26/04/2026
Statement from Frank McMahon, Owner of Pink Punters
Shortly after 2am this morning, the automatic fire alarm alerted staff to a possible fire at Pink Punters.
Our Fire Wardens responded immediately and quickly discovered a fire on an outside balcony. The General Manager ordered the immediate evacuation of the club as fire crews raced to the scene, with everyone safely evacuated on their arrival, their focus was on the building which was now well ablaze as the fire and smoke spread very quickly.
This evening, whilst I am devastated to say that the building itself has been completely destroyed, I am deeply relieved, grateful and proud to confirm that no staff or customers were harmed, and everybody went home safely.
I want to take this opportunity to thank my entire workforce. They acted calmly, professionally and effectively in the most serious of circumstances. At Pink Punters, we have always maintained the highest standards in Training, Equipment and Procedures. Years of practising fire drills, over and over again, paid off when it mattered most.
I cannot put into words how proud I am of everyone involved.
As I write this message, firefighters are still dealing with pockets of fire that remain difficult and dangerous to access. I want to extend my sincere thanks to the brave men and women of the emergency services who responded and were on scene in minutes.
My family and I have received literally thousands of messages from well-wishers. Thank you all for your concern, love and support. Please understand that it will be difficult for us to respond to so many messages individually, but every single one means a great deal to us.
At this stage, I do not know the cause of the fire. I have been informed by the police that a 51-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of arson. We must now allow the police and fire investigators to carry out their work.
My family, Frank, Mary, Michael, Ainya and Dean took over this site 36 years ago and began building a nightclub business that has meant so much to so many people. From the Kilrush days through to Pink Punters, and with Pink Punters having celebrated its Silver Anniversary only last year and still going from strength to strength, this place has been part of our lives, our family and our community for more than three decades.
Pink Punters is more than a building. It is an institution, built over many years by a wide family of staff, customers, friends and supporters. Many people have visited the site today to see the extent of the damage for themselves. We do not yet know the full extent, as the fire is still being dealt with, but we will keep people updated when we are able to do so.
Worldwide, nightclub fires have too often resulted in a devastating human toll. Tonight, we can all be profoundly thankful that this was not the case here. The building has been lost, but lives were protected, and that matters more than anything.
I also recognise that many people are deeply affected by what has happened. Pink Punters has been one big family for many years, and I know this tragedy will be felt by staff, customers, former staff, regulars, friends, performers, suppliers and many others who have been part of our story. Please know that my thoughts are with all of you as well. I am truly sorry for the sadness this has caused.
Once again, thank you to our staff, our customers, the emergency services and everyone who has reached out with kindness today.
We are heartbroken, but we are also grateful. Grateful that everyone is safe. Grateful for the people who acted so quickly. Grateful for the love being shown to us.
Pink Punters has always been about people, not just bricks and mortar. The building may be gone, but the family, the memories, the spirit and the love remain.
And let me say this clearly: Pink Punters will be back.
Frank McMahon
Owner of Pink Punters.
