FIRE SERIOUSLY damaged the premises of an agricultural co-op in Co Galway.
The Arrabawn agricultural co-operative was substantially damaged in the blaze, which occurred early yesterday morning in Abbeyknockmoy. Lightning which accompanied thunder storms was a possible cause.
A former GAA intercounty referee Michael Bodkin has been credited with ensuring nearby houses were evacuated and that no one was injured.
The alarm was raised shortly after 4am and Mr Bodkin arrived a short time later. Fire officers from Galway, Athenry and Mountbellew fought the blaze for four hours. He paid tribute to neighbours and to the farming community for their response and support. “It’s an awful thing to come into on a Monday morning,” Mr Bodkin said.
“It’s a sad, sad sight. We don’t know yet what caused it but there was bad lightning during the night. ”
Fine Gael councillor Peter Roche said it was thanks to the “quick thinking” of the fire services and Mr Bodkin that nobody was hurt.