WATCH: Former UFC champ shows interest in Slieve Russell
“That's real Ireland there, Cavan, f**k it!”
Sean Quinn may have to take on the Notorious Conor McGregor and perhaps Sean Gallagher if he is to realise his family's dream of reclaiming the Slieve Russell Hotel.
In the same week as failed presidential candidate Sean Gallagher was reported as being in the frame for buying the thriving Ballyconnell hotel, a video has emerged online showing former UFC champ Conor McGregor stating he too has shown interest in buying the landmark Ballyconnell property.
Once the jewel in the crown of former billionaire Quinn’s hospitality empire, The Slieve Russell is earmarked to go on the market for offers over €30m.
Along with the Hilton Prague, which was famous for having a large painted portrait of Mr Quinn hanging in the foyer, they are the last two hospitality assets still in the hands of liquidators of IBRC, formerly Anglo Irish Bank since the former Fermanagh tycoon and his family were ousted in 2011.
Ballyhaise native and experienced entrepreneur and investor Mr Gallagher was reported as eyeing up the iconic 224-bedroom Slieve Russell with its PGA National championship 18 hole golf course, 65-ft pool and luxurious spa by The Currency's Tom Lyons.
Now a video, which had since gone viral on social media channels, has appeared showing Irish professional mixed martial artist McGregor talking up his own interest in doing a deal.
“Up Cavan,” says McGregor raising his fist in the video, which appears to be taken by people attending the Dubliner's The Black Forge Inn. “That's real Ireland there, Cavan, f**k it!”
He then continues the discussion by asking: “What's the hotel up there? Slieve... The Slieve... I was looking at it, I was looking at it!”
As the conversation ebbs McGregor describes Sean Quinn as a “legend”, saying: “You know what? He supported his people. He supported his people. I've a lot of respect for him. But I was looking at that hotel. It's up for sale at the minute.”
Judging from his remarks, McGregor appears to be a Quinn fan - while Sean Gallagher attended Sean Quinn's book launch at the hotel last year, sitting in the front row.
Since climbing to the height of success in the UFC and beyond, McGregor has not only struck a number of major endorsement deals but diversified his investments by launching Proper No. Twelve Irish whiskey in 2018.
He bought The Black Forge Inn in 2020, and in 2021 snapped up the Marble Arch.
IN 2022 McGregor was cast along with the actor Jake Gyllenhaal in a remake of the 1989 hit movie starring Patrick Swayze, Road House.
Liquidators have been selling off former Quinn owned hospitality assets in recent years, with Dublin pubs The Barge and JW Sweetman sold in 2022.
The Barge sold for €3.75m while the Mahon family, who own a number of New York pubs, bought Sweetmans near O’Connell Bridge for in excess of €5m.
Buswells Hotel, put on the market by Savills for €22m in 2022 has not yet sold.
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Reports hotel to be put on the market for €30M - Sean Quinn says it would be "nice" to have it back