MacNean Bistro hosts council Christmas dinner
As is tradition, Cavan councillors were treated to a Christmas dinner after the December monthly meeting.
The meeting was held in the home area of the Cathaoirleach, which meant dinner was served afterwards at the award-winning MacNean House and Restaurant in Blacklion.
Cathaoirleach John Paul Feeley shared his pride in the local restaurant, which was opened by Neven Maguire’s parents in the 1960s during what were difficult times. During the height of the conflict across the border he remembered how it predominantly served members of An Garda Síochána called patrol the area.
“It wasn’t the type of restaurant it is today,” he said, praising Chef Neven’s “very hard work” since- the result of which now employs over 60 people.
“Neven is always available to help the local community,” he commended, adding that the dinner would be a way of “paying our thanks to Neven”.
Having covered the bill himself in 2023, Cllr Feeley told the Celt the expense would be a “joint effort” this year between Cavan County Council and himself. To top off the celebrations the Cathaoirleach shared some well received news: “You all will be delighted to hear that as we speak I have just got a notification to say that the ‘do not consume’ notice for Dowra has just been lifted.” Laughter and sighs of relief ensued.
He expressed his thanks to those at Dowra Resource Centre, who had the meeting room in sparkling condition.
Before closing the final meeting of the year, he wished his fellow colleagues, the council executive and all constituents a happy Christmas.
“I hope the outdoor staff get to enjoy themselves this Christmas,” he said, commenting on the mild weather.
“Happy Christmas to all, and all the very best and good health for the new year,” he expressed.
The Chief Executive of Cavan County Council Eoin Doyle also wished everybody a very happy Christmas, although he confirmed: “We still have a few days work to do before we break.”
“Get the rest you deserve,” he advised, adding that the period offers an “opportunity to relax and look back no a successful year”.
With that, the last meeting of 2025 concluded. Each of the councillors and members made the short journey to MacNean House and Restaurant, where light poured out the windows, Christmas decorations twinkled in greeting and a festive feast awaited.