The Ryan family has sold the Limerick Inn Hotel to a consortium of four businessmen who intend to refurbish the hotel and upgrade it to four-star status. The consortium, which includes construction firm owner Mr John Fleming, along with Mr Michael Knox-Johnston of Knox Hotels, is in negotiations with an international hotel group to operate the refurbished facility. Knox Hotels owns two hotels in the Republic, including the Lodge and Spa at Inchydoney Island, west Cork. The Limerick Inn had been in the Ryan family for 27 years.