Rozanna Purcell, Donal Skehan and Nevin Maguire all lend their support after much-loved café shut down by Galway County Council

Sunday World

26-04-2025

Operated by husband-and-wife Kim Young and Reinaldo Seco since 2017, the café had become a staple of journeys to Connemara for its blend of Chilean and Irish cuisine but will promptly shut following the close of business on Sunday, April 27.
Donal Skehan on the set of his new show
Locals in Connemara have expressed outrage following the sudden news that popular café Misunderstood Heron is to close.
In a post shared on social media, the Leenane-based food truck announced their last weekend of trading will take place commencing from Saturday, April 26, having been 'shut down' by planners at Galway County Council.
Operated by husband-and-wife Kim Young and Reinaldo Seco since 2017, the café had become a staple of journeys to Connemara for its blend of Chilean and Irish cuisine but will promptly shut following the close of business on Sunday, April 27.
An outpouring of messages in support of the award-winning café have followed in response. Over 1,000 comments have been left on the initial post.
Well-known Irish figures have also paid tribute to the café on Instagram and called for a resolution to be found. In one comment, Rozanna Purcell urged Galway County Council to find a solution, calling the café a 'destination stop' and an example of a 'great thriving Irish business', with broadcaster Louise McSherry also expressing her disappointment at the decision.
A host of popular chefs from across Ireland such as JP McMahon and Neven Maguire have also paid tribute to the popular eatery, with the latter expressing dismay of 'an amazing place with incredible food and people'.
In one eye-catching tribute, TV chef Donal Skehan also shared his condolences with the owners of Misunderstood Heron, as well as slamming the council for a decision he described as 'ridiculous'.
Donal Skehan on the set of his new show
"So disappointed to hear that – without a doubt a shining example of just how interesting food business can be done. I hope for the sake of locals and the many tourists who have this on their list @galwaycountycouncil turn this ridiculous decision on its head,' he said.
Galway County Council have been contacted for response by The Irish Independent but are yet to respond to the query.
In hopes of saving the business, fellow Lennane-based café The Purple Door has released a statement calling for the local community to take immediate action to save the Misunderstood Heron, who have said that eight jobs will be lost as a result of the closure.
'This isn't just about pasties and mussels, or Irish and Chilean food fusion, it's about fairness, passion and the heart of small business. Why target a family-run food truck that's served us for years?
'They're the backbone of our community- employing locals and creating a space where everyone feels welcome. The council claims it's about 'regulations' but where's the support to help small businesses thrive instead of pushing them out?
'This feels like another case of bureaucracy favouring big corporations over hardworking entrepreneurs,' the statement concluded.
Despite the enforced closure, the Misunderstood Heron say that they will persist with other ventures, such as catering and pop-ups, saying that more information will be revealed next week.