On the ball... New owner to make Hayes a ‘cultural hub’

The new owner of the famous Hayes Hotel in Thurles has said he wants to turn the landmark property into a "cultural hub" which will recognise its role in GAA history but also become a thriving business.

Yesterday, it was revealed that local businessman Jack Halley — who is originally from Fethard in Co Tipperary but who was based in London for a number of years where he worked in the hospitality industry — was the purchaser of the historic business.

The Co Tipperary hotel is the place where the GAA was founded in 1884 and has remained an important part of Irish sporting heritage and local business life.