Press Release: Popular Pub Says 'Good Night Irene,' Celebrates Reopening

It's been a harrowing six weeks for Barry O'Donovan, owner of The Kilkenny House, 112 South Ave. East in Cranford, as he sought to rebuild the popular Irish pub that was devastated by Hurricane Irene in late August.

But that all comes to an end tonight, as the pub reopens for drinks and an Irish Toast tonight.

Waters from the storm flooded the pub's entire basement, ruining kegs, refrigerators, freezers, computers and the entire electrical system.  On the main floor, waters warped the hardwood floors and woodwork. What kept O'Donovan going was the support he had from friends and neighbors - many of whom faced similar challenges from Irene's fury.

“It's been hard, I won't kid you,” O’Donovan said. “We had no choice but to rebuild. This is what I know how to do. I had a responsibility to my staff to get up and running as fast as I could."

"Given the outpouring of support from the community, I felt an obligation to my customers, as well. When three little girls come up to you and give you the few dollars they made with their lemonade stand to help you recover, it's just heartwarming," O'Donovan continued. "We are strong in Cranford, and everyone stands behind each other."

The Kilkenny native says he owes a debt of gratitude to so many people that he couldn't name them all, but in particular he singled out Paul Lecorte, Mayor Daniel Aschenbach and local politicians, the Cranford Police and Fire Departments, the Small Business Administration, which helped secure disaster funding, and the many contractors who worked so hard to restore Kilkenny House to its former glory in just six weeks' time. 

Kilkenny House will be open for drinks on its first night and a limited menu only during its initial few days in operation.

For information call (908) 276-3414, visit http://thekilkennyhouse.com or join the Facebook fan page www.facebook.com/KilkennyHouseCranford.