Irish Pub Reels from Retractable Roof Collapse Under Heavy Snow
A beloved family-owned pub in Charleville, County Cork, is facing a hefty repair bill after its outdoor seating area roof caved in under the weight of heavy snowfall. Geary’s Bar, a popular local spot, suffered extensive damage when an remarkable retractable roof, designed to accommodate up to 500 patrons, buckled under the pressure of over a foot of snow.
A Roof Designed for All Weathers
Corina Gough, the pub’s General Manager, described the situation as a “serious” one. “It is indeed a fantastic machine, but it buckled,” Gough explained.
“We measured up to 14 inches of snow. In severe weather warnings you open it up so that it folds up like an accordion. But if your electricity goes you are stuck. With no electricity yesterday, the whole thing collapsed.”
Not Just a Roof, But a ton of Damage
The collapse impacted more than just the retractable roof. Gough described a domino effect of destruction. “It is even impacting on another roof out there so we can’t even get in underneath it. We can’t get up to the sheds. The steel girders around the side all buckled. They are in half.”
Televisions, speakers, furniture – everything was ruined. “It is only going to get worse because it is weighing down. Even the metal bar in the stage area has crumpled with the weight of everything,” Gough said, highlighting the magnitude of the damage.
Snowstorm Leaves Trail of Destruction
the suddenness of the storm caught many off guard. “We closed up. Brought in all our furniture those sorts of things but by the time we were doing that the electricity was gone,” Gough recalled.
The impact of the blizzard extended beyond Geary’s Bar.”Even round town on the Main Street there is gutters hanging. I know of a farm shed out the road that just caved in. I have never seen snow like it,” Gough lamented.
Road to Recovery
Geary’s Bar will remain closed for several days as crews assess and begin repairs. The cost of the damage, which includes not only the roof but also the ruined furniture and equipment, promises to be critically important. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the power of nature and the unexpected challenges businesses can face during extreme weather events.
Winter weather Woes: Snow, Freezing Rain, and Coastal Flooding Expected
Parts of the northeastern United States are bracing for a potent winter storm set to bring a mix of snow, freezing rain, and coastal flooding from January 5th to 6th, 2025. the storm system is expected to impact a large swath of the region, creating hazardous travel conditions and potential power outages.
Snowfall Accumulation Varies
Forecasters predict significant snowfall accumulations,with some areas receiving up to six inches or more. The heaviest snowfall is anticipated in the higher elevations, while coastal areas may see a mix of snow and freezing rain.
Freezing Rain Threatens Icy Conditions
A particularly hazardous aspect of this winter storm is the potential for freezing rain. As warm air moves in aloft, precipitation could fall as rain and than freeze upon contact with the ground, creating treacherous icy conditions.
Coastal Communities Face Flooding risk
Along the coast, strong onshore winds and high tides are expected to cause coastal flooding. Residents in thes areas are urged to take precautions and be prepared for possible evacuations.
Stay Informed and Prepare
Authorities are urging residents to stay informed about the latest weather updates and take necessary precautions. This includes preparing for power outages, stocking up on essential supplies, and avoiding unneeded travel.
Brace yourself: Winter Storm to blast Eastern U.S. with Heavy Snow and Ice
The Eastern United States is bracing for a major winter storm system expected to deliver a potent punch of heavy snow, freezing rain, and possibly dangerous ice accumulations starting January 5, 2025.
A Potentially Historic System
Meteorologists are closely monitoring the developing storm, warning of widespread disruptions to travel and daily life. “This has the potential to be a significant winter storm for a large portion of the East,” stated a meteorologist from the National Weather Service. ”We urge everyone to prepare now and stay informed about the latest forecasts.”
Heavy Snowfall Expected Across Multiple States
Snowfall accumulations are predicted to be significant, with some areas potentially seeing a foot or more of snow. The heaviest snowfall is expected to occur across the Appalachian Mountains and parts of the Northeast.
Freezing Rain threatens Icy Conditions
in addition to the snow, a swathe of freezing rain is likely to develop, creating hazardous icy conditions on roads, sidewalks, and bridges. This could lead to widespread power outages and travel nightmares.
Travel Disruptions Likely
The impending storm is expected to cause major disruptions to air and road travel. Travelers are advised to check with their airlines and transportation providers for the latest updates and potential delays or cancellations.
Staying Safe During the Storm
Authorities are urging residents to take necessary precautions ahead of the storm, including: assembling emergency kits, stocking up on food and water, ensuring heating systems are working properly, and making arrangements for pets.
“Its crucial to take this storm seriously and prepare accordingly,” emphasized a spokesperson from the Red Cross. “Stay informed,stay safe,and check on your neighbors,especially the elderly and those with health conditions.”
