Railway Hotel in Limerick closes with loss of 15 jobs

One of the country’s longest running hotels has closed, with the loss of 15 jobs.

The Railway Hotel in Limerick, built in 1871 as an old coach inn, has “ceased to trade with immediate effect”, management said.

Seven full-time jobs and eight part-time posts have been lost in the closure.

The landmark building, which had been developed into a 30-bed hotel, stands opposite Colbert Railway Station.

For nearly 50 years it has been a hugely popular venue for hurling supporters travelling into and out of the Treaty City for league and championship matches.

The hotel was formerly owned by ex-Fianna Fáil TD Michael Collins, of the well-known Collins political dynasty from Abbeyfeale in West Limerick, and a former publican and chairman of the Vintners Federation of Ireland.

Mr Collins served as a TD from 1997 to 2007, and 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.

A newsagents located beside the Railway Hotel and linked to the business, has also closed.

In a statement Ms Collins said that, “after 46 years in business” the hotel had to close “for economic reasons”.

She described the closure as “a very difficult and emotional time for the Collins family”.