Ireland's Four Courts In Arlington Looks To Rebuild After Fiery Crash

ARLINGTON, VA — After a rideshare driver's car drove into Ireland’s Four Courts on Friday, causing the business to catch fire, the community hopes to see the popular pub rebuild.

As of Monday afternoon, nearly $70,000 have been raised for the damaged business via GoFundMe.

Organizer Mike De Robbio said people from all over Virginia have contributed to the online fundraiser since it launched two days ago.

"On Friday, our neighborhood pub faced an uncertain future. Over the course of 36 hours since then, we’ve raised well past our goal with no signs of stopping! Let’s keep it going!" he said.

Samuel Beckett's Irish Gastro Pub in Shirlington also announced it will hold a fundraiser at 6 p.m. on Sept. 15 to help Ireland’s Four Courts rebuild.

"We will have a silent auction and a night of fun and entertainment to raise money for these poor unfortunate souls who went through hell," Mark Kirwan, the pub's owner, posted to Facebook.

"Jimmy and Carey Fagan who own Ireland’s Four Courts are close friends and the salt of the earth, Dave Cahill and his team are some of the best folks in the industry and through their heroic actions they reduced the injury list by acting in a rapid manner," he continued.

Arlington County police said they responded to Ireland’s Four Courts around 6:45 p.m. Friday after a rideshare driver left the roadway and crashed into the restaurant. At least 15 people were injured — two critically. The driver and passenger were among those transported to area hospitals.

“Undoubtedly, the decisive actions of the arriving officers to run directly into the building and remove patrons saved lives,” Police Chief Andy Penn said in a statement.

Police said the cause of the crash remains under active investigation and detectives continue to review evidence and speak with witnesses to determine the events that preceded the crash.

Anyone with information that may assist the ongoing investigation is asked to contact Detective K. Stahl at kstahl@arlingtonva.us or 703-228-7145. Information may also be reported anonymously to Arlington County Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS.