'Accidental fire' devastates local business outlets

One of the most extensive fires in Athlone’s history appears to have been caused by 'an unfortunate accident,' according to Gardai.

O'Neill's Bar on Mardyke Street and the neighbouring Finlay Auctioneering premises were devastated by the blaze, which started last Wednesday afternoon (December 22) and was still smouldering on Thursday morning.

Speaking to the Westmeath Independent last week, Inspector Aidan Minnock said Gardai were not treating the fire as suspicious.

'We are still making inquiries but at this stage it looks like it was caused by an unfortunate accident,' he said. No injuries were reported as a result of the fire, and Inspector Minnock said people had been very helpful and cooperative in following the instructions of Gardai at the scene.

Town Clerk John Walsh stated that Athlone Town Council would be carrying out a safety assessment of the damaged structures before public access in the vicinity of O’Neill’s could be fully reopened.

Gardai were also planning to carry out an examination of the scene.

It’s understood that the fire started with an explosion in the basement of O’Neill’s Bar at approximately 2.30pm last Wednesday. The flames soon spread throughout the premises.

Buildings nearby were evacuated shortly after 3pm and traffic in the town ground to a standstill as road closures were put in place at Mardyke Street, Gleeson Street, Seán Costello Street, Dublingate Street and Church Street. By 6pm the fire had completely ravaged the interior and roof of O’Neill’s, sending out thick clouds of smoke which could be seen several miles away.

The adjoining Finlay Auctioneering offices were destroyed, while other neighbouring premises suffered some smoke and water damage.

Two Athlone fire engines attended the scene, along with additional units from Ferbane and Kilbeggan. The local fire service said a total of 20-25 firemen were involved in the operation.

The fire fighters continued to battle the blaze throughout Wednesday evening and into Thursday morning, amid temperatures which plummeted below minus 10 degrees.

Streets surrounding O’Neill’s started to reopen on Thursday, when one-way access was implemented at Gleeson Street and Mardyke Street.

Last week’s incident was the third major fire to have occurred at the site of O’Neill’s Bar inside the last 120 years.

Since before 1900, the site in question was home to Larry Maguire’s Bar and Grocery. An accidental fire destroyed its building in the late 1890s.

The Maguire’s premises was then rebuilt as a structure designed by the architect WA Tanner, but this was burnt by the Black & Tans in 1920. The pub continued to trade as Maguire’s until it changed hands to become Finlay’s in 1974.

It was The Goldsmith Tavern prior to its most recent incarnation as O'Neill's.