Hayden’s closure marks the end of an era

In the days before motorways, there were two traditional stop-off points for drivers between Galway and Dublin – Harry’s in Kinnegad on the way up and Hayden’s in Ballinasloe on the journey home.

So this week’s sudden closure of the landmark East Galway hotel wasn’t just a shock for locals in the town itself; it also evoked memories of a different era for those who remember the never-ending car journeys from one side of the country to the other.

The closure sees the loss of around 40 full-time and part-time jobs, and is a body blow for the town itself. But current owners John and Gabriel Creaven said that Trojan efforts to keep the hotel open were ultimately undone by factors outside their control.

Overheads – like rates, water charges and the hike in VAT – all had an impact but premature rumours of its demise proved devastating.

John Creaven told The Connacht Tribune that they made every effort to keep it open and to close it was a devastating move on their part. He paid tribute to the loyalty of his staff over the years.

“For some strange reason the rumours started circulating some time ago that we were closing and this, consequently, resulted in bookings being cancelled. This would have been a major source of revenue as far as we were concerned.

“I have worked in other jobs in the past but this was by far the most enjoyable and rewarding. They were the best years of my life. But the rumours combined with the excessive overheads made it impossible to keep it going,” Mr Creaven added.

See full story in this week’s Connacht Tribune.