'Cowardly act' condemned as Oldcastle business torched

The Oldcastle pharmacist whose shop was gutted in an arson attack in the early hours of Thursday morning, was back in business on Friday, determined to show the arsonists she will not be beaten.

In an amazing show of solidarity, the community of Oldcastle rallied round businesswoman, Donna McQuaid, working all through Thursday to help her set up in the former Gibney’s premises.

Local shops and residents showed their support for the pharmacist and their disgust at the attack, by displaying posters depicting a heart and the name Donna in premises throughout the town.

“The people of Oldcastle were devastated for Donna and her family. The shock and sadness in the town is palpable, but we will keep on going. The great news is that Donna and her team have opened in the old Gibney’s building and we want to publicly thank Paul Farrelly for organising that as well as Gerry Reilly and crew and everyone who mucked in to make it happen. This is community spirit in action,” said Tracey Holsgrove, secretary of Oldcastle Community Development Association.

The fire, which destroyed the premises, has been condemned as a cowardly act that has no place in Oldcastle and streams of well wishers have been calling into the pharmacy in a heartfelt show of support .

The blaze swept through the building shortly before midnight on Wednesday, causing extensive damage.

Two fire units, from Oldcastle and Kells, along with garda attended the scene. The fire was swiftly brought under control but the damage had already been done.

Garda appeal

Gardaí are seeking any witnesses who may have seen any persons or vehicles acting suspiciously on Cogan Street, Oldcastle, at approximately 12:30am on Thursday or in the hours leading up to the incident. Gardaí are also anxious for anyone who may have CCTV or dashcam footage to please contact them.

The pharmacy adjoins the Oldcastle Court Hotel, which had been the subject of a Section Five application to allow its use as an IPAS Centre earlier this year.

However, last June the Department of Justice said it was no longer considering the hotel for accommodating International Protection Applicants. This was confirmed again last week.

Deputy Johnny Guirke has condemned the arson attack in the strongest possible terms.

“This cowardly act has no place in our town and must be unequivocally rejected by everyone who lives in Oldcastle.

“Those who carried out this attack should be ashamed of themselves. By this arson attack on our town’s pharmacy, they have not only endangered the lives of residents of neighbouring properties but have also deprived the owner and dedicated staff of their livelihoods with just a week before Christmas.”

Malicious act

“This malicious act has robbed a family of their ability to provide for themselves and their customers of a local, essential service they rely on daily.

“Oldcastle is a great town with strong community values, but a small number of individuals have distorted the truth, spread false rumours, and fear-mongered, which contributed to the fear and unrest that culminated in last night’s arson. We will not allow misinformation to define our town.”

Deputy Guirke said the owner of the pharmacy had served Oldcastle with distinction for 25 years and is deeply respected for her ongoing commitment to the community.

“They have been a positive figure in the town, actively involved in numerous groups and initiatives that strengthen Oldcastle, such as the local tidy towns. This attack is an affront to all who know and value the owners’ contribution.

“Those who took part in the attack are a disgrace to Oldcastle. I condemn in the strongest terms the spreaders of hate and the drivers of destruction who have damaged our community. What name does this give Oldcastle? It is a stain we must all reject and call out.”

Deputy Guirke is urging anyone with information to contact the gardaí.

Cllr Peter Caffrey said that there was great support for the pharmacy owner in the local community.

“People are very upset. The place is destroyed. This business has been very generous and a great support to the local community over the years. The community will now row in behind her and support her,” he vowed.

Deputy Aisling Dempsey described the attack as “a shocking, dangerous and cowardly act”, designed to “intimidate and divide the community”.

However, the opposite has happened. “Instead of dividing the community, it has brought out the very best in Oldcastle and its people,” said Deputy Dempsey.