Fire alarm warning in wake of popular pub's destruction

Belmullet councillor Cllr Gerry Coyle has called on people to ensure their fire alarms are working after witnessing the horror of the burning to the ground of the High Chaparral pub in Geesala.

He told members of Westport Belmullet MD: “It was an icon in the village that went back so many years. The Munnellys are absolute community people, they are givers not takers, and are involved in everything from football, festivals and boxing in the community.

“I would ask everybody please to check their smoke alarms at home. I was never at a burning building before but I was at this one and the fire was absolutely vicious. Once it hit the roof the whole place went down like burning paper. I never saw such devastation. Whether it’s an old or a new house you live in, please check your fire alarms.” Cllr Brendan Mulroy supported the fire alarm call saying he could never fathom the amount of doors he would knock where people would tell them they could not find the front door key and to come in around the back.

“Can I also put a plea out to people to make sure you have your front door key in case you do have to leave the house in a hurry.” Cathaoirleach Cllr Sean Carey said he also wished to extend sympathy to the Munnelly family and welcomed that “they have committed to getting the pub open again and we look forward to that.”