamwork and building loyalty. She has been a pillar of strength to Canadians, and a valued friend to Ghanaians.
John R. Schram, High Commissioner - December 17, 1996

National annual media campaign - Meningitis Research Foundation & Boots the Chemist in Ireland

Finola Sloyan possesses a passion for business and showcasing any event or cause to its potential. I spent 3 years working in partnership with Finola through raising awareness of Meningitis Research in Ireland with Boots the Chemist, and to this end found her strong business management skills, coupled with extensive knowledge of what works in a campaign truly rewarding for Boots as a good corporate citizen in Ireland. The yearly campaigns produced an extensive recognized portfolio within the Irish Media of a successful Cause Related campaign on raising awareness of Meningitis in Ireland. It was through Finola''s effortless advice on communication strategies that worked. I have witnessed first hand, Finola's innate ability to manage a room with volunteers, press, Ministers of State, invited guests, make everyone feel at ease and go onto a podium and give an impassioned speech on Meningitis Research. A true professional, who loves the drive of being a self starter, and therefore is an asset to any business.
Catherine Cullen, Marketing Manager, Boots Ireland

RN Murphy & Associates Feb 2004
Ms Finola Sloyan organized the corporate opening of our new offices at Portview House in Feb 2004, with the Irish Prime Minister Mr. Bertie Ahern performing the official unveiling.

As part of this event she wrote the Taoiseach's address, which was very well received by all. The following reception and music quartet for approx. 150 guests was professionally organized and run.

Our company was very pleased with the organization and attention to detail provided by Ms Sloyan, and I have no hesitation in recommending her as an event organizer.
James J. Nolan B.E., R.N. Murphy & Assoc. Consulting Engineers

Black Tie & Diamonds inaugural charity ball, Shelbourne Hotel
Dear Finola,
I love the opportunity to help out on charity auctions which Pat and his brothers are involved in. It's so nice to think that you get to help others out in some small way. The work you are doing is fantastic, continued success and I''m sure we''ll be in touch again in the future.
Kindest regards,
Sibeal Byrne, Pat Gunne''s Office, CB Richard Ellis Gunne, Ballsbridge, Dublin (Mr Gunne was the event's auctioneer).

I go to these kinds of events all the time but this has to be the best organized.
Mrs James Cummins, Socialite

You obviously know what you are doing. The night is a tremendous success.
Orla Crowe, Barrister at Law, Law Library of Ireland

Wonderful evening and glad to be able to help. Paul Sheeran, Jeweller. Donated a diamond pendant which was auctioned, twice!

Golf, hotel, fine dining at night, yacht excursion to Gib & Sotogrande (stopping for 2-hour lunch) and coach transfers    'Thanks a million, great great day! Thanks to you !!!!!  All went well, great when a plan comes together. Really enjoyed your company. Sorry we did not see you last night, lads all ready to go and send on their thanks.  See you soon.  Corporate Client - September 2009

TESTIMONIALS FROM GROUPS

Hi Finola

Just to say Thank You for a beautiful holiday and the golf club hire.We really enjoyed the golf. Everything was all good esp the weather. Its not very nice here but will have to deal with it.

We did go to Ronda was very nice pity there was not a bull fight next time PG. We also did go to the beautiful restaurants you recommended – Regina was the best. You really gave us all best things to do and of course the lads loved the golf.  Keep in touch Finola with offers etc.

Best Wishes

Peg (Noonan) November 2009

Mediterranean Cooking, Yoga, Wine & Tapas tasting 2007
Hi Finola
I wrote emails to both Rashida (thanking her and sending her the photos I took during her class) and to Maria, again to thank her for the yoga classes on the beach. I really hope to stay in touch with you all because I think you are all such interesting people and I certainly want to come back soon! I was not entirely joking either about moving out there ...
Talk soon,
Love Anna Cattaneo, Milan, Italy

Hi Finola,
Just to say ''go raibh mile maith agat'' for organising those fab activities for us and really enhancing our holiday. Aine has some brilliant photos of our table at the beach club, which you will see soon. Don't know if anyone has tried out our new recipies yet from Rashida''s class - though I wouldn't be surprised if Brenda has given one or two a shot. What a lovely experience we had that day! 
Also Finola, you should stay out there as long as possible ... the weather here is the pits!
Slan, Prionnsiasa Ni Chathasaigh, Kerry

Finola, Jimmy,

Just recovering from fab. holiday. Thank you both for your great help. Had great time in Ronda. The hotel etc were great. Once again thank you.

John Brennan – November 2009

Finola, we had a beautiful day wine & tapas tasting and left with 6 gorgeous bottles of red. Thanks for making our day special.

Trish & Liam, Dublin

Finola, Our hotel in Puerto Banus was ideal - safe for toddler, kitchenette ideal for heating baby food, making tea etc. fabulous shopping nearby with excellent restaurants all very family friendly.... trip to Bull ring in Ronda fabulous day for the family... toddler able to run freely and safely in the ring... history, bullfighter costumes very interesting for older children especially if they are interested in horses. Had fabulous lunch in the bullfighting restauraunt across from bull ring. Our trip to the church on the hill in Mijas was a real treat. There was a lovely children’s play group beside the church, which kept Zoe entertained. Had lovely lunch here overlooking coast. Our wonderful trip to Marbella, shopping along the narrow cobbled streets ….. and then lunch on the beach. What a beautiful town and so much to see. Una Feeley, Roscommon - 2009 

Deep-sea fishing 
Thanks for all your help Finola, you've been most helpful and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend your services to anyone.  Had a great time with the fishing being a particular highlight.
Tony Roe, Managing Director, McGowan Print (Sept 07)

Hi Finola,

Everything was perfect. Barries wife was waiting for us in Arrivals with our name. The girls were delighted. Barrie couldn’t have been nicer. It was great.  Thank you so much.

Anne Thompson, Aberdeen (limousine pickup at Malaga Airport)

Hi Finola,

Just a quick word to say thank you so much for your help. The girls enjoyed it so much they are already planning the return trip.

Julian’s night was super good, the tapas were so different, the girls were really interested so much so that very little wine was taken.

Rashida’s evening was very interesting and the girls loved the escallops so much …. They are going to be busy cooking for sure ….

We actually need to do the repeat day in Kilkenny as one of the girls had to leave suddenly, almost as soon as we arrived. She did not even stay for the mint tea. Unfortunate, but will fill her in. Many thanks for your help.

Kind regards,

Malu Treacy, Kilkenny - March 2009

Hi Finola,

Myself and Elaine just want to say thanks for organizing today in Nikki Beach, it was great! Thanks again for everything else too.

Adam Maguire – August 2009