Fire at landmark 'Bridge restaurant

Three units of the local fire brigade are still working to contain and put out at fire at the landmark bar and restaurant, The Derragarra in Butlersbridge.
Its understood that fire caught in the iconic thatch at around 1.30pm today, and shortly after those inside were evacuated and the emergency services called. No injuries were reported.
Known far and wide for its food, as well as having a concrete horse pulling a cart of turf on the roof, Derragarra was made famous by Ballyconnell entrepreneur John Clancy and his late wife, Angela who bought the business in 1969.
Clancy sold the premises to the McKennas in 1992, before moving to New York where he now owns Foley's bar in Manhattan, near the Empire State building.
In 2013, the renowned Butlersbridge eatery closed after the business went into receivership.
However, the historic property reopened again last year as Muph’s Bistro at the Derrgarra, under the management of award winning chef Fergus Murphy, who has worked in some of the best kitchens in the world, including 2 Star Michelin Restaurant Le Gavroche under Albert Roux. He has also worked with Chef Michel from Celebrity Masterchef.The grim scene of smoke bellowing from the roof, with members of the emergency services using a crane lift in their attempt to bring the fire under control, was greeted with shock and disbelief by locals and passers-by.
Gardai have cordoned off the area, and road closures are in place.

See next week’s Anglo-Celt for full report