'Focus on getting it going again' - Owners vow to rebuild iconic Mayo pub

The owners of an iconic North Mayo pub that was destroyed in a fire are determined to see the beloved bar rise from the ashes.

There was shock and sadness when Erris institution, the High Chaparral, was devastated by a blaze in the early hours of Friday morning.

Firefighters rushed to the scene when the fire broke out at around 4am. The fire was brought under control, but the emergency services were unable to save the Geesala premises. The building was ravaged by the flames but there were no injuries.

There has been a public house on the footprint of the High Chaparral since the late 1800s The Munnelly family has run the bar since 1949. 

It has become synonymous with traditional music sessions and is a lifeline for people in this remote part of the county as well as a vital hub for returning emigrants. The High Chaparral was far more than a watering hole, it was a focal point for the community in Geesala and surrounding areas.

The Munnelly family is determined to see the craic and the pints flowing at the much-loved tavern again.

“We have to move on and get it up and running again. It was absolutely devastating but we have to live with it. We just have to be positive and focus on getting it going again,” John Munnelly told the Western People.

John is a leading light in his locality as one of the main organisers of the Geesala Festival each August. He has been blown away by the goodwill and warm wishes from his neighbours and community.

“People have just been unbelievable. The amount of phone calls and good wishes we have received has been incredible. The response has been unreal and we have had so many people offering their services and their help. We are so lucky to live in an area where you almost expect that,” said John.

Witnessing the pub burn to the ground was particularly traumatic for John’s 92-year-old father Eamonn Snr who ran the establishment for decades. Eamonn was still in short trousers when he pulled his first pint in the family pub for the princely sum of one shilling. He could only look on as so many fond memories went up in flames.

An emotional Eamonn feared he would never see another drink poured at the premises in his lifetime. 

“He was of course a bit shook up but he is fine. I told him he can pull the first pint when we get back open again anyway!” said John.

The speed and ferocity of the fire was shocking and nothing inside the property survived. The alarm was raised by a local man on his way to work.

“The emergency services were brilliant and were here within 20 minutes. But it was windy out and once one or two windows went and the back went, the wind got in and it was like a furnace,” said John.

“There wasn’t one inch of anything that survived it,” he added.

Local councillor and family friend, Gerry Coyle, said the High Chaparral was much more than a pub to the people of Geesala. He received calls from all over the globe following the devastating news, including from two former Taoisigh.

“Some will say “it was only a pub” but it was so much more, it was the central hub for community interaction, it was people’s gathering place, a second home, a safe place, maybe their only place for a friendly word all day, their warm place, their welcoming place, their community, a place that welcomed you in your moment of need be it a funeral or other sad occasion, a place to celebrate life, sporting victories, engagements and weddings. Our memories within the walls of the pub will live on.”