Shock at Fermoy hotel closure

“I couldn’t believe it. We knew nothing, I thought it was a social media prank. It’s the only hotel in the town.”

Those were the words of Fermoy resident and local businessman Dave Ryan, speaking about the sudden closure of the Grand Hotel.

Staff and locals were left shocked on Sunday when the hotel announced via social media that it would be closing down with immediate effect. The landmark business is the only hotel in Fermoy and is a popular stopping point for hikers and tourists traversing the Blackwater Way.

Mr Ryan, who runs Hanna’s Restaurant and the Amber garage in the town, continued: “I’m shocked, no question about it. I’m in business, I have a restaurant. We all need each other. A town needs to be a team to succeed. You need different strands of businesses. It’s a big shock. There are people coming into town who have booked parties for Christmas, that’s a problem. So now there’s a risk those parties will go out of town, which has a knock-on effect for pubs and other businesses.”

The message posted to the hotel’s Facebook page read: “It is with heavy hearts and much reluctance that we say goodbye to The Grand Hotel. Over the past 12 years we have had tremendous support from our amazing and loyal staff, our suppliers and our fabulous customers. Thank you for the good times and even during the tough times, we have learned so much. We take great memories of Fermoy with us. It’s not how we hoped things would turn out and, despite our best efforts, we will cease trading on Sunday 10 November.”