Festive spirit allows popular bar and restaurant to get back on their feet

A local bar and restaurant, which was damaged by the recent tornado in Leitrim Village, has been overwhelmed by the community spirit that has allowed them to return to business in time for Christmas.

The Leitrim Inn and Blueway Lodge, which has numerous loyal customers from County Roscommon, has reopened since the freak weather event on the Leitrim/North Roscommon border a few weeks ago, citing the Christmas spirit among the community that has enabled it to get back on its feet.

This business, run by Michael Guckian and his wife Adelene, ended up in the tornado’s firing line on Sunday afternoon, December 10th. Many people, who had enjoyed their Christmas Party in the Leitrim Inn the night before, had left the vehicles in the car park behind the premises, which subsequently suffered extensive damage.

However, with the help of the local community, the Leitrim Inn is open for business again and received a surprise visit from Santa Claus in the past week, which did the “hearts good”.

“We still have a lot more repairs and rebuilding to do, and things may not be perfect for some time but today was “A Perfect Day,” posted the Leitrim Inn on Facebook following Santa Claus’ visit.

“We are proud of our village and community and, oh ya, Santa said we all on his nice list.”