The funeral arrangements have been announced for popular businessman Ross Mealiff. Mr Mealiff who was originally from Clones, was the proud joint owner of the Hotel Kilmore in Cavan, alongside his wife Kate.
The funeral mass of Mr Mealiff will take place in the Sacred Heart Church, Clones, on Thursday at 11am, followed by private cremation at Lakelands Crematorium, Cavan. Leading tributes to the local hotelier today was Minister for Social Protection, Rural Affairs and Community Development, Heather Humphreys.
Speaking to Northern Sound, Minister Humphreys paid tribute to Mr Mealiff who she said spent his career putting border counties like Cavan and Monaghan on the map, through his successful endeavours in business, politics and community life.
"When I was Minister for Business, especially during Covid I spoke with Ross very often," said Minister Humphreys. "We were making big decisions at the time, he was a good sounding board and was someone that I could speak with on a confidential basis and really get good advice from.
"He made a huge contribution to the sector there is no doubt about that. He had his finger on the pulse, he knew what was happening and he was able to relay it very articulately as to what needed to be done to progress the area."
In a statement issued to Northern Sound, the Irish Hotels Federation President, Denyse Campbell said that local hotelier made an "enormous contribution" to Irish tourism and hospitality and played an integral role in the Federation over the years, including as Chair of the IHF's local Mourne Boyne Lakes Branch and as a member of the IHF National Council.
Ms Campbell stated that Mr Mealiff was highly regarded amongst his peers and colleagues across the industry, both nationally and locally throughout Cavan and Monaghan.
According to Ms Campbell, his commitment to the sector and desire to make a real difference was evident across the many initiatives and policy areas he helped shape within the Federation, adding that he will be sadly missed by all.
