Pharmacy gutted in arson attack re-opens
THE pharmacy business in Oldcastle, which was gutted in an arson attack before Christmas, is to officially re-launch today.
McQuaid’s Pharmacy on Cogan Street has served the people of the Oldcastle community for almost 25 years.
Shocked locals rallied round the shop’s proprietor, Donna McQuaid, and within 24 hours of the suspected arson attack, the staff of McQuaid’s were back serving customers from a nearby temporary premises ahead of Christmas.
Community representatives couldn’t speak highly enough of Donna McQuaid who they say always went above and beyond for her customers including the sick, elderly and vulnerable people of Oldcastle.
At the time, Deputy Johnny Guirke said Ms McQuiad had served Oldcastle with distinction for 25 years and is deeply respected for her ongoing commitment to the community.
Describing her as a “positive figure in the town,” the Sinn Féin TD said Ms McQuiad has actively involved in numerous groups and initiatives that strengthen Oldcastle, such as the local tidy towns.
“This attack is an affront to all who know and value the owners’ contribution,” Deputy Guirke said.
It is thought arsonists used an accelerant like petrol to start a fire at the business some time overnight on December 17 into 18.
One theory at the time was that the pharmacy on Cogan Street was targetted because it adjoins the Oldcastle Court Hotel, whose owner had previously enquired with authorities about using it as an IPAS centre.
Today - Friday, April 24 - McQuaid’s will officially open its new doors in one of the most well-known buildings in Oldcastle. The pharmacy’s re-launch will take place exactly 110 years to the day since Mullen’s drapery business was started by Patrick Mullen in the same building in 1916.
Reflecting on the experience of the past few months, Donna McQuaid thanked the community of Oldcastle for their “incredible support in helping us reopen so quickly.
“Ensuring the needs of our customers were not compromised was our top priority as a community pharmacy,” she said.