The owners of a bar in Athlone which suffered a catastrophic fire in the early hours of yesterday morning have vowed that they will be back.
Investigations are continuing into the blaze at 'Charlie's Bar' which also significantly damaged a bookmakers which was adjacent to the pub.
The blaze began at around 5.330am on Sunday morning with fire tenders from Athlone and Ballinasloe attending in order to control the fire.
It's not yet clear how or where exactly the fire started, with Gardai appealing for any witnesses, or anyone who may have bene passing the bar between 5am and 6am to contact them.
In a Facebook post, the owners have thanked the public for their help and support as well as gardaí, the fire brigade and other publicans
They say that they are 'heartbroken' and that the pub as people knew it is gone, but they 'will return again soon'.
