good as new just in time for St. Patty’s Thanks to great determination, and some luck o’ the Irish, McGinnity’s Restaurant and Party House at 534 West Ridge Road will rebuild and return to its past luster in time for its famous St. Patrick’s Day celebration. The restaurant, which has become a Rochester tradition since opening in 1975, was severely damaged as a result of an upstairs fire December 8. The fire, which began in an apartment, was intense enough to destroy the large party room and damage the rest of the store severely enough to force them to close down for nine days. Seamus and Bridie McGinnity, Spencerport residents for more than 40 years and owners of McGinnity’s, said they never debated whether or not they would rebuild the party room. "What are you going to do, run away and leave it," said Seamus, who himself has been the lead contractor in the rebuilding. "We’re putting it back exactly the way it was." The work has included replacing warped support beams, reconstructing most of the party room, replacing the hardwood floors, touching up the enormous mural, and replacing the stained glass windows. The work, which should be finished any day, will return the party room to its original look. The room was added on in the early 1980s and has been used as a meeting spot for several local organizations and for season parties, such as St. Patrick’s Day. For this St. Patrick’s Day, like those in the past, McGinnity’s will cook up 1,000 lbs. of corned beef and cabbage, pack the kitchen with cooks, have plenty of Irish beer on tap and provide live entertainment. Another Spencerport resident, Dan Magin, will keep the party going as a DJ. Like in past years, Seamus and Bridie anticipate a packed house. They will also offer the same St. Patrick’s Day celebration the Sunday before, for those who choose to be home on St. Patrick’s Day. Both Seamus and Bridie said they look forward to finishing the party room and welcoming back those who haven’t been around lately. "We look forward to getting back to our regular routine," said Bridie. "This type of work just gets in your blood." |
