Tipperary

hurler Lar Corbett and international boxing star Matthew Macklin have set their sights on purchasing Hayes Hotel in Thurles – the birthplace of the GAA.

Hayes Hotel went into receivership last April but remains open amid calls from leading figures, including former GAA president Sean Kelly, for the premises to be saved.

And it has now emerged that Corbett and Macklin are two members of a three-man team, along with local businessman Kevin Coppinger, who are looking at taking over the reins in Liberty Square.

Coppinger and Corbett, Hurler of the Year in 2010, are both natives of Thurles and while Macklin was born in Birmingham, he has strong Tipperary roots.

Macklin’s father hails from Four Roads in Roscommon, a hurling hotbed, while his mother is a native of Holycross in Tipperary. A regular summer visitor to Ireland as a child and into his teens, Macklin joined up with Ballingarry and starred as a high-scoring half-forward. He represent Tipperary in the U-16 grade, before dedicating himself to boxing.

In April 2011, Corbett launched his new business – Lar Corbett’s bar at Coppinger’s bar – and the pair also run Italian restaurant Puccini’s on Friar Street.

But purchasing Hayes Hotel would be the jewel in the crown for Corbett and Coppinger, who have big plans for the business if they can seal a deal.

Coppinger confirmed last night: “We have expressed a definite interest in purchasing the premises.

“I’m a native of Thurles myself, as is Larry, and we are acutely aware of the special place that Hayes Hotel holds in the hearts of local people.

“It is, of course, the birthplace of the GAA and we would like to see that spirit continue long into the future.”