'This could have been an absolute tragedy of unimaginable proportions'

PATRONS of Duffy Pub in Kilkelly have been reflecting on their incredible lucky escape in the aftermath of the collapse of the three story building shortly after 9am last Tuesday morning. Five people who were staying in accommodation above the pub were injured but none seriously.

The venue had a full house on Saturday night for a special birthday celebration party for local man, Michael Hurst. Eunice Moran from Ballaghaderreen, a sister of former Mayo footballer, Andy Moran, and a presenter with Midwest Radio, was providing the music for the occasion.

The pub hosted another big gathering on Sunday night after several who attended the launch of the Kilkelly Kilmovee Parish Magazine at Knock Airport retired to Duffy’s pub to round off the night.

Eunice Moran reflected the shock of so many people when she said yesterday (Monday) that Kilkelly was lucky not to be dealing with a tragedy on an even larger scale that Creeslough in Donegal last year.

“The place was rocking on Saturday night with some people outside on the street and the smoking area full at the back. Duffy’s is such a homely pub and a great favourite with people home on holidays. There was so much memorabilia behind the bar. The open fire made it a kind of community venue in Kilkelly. It is a huge loss to the village.

“This could have been a disaster on a grand scale. It beggars belief that no one incurred serious injuries and we all have to be grateful for that.”

Kieran Tarpey, who resides across the road, said he heard the 'whoosh' sound as the building began to collapse. “We could not believe what was happening. The next we heard were the screams of the mother and two children who were on the top floor of the building when it came down. The rescue services were on the scene as quick as they could and the five people were taken to Castlebar Hospital.

“Everyone was relieved when we knew that no one had died in the incident. This could have been an absolute tragedy of unimaginable proportions and it truly is a miracle that the structure did not come down on Saturday or Sunday night.”

It is understood the five people who were being accommodated on the premises on Monday night were from the Louth area and were attending the anniversary Mass for a family connection in the Kilkelly region.

Excavation works were being carried out in the vicinity of Duffy’s Pub (not for the Duffy family) and it is understood that investigations are being carried out while the road from Kilkelly to Swinford still remains closed after a week.

The hearts of all in the area go out to Maureen (née Conboy) and Kevin Duffy and their son James in the aftermath of the collapse of the building. The Duffy family are very much at the heart of the community life of Kilkelly rendering a warm, homely and generous welcome and service to all callers.

They have been overwhelmed with the messages of goodwill and support as they and the entire community breathe a sigh of relief that the ‘miracle of Kilkelly’ will now allow for the sun to again shine bright and clear in the days ahead.