Locals in Moynalvey, Co Meath, woke up on New Year's Eve to the shock news of a fire at Scut Fagans pub.
Gardaí and emergency services attended the scene, and the fire, which broke out in the wee hours of December 31, was brought under control by several units of the fire services.
Fortunately, no injuries have been reported. The scene has been preserved for a technical examination.
Scut Fagans (Fagans) is a longstanding institution in the Meath community, having been established some 150 years ago.
It's a popular spot for those looking for a decent pint in great company in a classic, cosy corner of rural Meath. It's renowned for its traditional music.
Fagan's has featured on RTÉ, and more recently, featured in the Oscar-nominated film An Cailín Ciúin.
Moynalvey locals will tell you that Beth-Ann and John Reilly, owners of the 150-year-old Meath pub, take their hospitality to great lengths. The couple has even called taxis for their customers upon request to ensure they get home safely.
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Local Fine Gael Councillor Noel French described the pub as 'a huge feature of the community'. He said: 'It was more than a pub. It meant a great deal to not just locals, but visitors and tourists who came to it from far afield.
'It was a unique place, and I’m sad to hear this on the eve of a New Year, what should have been one of the busiest nights for the industry.'
A host of devastated locals have sent their well wishes to the Reillys, with one writing: 'Absolutely devastating. May it come back again, we are all behind you guys.'
Another penned: 'Devastating! John and Beth-ann, so sorry this has happened. I hope it can be rebuilt and you come back stronger. We're all behind you and hoping to make many more happy memories.'
And that's exactly John and Beth-Ann's plan, as the couple have vowed 'we will go again' in the face of adversity.
'A lot can change on a Wednesday morning... we will go again,' they told the community, as they shared a photo of their blaze-ravaged pub.
* This article was originally published on Evoke.ie.
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