Manchester Irish Festival

Manchester United Manager opens Roscommon owned Hotel

The manager of Manchester United Football Club, Sir Alex Ferguson continued a proud United tradition when he officially opened the Irish owned ‘Red Hall Hotel’ in Bury, Manchester on Wednesday 23 September. The hotel is owned by the Kilroe family who originate from Creggs village in Roscommon. For none other than his managerial predecessor Sir Matt Busby attended the opening of the Red Hall’s sister hotel in the Lake District 23 years ago.

Sir Alex made a flying visit to the hotel, just before United’s game against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Old Trafford. He was invited to open the hotel by his close friends the Kilroe family who are behind the multi-million pound refurbishment of the hotel.

Roscommon-born Tim Kilroe Senior became friends with Sir Alex when he arrived in Manchester to take up the manager’s job at Old Trafford. When Tim Snr was diagnosed with cancer, Sir Alex was one of the main supporters of the Kilroe family’s campaign to raise thousands of pounds for the Christie Hospital through their, Light For Christie’s Appeal.

Tim sadly died in February 2004 but Sir Alex has continued to support the family’s campaign which has raised £750,000 for the Christie Hospital.

Sir Alex said: “I wouldn’t normally attend an event like this on a match day, but I have known the Kilroe family ever since I first came to Manchester. In fact their hotel the Four Seasons was the very first place I stayed – I think I was there for about six months. The Kilroe family are all so close – much like my own family and I was delighted to come to the hotel and cut the ribbon. I wish them and the hotel every success.”

Hotels Operations Director Brian Conroy added: “Sir Alex kindly agreed to cut the ribbon and officially open the hotel. We are very proud and grateful to him. It is very fitting to have the Manchester United manager open our hotel after Sir Matt was at the opening of our sister hotel, the Abbey Hall Hotel in 1986.”

The Red Hall Hotel has undergone a £5 million refurbishment transforming it into a 21st century venue whilst retaining its links to local heritage. It is now the perfect venue for Sunday lunch, intimate dinners, casual lunches, wine tasting evenings or even just a latte or a bottle of wine with friends. The hotel’s three function rooms also make it the perfect venue for a dream wedding, christening, birthday celebration, or party.

For more information, or to request brochures please contact the hotel on 01706 822476 or visit www.red-hall.co.uk