Trespassers target vacant Mellon Country Inn as sale talks reach advanced stage

TRESPASSERS have been entering the vacant Mellon Country Inn on the outskirts of Omagh, prompting increased police patrols and a warning that anyone caught inside the property without permission could face criminal consequences.

The incidents have raised fresh concerns about the security of the once-thriving entertainment venue, with individuals posting footage and photographs of their explorations on Facebook, revealing the deteriorating condition of parts of the building.

However, as questions mount over the property's security and condition, there is also growing anticipation that a deal for its sale could be on the horizon, with discussions at an advanced stage and a potential outcome expected in early November.

McKeague Morgan Advisory, which is overseeing the liquidation process, has confirmed that multiple bids have been submitted for the prominent Beltany Road property, with a deadline of Monday, November 2, for final offers.

The firm has stressed that the site remains private property and warned that further incidents of trespass or unlawful entry will be reported to the authorities.

Police encountered two people suspected of trespassing inside the building during a mobile patrol in the Beltany Road area on the evening of Tuesday, October 20.

Neighbourhood Policing Sergeant Johnny Hamill said officers were aware of local concerns that young people may be entering the premises and had consequently increased patrols in the area.

Trespassing

“Trespassing on private property without the owner’s consent is wrong, and can be dangerous,” he said.

“Depending on the circumstances, being caught inside a building without permission could constitute burglary and could see those who take this risk end up in court.”

Sergeant Hamill urged parents and guardians to speak to young people about the dangers of entering vacant buildings, particularly where social media challenges or online content may encourage such behaviour.

The warning comes as footage and photographs shared online by trespassers appear to show areas of the former entertainment complex affected by water damage and mould.

Other images reportedly show sections of the bar where stocks of alcohol remain.

The online activity has offered a glimpse inside a building that once attracted crowds from across Tyrone and beyond, but has also highlighted the risks associated with entering an unoccupied property without permission.

Private Property

In a statement, McKeague Morgan Advisory said it was aware of “several rumours and inaccurate information” circulating locally about the Mellon Country Inn.

“As we are responsible for overseeing the liquidation process it is important to stress that the site is private property and must not be entered without authorisation,” the firm said.

“To protect the property and ensure public safety, additional security measures have been put in place.”

It added that any further incidents of trespass or unlawful entry would be reported to the relevant authorities.

Despite the concerns surrounding the property's security, the firm said the sales process had attracted a “strong and positive response” from interested parties, with multiple bids already submitted.

“Discussions are at an advanced stage and a closing date for bids has been set for Monday, November 2,” it confirmed.

Final bids must be submitted through the selling agent, Outstanding Estate Agents.

The developments offer a potential turning point for the well-known property, which has remained a familiar landmark in the local hospitality scene for decades.

The Mellon Country Inn was once synonymous with weddings, family celebrations, community gatherings and live entertainment, building a reputation as one of Tyrone's best-known venues.

Its stage welcomed leading figures from the country music scene, including Lisa McHugh and Derek Ryan, while its function facilities attracted generations of families marking some of the most important occasions in their lives.

Situated close to the Ulster American Folk Park, the property also occupies a prominent position within the area's tourism and hospitality landscape.

Its name carries historical significance, too, with connections to the Mellon family, whose ancestors emigrated from the area to the United States in 1816 before the family became one of America's most influential business and philanthropic dynasties.

The property's closure and subsequent liquidation marked a significant loss for the local hospitality sector. However, its scale, location and established reputation have been identified as potential attractions for buyers considering its future.

When the liquidation process was announced, McKeague Morgan Advisory indicated that prospective purchasers could include hospitality operators seeking to re-establish the site as a hotel and events destination, as well as developers considering residential or alternative uses.

Darren McMath of McKeague Morgan Advisory was appointed liquidator of MAH (Tyrone) Ltd, the company whose principal asset is the Mellon Country Inn. The disposal process is being led by Gary Bonner, the firm's director of restructuring and insolvency.

Mr Bonner, who grew up in Omagh, previously described the property as having “significant heritage and commercial appeal”, expressing hope that its sale could provide an opportunity to reinvent the facility and bring fresh appeal to the area.

With bids already received, discussions progressing and a deadline now set, the coming days could prove decisive in determining the future of one of Omagh's most recognisable hospitality venues.

For now, police and those overseeing the sale have made their position clear: the building remains private property, and the prospect of a new owner does not give members of the public permission to enter it.

Anyone wishing to report a crime can contact the PSNI on 101 or submit a report through its website at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/. In an emergency, dial 999. Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or through www.crimestoppers-uk.org