Seven full-time jobs and eight part-time posts have been lost in the closure of The Railway Hotel in Limerick.
Situated on Parnell St directly opposite from Limerick’s Colbert Station, The Railway Hotel is a familiar sight to many who travel by public transport in the Treaty County. Colbert Train Station is currently undergoing a multi-million euro redevelopment, while plans are being finalised for the upgrade of Davis and Parnell Streets.
Built in 1871 as an old coach inn, The Railway Hotel had been a hugely popular venue for Gaelic Games enthusiasts travelling into and out of the City for league and championship matches.
A notice placed on the entrance to The Railway Hotel reads “We sincerely regret to announce that The Limerick Railway Hotel Limited has ceased to trade with immediate effect. We would like to thank all our customers and staff for their loyalty and support over the years”.
The hotel was formerly owned by ex-Fianna Fáil TD Michael Collins, of the well-known Collins political dynasty from Abbeyfeale in West Limerick. Mr Collins is a brother of former MEP and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Gerry Collins. His nephew is Niall Collins, a sitting Fianna Fáil TD.
The Limerick Railway Hotel has been run by members of the Collins family for 46 years. It was taken over by Mr Collins’ daughter, Michelle Collins, and her husband Patrick McEnery.
The neighbouring McEnery’s shop, formerly Mayes shop, has also closed. It was run by Pat McEnery, who was married to Michelle Collins, proprietor of the Railway Hotel.
In a statement Ms Collins said that, “after 46 years in business” the hotel was forced to close “for economic reasons”. She described the closure as “a very difficult and emotional time for the Collins family”.