'Extensive damage' to North Cork pub following fire 

Traffic restrictions remain in place on McCurtain Street in Fermoy after an early morning fire caused extensive damage in a licenced premises.

It is understood that a fire broke out in Charlie Mac’s pub in the early hours of Thursday, with three units of the Cork County Fire Service arriving on the scene around 7am.

The building was evacuated and it is believed nobody sustained any injuries.

Locals reported that smoke could still be seen coming from the lower floors of the four-storey premises as dawn broke over the North Cork town.

Members of An Garda Síochána remain on the scene, with fire brigade crew members departing in the last few minutes. 

The southbound lane of McCurtain Street remains cordoned off.

A spokesperson for Cork County Fire Service said: “Units from Fermoy and Mitchelstown attended a fire at a licenced premises on McCurtain Street, Fermoy this morning at approximately 7am.

“There were no injuries, but there is extensive damage to the building."

A garda source said: “Gardaí are currently at the scene of a fire that occurred at a commercial premises this morning Thursday January 2, in Fermoy, County Cork.

“As this is an ongoing incident no further information is available at this time.” 

Charlie Mac’s, which was previously Duggan’s Bar, was bought by local insurance broker Charles McCarthy around the turn of the millennium, and has been owned for the past eight years by businessman Ian O’Brien. The building dates back well over a century.