Local jewellery store reopens after €250k heist during snowstorm

An Athlone store which lost €250,000 worth of jewellery in an audacious break-in last March has reopened for business. 

Park Jewellers in the Golden Island Shopping Centre is holding a launch party this Friday (July 20) to celebrate its reopening. 

The dramatic theft at the premises occurred during the Storm Emma snowstorm in early March. 

Under the cover of darkness, raiders cut a hole in the roof of the shopping centre and made off with the jewellery in one of the biggest heists seen in Athlone in many years. 

The store was forced to close but it has since been refurbished and restocked. 

Commenting on its reopening, store manager Ronan Costello said: "We are so delighted to have the store back open again. The messages and support from local businesses, customers, friends and well-wishers has been amazing since last March. 

"We would like to say a huge thanks to the Gardai here in Athlone and the Golden Island Shopping Centre management and staff. They have all been such a support. 

"We are back opened just over a week and the response has been fantastic."

Park Jewellers are extending an open invitation to the reopening party on Friday at 5.30pm, and this will be the start of a weekend of special promotions, complimentary cocktails, and much more. 

The first 30 people through the door on Friday evening will receive an exclusive goodie bag courtesy of Park Jewellers. 

On Saturday there will be a 'family fun' event at the store, from 12 noon to 3pm, with face painters, balloon clowns and a caricaturist. 

"Myself and all the staff are so appreciative to everyone, and we hope to see familiar and new faces along to our party on Friday evening. Saturday will be for all the family to enjoy with plenty of promotions over the weekend,” said Mr Costello.