Ballyhaise businessman Sean Gallagher is preparing a bid to buy the Slieve Russell Hotel. He confirmed the news to Northern Sound earlier today. Mr Gallagher also confirmed reports that he would not buy the Cavan hotel without the blessing of Sean Quinn, his family and the local community. The local entrepreneur said he has appointed a representative from Savills property agents "to act in a professional capacity on his behalf in the bid process" but how long the process will take, is "up to the receiver". Once nicknamed the "Oh My God Hotel" for the reaction many people had when they first approached the Slieve Russell from a rural road outside Ballyconnell, Sean Quinn has in the past, indicated how the hotel held special significance for him and his family.
The Slieve has been under the control of receivers for the IBRC since April 2011, The Irish Times reports it has a price tag of €30 million. Sean Gallagher recently attended the launch of Sean Quinn's autobiography "In My Own Words" at the Slieve Russell. It remains to be seen if Sean Gallagher sought Sean Quinn's blessing before he started the bidding process. For now, Mr Gallagher did not want to make any further comment.
