Kilkenny publican escapes fire with burn injuries

A Kilkenny publican has been left in hospital with burn injuries following a fire at O'Shea's Bar on High Street in Graignamanagh last Friday afternoon.

Publican Liam O'Shea was in a bedroom of the adjoining house when a fire broke out in the room at approximately 12.30pm.

Graignamanagh Fire Brigade was alerted just under 10 minutes later and three units attended the scene, including a tender from Thomastown and a water carrier.

Mr O'Shea managed to leave the building prior to the emergency services arriving and was subsequently taken to hospital.

There was damage to parts of the home, however, the fire was brought under control before spreading to neighbouring properties.

Posting to social-media, Mr O'Shea's brother Ken, stated: "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," he said.

"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," the post concluded.