Prayer power Nev-er fails me
chef on how religion helped him get through lockdown
NEVEN Maguire said if his restaurant survived two bombings during the Troubles it can survive Covid, admitting prayer helped get him through.
Like many in the tourism and hospitality industry, the past few months have been tough on the Cavan chef.
But the Irish TV staple said he has turned to prayer and positive thinking to power through the uncertain times ahead for his business.
Neven told the RTE Guide: “I’m a positive person but there were days I’d get teary and emotional and there were nights I couldn’t sleep.
“Like lots of other people, there were good days and bad. How did I deal with it?
“By talking about it with my wife Amelda, having my family by me and through prayer, but it was tough.
“Many of the staff would have worked with us for years and are like family.” The 46-year-old, who owns Macnean House and Restaurant in Blacklion, added: “I didn’t go to the restaurant every day as that would have broken my heart.
“I’ve always had a strong religious belief and I regularly pray to mum and dad for guidance and support.”
“Our restaurant was bombed twice during the Troubles so if we can get through that, we will get through this.”
Looking ahead at his plans to reopen, Neven said he will have to reduce his numbers by half to meet restrictions.
He added: “We plan to open on July 1 for residents only.
“There will be just one sitting in the restaurant, all guidelines and restrictions will be adhered to and our numbers will be reduced by 50% or so.”
But Neven said he is still uncertain about whether his cookery school will ever get back up and running.