Witnesses sought after Titanic pub blaze
Tuesday May 05 2009
GARDAI have renewed their appeal for witnesses after a fire caused up to €1.5m damage to a bar set up by a Lotto winner.
The fire broke out at 9.30pm on April 26 and caused extensive damage to the Titanic Bar and Restaurant in Cobh, Co Cork.
The bar was opened by Vincent Keaney after he won IR£1m in the Lotto in the mid-90s.
Following the win he vowed to fulfil his dream of setting up a bar on the spot where 120 passengers embarked on the fateful first and last voyage of the huge ocean liner in 1912.
Mr Keaney put his Lotto winnings into the venture and bought Scott's Buildings, which is the location of the former White Star Line offices. The interior was modelled on the Titanic. The restaurant and bar opened in 2000.
It was modelled on the design of the ship's first- and second-class smoking rooms and added to the harbour town's tourism appeal, complementing existing attractions such as the Queenstown Heritage Centre, the Titanic Trail and the Titanic burial plot.
However, after initial success at the site the restaurant and bar closed two years ago.
Gardai believe the fire was started deliberately and have appealed for anyone who may have information to contact them on (021) 4908530.
- Olivia Kelleher
