Galway pub shop fire updates: 'Years dedication affected in one moment is incredibly painful' as blaze put out
Firefighters were praised for their ‘courage, professionalism, and tireless efforts in responding to this fire’
Locals in Recess have described Thursday morning’s shocking fire of local craft shop Joyce’s as “incredibly painful”.
Emergency services have been dealing with the fire since around 5am this morning with the blaze eventually being put under control shortly after 9am.
The incident is still ongoing though and marked unsafe for people with one local telling Galway Live after midday: “You still can’t get near it, it’s still smouldering and smoke still billowing. Loads of fire trucks there and a crane.”
There has been significant damage to all of the buildings - including the adjacent pub Paddy Festy’s - but thankfully the fire did not spread to the petrol pumps at the front of the premises and no injuries have been reported.
The owner of Phone World Clifden - who took a picture of the fire being put out - said it was so sad to see “years of dedication affected in one single moment”.
He said: “Heartbroken to see the devastating fire at Joyce’s this morning. As I drove by, the sight was truly shocking.
“My heart goes out to Michelle, the family, and everyone whose lives and hard work are connected to Joyce’s. As a fellow small business owner, I understand that behind every business are countless early mornings, late nights, sacrifices, and dreams.
“We wake up each day with hope, determined to build something meaningful for our families and our community.”
He added: “A heartfelt thank you to the firefighters for their courage, professionalism, and tireless efforts in responding to this fire.
“Wishing Michelle, the entire Joyce’s family, and all the employees strength, hope, and resilience during this difficult time. May you find the support to rebuild and come back even stronger. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.”
Gardai confirmed to Galway Live that they were dealing with the fire but no further information was available at this time.
A spokesman added: The N59 at Recess, Co Galway is closed. The following diversions are in place: Traffic heading towards Galway on the N59 will be diverted left at Inagh Valley junction; Traffic heading towards Clifden will be diverted right at Maam Cross.