A well-known Galway pub has shared an emotional statement after a devastating fire destroyed its premises, leaving the local community in shock.
Joyce's Bar in Recess suffered extensive damage after a blaze broke out at the adjoining Joyce's Craft Shop in the early hours of Thursday morning. Emergency services responded quickly, with crews from Galway Fire and Rescue arriving at the scene shortly after 6am to tackle the fire.
In a statement shared on social media on Thursday evening, the owners expressed their heartbreak over the loss while thanking firefighters and the local community for their support during the difficult day.
"It is with great sadness that we write this message," the statement began.
The family paid tribute to the firefighters from Clifden, Carraroe, Ballinrobe and Galway, praising their efforts in battling the blaze after it engulfed the building. Despite their determination, the fire caused catastrophic damage and destroyed the premises.
Thankfully, no injuries were reported during the incident.
The statement also extended sympathy to Mark Joyce and his family, whose craft shop was also lost in the fire.
"Our hearts go out to Mark Joyce and his family on the loss of their business premises also," the owners said.
They also thanked members of staff and the wider Recess community, who rallied around the family throughout the day, describing the support they received as overwhelming.
"We also want to thank the staff and local community who have been helping out throughout the day. They have been a massive support today and always are," the statement read.
The family admitted they are still trying to process the devastating loss, saying the fire has left them in disbelief and that it will take time to come to terms with what has happened.
Customers who normally use the Post Office located at the premises have also been advised that, until further notice, payments can be collected from the An Post branch in Clifden.
Following the fire, Joyce's Bar also warned the public about a fraudulent online fundraising page claiming to raise money for the business.
In a follow-up statement, the owners confirmed that a GoFundMe page circulating online is not connected to them in any way and urged people not to donate or engage with it.
"We have been made aware of a GoFundMe page for Joyce's. This is not us. It is fake, and we ask people not to interact with any messages relating to it," the statement said.
An investigation into the cause of the fire is expected, while the local community continues to rally around the Joyce family following the devastating loss of one of Recess' best-known businesses.
Source: Galway Beo
