Members of the Gardai and the Fire Service at the scene of the Christmas morning’s fire at Larkins of Newmills.
A Donegal restaurant and bar badly damaged by a fire on Christmas morning has reopened – thanks to the generosity of the local community.
Larkins of Newmills was partially destroyed in a blaze which broke out shortly after 1am on Christmas Day.
But a team of people have worked around the clock to see the premises re-open again today – a week after the building was almost gutted.
Onwer John G Larkin said the spirit and goodwill of the festive season is still alive and well.
He thanked all those who showed himself and his family so much good will.
“It’s hard to believe that a week ago we were left gutted when our premises was badly damaged by the fire.
“Thankfully nobody was hurt but we were left with an awful mess and while the main bar was destroyed, the restaurant was baldy damaged by smoke.
“These people worked around the clock to get the restaurant reopened. I simply cannot believe the goodwill that people have shown towards us.
“The spirit of Christmas is well and truly alive in Donegal,” he said.
The reopening of the bar also means that at least ten people now have jobs to return to in the New Year.
As well as the restaurant and takeaway, the upstairs bars in the premises in now reopened.
An investigation int the cause of the fire is still ongoing.
