Athy restaurant owners express devastation at fire over weekend

A popular Athy restaurant is currently closed following a fire during the early hours of Saturday morning. Fortunately a lady and her dog residing upstairs managed to escape to safety.

Tributes are being to the owners of Samsara Café, for running a 'fantastic restaurant' at Leinster St, Athy. Hopes are being expressed by locals that the business will be back and running soon.

There is extensive damage to the interior. Labour Cllr Aoife Breslin said: "My heart goes out to them, they have been working morning, noon and night. The community will rally behind them."

A social media statement from owners Jonathan and Jackie said: "Samsara was never just bricks and water to us it was always so much more. It was our home. It became a meeting spot for our families and friends. We often found ourselves there until all hours even when there was no work to do. We were always so proud when anyone would ask who decorated it and we could confidently answer "we did". To see people take pictures of our food and our decor always made us burst with pride."

The statement said: "We feel like we are in a nightmare and don't know our finger from our elbow but as soon as we are back to ourselves or know anythingelse we will let you all know. We would like to thank Athy and Kildare Fire Brigade for the work they do and for doing everything they could for us and the restaurant. These women and men are amazing! We would also like to thank everyone so so much for all your kind words and messages. Our customers are like our family and we love you all so much and will miss you deeply!."