Recent industry research carried out by Irish hotels federation shows a drop in levels of optimism across the sector.

Mr Mealiff was highly regarded amongst his peers and colleagues across the industry, both nationally and locally throughout Cavan and Monaghan.

'Hotels are not for permanent living and while they have helped people from the Ukraine who are fleeing the war, it is not a long-term solution to the problem'

That's according to local TD Niamh Smyth, who is the Chair of the Tourism Committee.

The Slieve Russel Hotel is in a fortune position due to a high-level of deferred business caused by lockdown, which has seen an increase in weddings, events and conferences.