New owner of Hayes Hotel to renovate in stages
The new owner of Hayes Hotel in Tipperary says he has big plans for the property, but it will take time.
Jack Halley, 27, bought the landmark hotel where the GAA was founded in 1884, at the Allsops distressed property auction in Dublin yesterday
The Fethard native scooped the property on Liberty Square in Thurles for €650,000.
It was among 260 lots included in the latest Allsop auction of distressed property yesterday and it sold just before lunchtime.
Receivers took over the hotel in April last year and it was initially placed for sale with a guide price of €750,000, but while there was speculation of a joint purchase by former GAA stars, the idea never materialised.
Speaking to Tipp FM, Mr Halley said he wants to revive the property, beginning with the nightclub at the back of the venue, but says it will have to be done in stages.
"I don't have loads and loads of money to improve it all at once," Mr Halley said.
"It'll be a very gradual process.
"We'll refurbish and improve it in stages, probably starting with the nightclub at the back of the hotel to try and get it open before the Christmas period.
"I just want people to know that they won't see all the changes straight away - it'll be in stages so just give us a chance."
The old billiards room in Hayes Hotel was where Michael Cusack and his GAA co-founders met in November 1884 to form the new organisation.
