Tributes have poured in across the Northern Sound region following the death of popular businessman and community stalwart Ross Mealiff. Mr Mealiff who was originally from Clones, was the proud joint owner of the Hotel Kilmore in Cavan, alongside his wife Kate.
Paying tribute to the local businessman on today's Joe Finnegan Show, Minister for Social Protection, Rural Affairs and Community Development, Heather Humphreys described the late Ross Mealiff as a "larger than life character" who had a "heart full of kindness."
According to the local Minister, while Mr Mealiff was a proud Clones man first and foremost, he was also a "very committed member" of the Cavan business community, having made "huge contributions" to the border region throughout his career.
Apart from being a very successful businessman, Minister Humphreys said that the local hotelier was also a "great community man" having served as a councillor on the Clones Town Council for 20 years.
Mr Mealiff served at a national level as treasurer of the Association of Municipal Authorities of Ireland for ten years and was also a volunteer on the board of Clones Credit Union, amongst his many other roles.
Minister Humphreys highlighted how the Hotel Kilmore holds a special place in the hearts of many across Ireland due to the hard work and passion of the late Ross Mealiff and his wife, adding that the local hotel is a "particular favourite" of President Michael D Higgins, who was "saddened" to hear of the passing of Mr Mealiff yesterday.
"The Hotel Kilmore is a place for everyone to stop on their journey and it is a particular favourite of the President and I know that for a fact," explained Minister Humphreys. "When the President was travelling up to Donegal or in that direction he always liked to stop in the Hotel Kilmore where he met Ross, had the chat and always received a lovely warm welcome and I know that he was very sorry to hear of the passing of Ross when I told him about it yesterday."
