![[11:38 PM] Cremen, Alanea
A special event was held for those who were there the night of the crash and the heroes who jumped into action.](https://media.wusa9.com/assets/WUSA/images/ee59941b-cd3f-4514-87a2-04bb2308f407/ee59941b-cd3f-4514-87a2-04bb2308f407_1920x1080.jpg)
ARLINGTON, Va. β Ireland's Four Courts in Arlington will reopen its doors to the public on Thursday. The beloved pub's reopening comes more than a year after the building was severely damaged in a fiery crash.
"We were all having a laugh, and then we all of a sudden just heard a big bang," said Mary Reilly, who was chatting with customers at a table not far from where a driver came crashing in.
"We just saw smoke, debris and then there was pure panic," she said.
On Aug. 12, 2022, more than a dozen people were injured after a rideshare crashed into Ireland's Four Courts on Wilson Boulevard. Nine people were hospitalized, four in critical condition and five others with injuries that weren't life-threatening. Six other people were treated at the scene by first responders and later released.
After months of renovation and collecting donations from bars and pubs across the DMV, Ireland's Four Courts brought employees back into work. Many of whom will be recognizable to patrons as the restaurant says it did its best to retain all of its employees. Wednesday night they held a special event for the customers who were there the night of the crash, as well as the heroes who rushed in to help those who were hurt.
"Their lives changed forever," said Dave Cahill, the managing partner of Ireland's Four Courts.
"We just thought it would be nice to host them and have a little quiet time together," he told WUSA9
The layout of the pub will also remain the same except for some new features including a new draft beer system.
Arlington County Police said the driver suffered a medical emergency prior to the crash.
During the rebuild, Ireland's Four Courts made renovations inside and were able to salvage some of the items from the original bar, including 20 feet of its original mantle.
So much was destroyed, but the community was determined to help them come back.
"There were days we couldn't find a path. When we got the support from customers and the community it meant so much. It gave us the fight to carry on," said Cahill.
Right at the front doors, they've hung plaques with the names of the heroes who jumped into action to help those who were hurt.
He says they're excited to be able to welcome the community back inside.
"There's a sense of just relief that this stage is over that this chapter is coming to an end," said Cahill.
"We're just ready to get these doors open and get this pub filled again," said Reilly.
Ireland's Four Courts officially opens to the public at 4 p.m. on Thursday.
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