Co Kilkenny publican survives major fire: ‘It could’ve been so much worse’ – brother

A local publican is lucky to be alive after a fire broke out in the bedroom he was in last Friday afternoon.

Liam O’Shea of O’Shea’s pub, High Street, Graiguenamanagh, was in the bedroom when the fire started at around 12.30 p.m. in the house adjoining the pub where he lives.

Graiguenamanagh Fire Brigade was alerted at 12.38 p.m. and three units attended the scene, including a tender from Thomastown – along with a water carrier.

Liam was outside the premises having escaped with burn injuries when the local fire crew arrived as flames engulfed the upstairs room. He was treated by fire fighters for smoke inhalation and taken to hospital for treatment to his injuries.

Chief Fire Officer with Kilkenny County Council, John Collins said the seat of the fire was the bedroom on the first floor. “Substantial damage was done to the bedroom and attic. We were able to prevent it from spreading to neighbouring properties. It occurred during the day, thankfully it wasn’t at night or it could’ve been a different story.”

Mr Collins said a team of eight fire fighters entered the house wearing breathing apparatus. “The fire was knocked out quickly and the crew dampened it down afterwards, leaving the scene at around 4.30 p.m.” Liam’s brother Ken posted the following message on social media after the fire, thanking the fire fighters for their work saving the premises: “Just a message from Breda, myself and all the O Shea family on the unfortunate fire that happened at O Shea’s bar this afternoon. Liam is in hospital at present with some burns and shock but hopefully will make a full recovery.

“Thanks to everyone for their support and good wishes throughout the day, it could have been so much worse. A very special mention to the Graignamanagh fire service and supporting crew, who upon my call were at the scene within minutes, fair play to ye all. No damage done to the pub side of building so hopefully over the coming weeks work will be done to get this opened asap. Many thanks again for your support and good wishes.”

Cllr Michael Doyle also paid tribute to the fire service, saying thankfully it looks like Liam – who is in his late fifties – will make a good recovery.

“The fire crew was there in a matter of minutes which shows you the importance of having a fire station in your town.”

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