Cork Pub Devastated by Storm Damage, Forced to Cancel January Events
A popular pub in Cork,Ireland,faces a difficult start to the new year after its beer garden was severely damaged by Storm brendan.The pub owner described the situation as “devastating,” explaining that the outdoor space generated 75% of their business during the traditionally busy January period.
“You have no idea the amount we have put into that beer garden over the years. It is indeed devastating today as it is 75 of our business this time of year,” they said.
Even though the space was partially covered and heated, with live music offered regularly, the force of the storm proved to much.
“We consistently upgraded over the years to a state-of-the-art area. We are insured but there’s the pain of it all,” the pub owner added.
The damage has forced them to cancel a number of events scheduled for January, impacting both the business and local patrons who frequent the establishment.
What specific building codes or safety regulations regarding retractable roofs were in place at the time of Geary’s Bar construction, and were they adhered to during the design and installation of the roof?
Interview with Corina Gough, General Manager of Geary’s Bar, on the Aftermath of the Retractable Roof Collapse
Archyde News: Thank you for joining us today, Corina. First and foremost, how are you and your team holding up after this devastating incident?
Corina Gough: Thank you for having me. It’s been a tough few days, to say the least.We’re all still in shock, but we’re trying to stay positive and focus on the recovery process. The support from the community has been incredible, and that’s really keeping us going.
Archyde News: Can you walk us through what happened on the day of the collapse? What were the conditions like, and when did you realize something was seriously wrong?
Corina Gough: It all happened so quickly. We had been monitoring the weather closely because of the severe snowstorm warnings. We closed the pub early, brought in all the outdoor furniture, and did everything we could to prepare.But by the time we finished, the electricity had already gone out. The retractable roof is designed to open up in severe weather, but without power, it was stuck in place. The snow just kept piling up—we measured over 14 inches—and the weight became too much. We heard this loud, groaning sound, and then it just buckled. It was terrifying.
Archyde News: The retractable roof was a unique feature of Geary’s Bar. can you tell us more about its design and why it was such a draw for patrons?
Corina Gough: Absolutely. The roof was one of the things that made Geary’s Bar special. It was a state-of-the-art system that could accommodate up to 500 people outdoors, rain or shine. In good weather, we’d retract it completely, giving patrons this open-air experiance. In bad weather, it would fold up like an accordion to protect everyone inside. It was a marvel of engineering—or so we thought. Unfortunately,it wasn’t designed to handle this kind of extreme snowfall without power.
archyde News: The damage sounds extensive. Can you give us a sense of what was destroyed and what the repair process will look like?
Corina Gough: It’s a total mess. The roof collapse caused a domino effect—steel girders are bent in half,the stage area is crumpled,and we can’t even access some parts of the property because of the debris. Televisions, speakers, furniture—everything is ruined. The repair process is going to be long and expensive. We’re working with engineers and contractors to assess the damage, but it’s clear we’ll be closed for quite some time.
Archyde News: This incident has clearly been a huge blow to your business.How are you planning to recover, both financially and emotionally?
Corina gough: It’s a massive challenge, no doubt. We’re a family-owned business, and this pub has been a cornerstone of the community for decades. We’re exploring all our options—insurance, loans, crowdfunding—to cover the repair costs. Emotionally,it’s been hard,but the outpouring of support from our patrons and the community has been a silver lining. We’re determined to rebuild and come back stronger than ever.
Archyde news: This storm has caused widespread damage across the region. Have you been in touch with other businesses or community members who are also dealing with the aftermath?
Corina Gough: Yes, it’s been heartbreaking to see the impact on our town and beyond. I’ve spoken with other business owners on Main Street who are dealing with similar issues—collapsed gutters,damaged roofs,and more. There’s a farm shed just outside town that completely caved in. It’s a stark reminder of how powerful and unpredictable nature can be. We’re all in this together, and I think it’s brought the community closer in a way.
Archyde News: Looking ahead, what lessons have you learned from this experience, and what advice would you give to other businesses facing extreme weather events?
Corina Gough: The biggest lesson is to always prepare for the worst, even if you think you’re ready. We thought we had everything under control, but the loss of power was something we didn’t fully account for. My advice to other businesses is to have backup plans in place—generators, emergency protocols, and regular maintenance checks. And don’t underestimate the power of community. When things go wrong,it’s the people around you who will help you get through it.
Archyde news: Thank you, Corina, for sharing your story with us. We wish you and your team all the best as you work to rebuild and reopen Geary’s Bar. Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Corina Gough: Just a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has reached out with kind words and offers of help. Geary’s Bar is more than just a pub—it’s a home for so many people, and we’re committed to restoring it to its former glory.We’ll be back, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone through our doors again.
Archyde News: Thank you, Corina. Stay safe, and we look forward to seeing Geary’s Bar rise from the ashes.
This interview highlights the resilience of small businesses in the face of unexpected challenges and underscores the importance of community support during tough times. Corina Gough’s story is a testament to the strength and determination of those who refuse to let adversity define them.
