Shop owner thanks Strangford people for help after fire

Shop owner thanks Strangford people for help after fire

5 November 2025

THE owner of a much-loved gift shop and newsagents which has been part of the Strangford community for over 30 years has praised the “community effort” to save the store after a fire broke out at the premises on Friday night.

The blaze in Kevin Óg’s, owned by Kevin Kearney, was spotted by locals out dog walking in the village just after 10pm. 

The fire took place towards the front of the shop and is believed to have been caused by an electrical fault.

Staff at the nearby Lobster Pot restaurant broke down the front door and used fire extinguishers in an attempt to smother the flames before fire fighters arrived. 

Mr Kearney, who was in Belfast at the time, described those who rushed to the scene as “heroic”, and believes they prevented disaster.

“Five or ten minutes longer and the whole building could have been away,” he said. 

In a social media post last weekend he thanked all those who helped save the store in his absence on Friday evening.

He said: “Spotting the fire, calling the fire brigade, volunteering fire extinguishers, offering tea, whiskey and comfort, boarding the shop and making it secure and of course, the fire brigade themselves. It was a true community effort.

“Special thanks goes to Marty and the other staff at the Lobster Pot. Who broke down the door, fought the fire and prevented what would have been a much larger blaze,” he added.

Towards the front of the shop, shelving, signage and lighting on the ceiling was damaged, and there was also extensive smoke damage throughout.

“Smoke went right through the shop. At least 90% of stock has been lost,” Mr Kearney said. 

Kevin Óg’s has been a part of the Strangford community for the past three decades. Mr Kearney took over what was once Crokes shop in the village.

He is now operating out of a temporary container outside the premises, which will be open daily from 7.30am to 6pm.

Mr Kearney said he was “so grateful” to the Strangford community for rallying round at a difficult time.

“Everyone in person and on Facebook has been so generous. There’s been a real sense of community support and solidarity,” he added.