RIP Laura Buckley Noonan
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06 Sept 2025
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06 Sept 2025
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The High Chaparral in Geesala destroyed by fire this morning
The iconic Mayo pub The High Chaparral in Geesala has been destroyed after a fire ripped through the pub this morning.
The alarm was raised just before 5am this morning when a man travelling to work noticed flames coming from the roof of The High Chaparral which has been run by the Munnelly family for the last 75 years.
The fire spread quickly through the pub and despite the best efforts of fire brigade units from Belmullet and Achill, they could not stop the fire from spreading. The building was empty at the time and there were no injuries.
WATCH: Video of Mayo pub burning to the ground
The local population woke up to the devastating site of the pub completely destroyed by the fire with the roof completely burnt and smoke smoldering from the ashes.
READ: British lifestyle store opens first west of Ireland branch in Mayo
Local councillor Gerry Coyle told The Mayo News that the local community are devastated to see their last pub burnt to the ground.
“It is devastating to see the place burnt to the ground. The fire spread so fast you would not believe how fast it spread. I was here before 6 and it was riddled at that stage. The fire brigade did their best to keep it at bay but they couldn't.
“It is smoking away here and it is devastating. It is the last pub in Geesala. We had lots of great celebrations here over the years with festivals and boxing and sad days too. Everything was in there,” he said from the location.
WATCH: Video of Mayo pub burning to the ground
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