ARLINGTON, Va. — A popular Irish pub is gearing up for a busy weekend, and they can't wait.
"It can't come quick enough," said Dave Cahill, the managing partner of Ireland's Four Courts in Arlington.
It's the first St. Patrick's Day they've been able to celebrate since a tragic crash in 2022.
"We're gonna make up for last year. We've got 12 bands booked, a tent out the back, Irish dancers, Irish food, Irish music, what more can you ask for," said Cahill.
He told WUSA9 they're opening their doors at 8:30 a.m. both Saturday and Sunday.
It has been quite a year.
"What a difference a year makes," said Mary Reilly, who works at Ireland's Four Courts. She was working the night of the crash.
"We just heard a massive noise and all turned around and saw the smoke and debris. Nobody could see anything it was just a massive exit out the back," said Reilly. "Just seeing people's faces when they were running I can still see them in my head. It was a really really tragic night."
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.
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. At the front doors, they've hung plaques with the names of the heroes who jumped into action to help those who were hurt.
"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.
Luckily everyone survived.
This weekend they say, is about moving forward and they can't wait to see everyone. They've got all the popular foods and drinks ready to go.
"We're gonna do a lot of car bombs, a lot of green tea shots, a lot of Jameson," said Reilly.
But, if you're thinking about ordering a green beer, Reilly says you should seriously reconsider.
"I'd probably give them a look but then I'd say no, no green beer, no green beer," she said.
"Young and old people come in it's very much like Ireland where everyone comes in and celebrates together," said Cahill.
"We missed last year so this is the place to be, this is it," said Reilly.