Firefighters in Birr, Co. Offaly are preparing to say their final farewell to one of their colleagues who sadly passed away on Thursday 28th July following a long battle with an illness.
David ‘Budgie’ Byrne, was a retained fire fighter with Offaly Fire & Rescue Service for a number of years and was stationed in Birr. He was aged 43.
Speaking to Emergency Times this weekend, his colleagues at the fire station have paid tribute to Budgie and said he will be sadly missed. “Budgie was very proud to be a firefighter and was possibly the most popular member of our crew. He was incredibly determined, with a huge appetite for work and was an asset in the toughest of calls. He was one of those annoying people who was good at everything he did, golf, darts, soccer. He had a natural talent”
David married Louisa last year and their first wedding anniversary occurs today.
He is deeply regretted by his loving wife Louisa, daughters Shauna and Cathriona, mother Josie, brothers Rodger and Vincent, sisters Patricia and Camilla, father-in-law Denis, mother-in-law Margaret and extended family and friends.
The fire crew from Birr will form a guard of honour at his funeral mass on Monday morning.
Colleagues said he was quick witted, had a cheeky smile and an infectious laugh. “He’ll be missed by all of us who love him and all who were fortunate enough to have known him”.
Funeral Arrangements
Reposing at his residence tomorrow, Sunday from 6pm to 9pm. Removal from his residence on Monday morning at 10.15am to arrive at St. Brendan’s Church, Birr at 10.45am for Funeral Mass at 11am. Burial afterwards in Clonoghill Cemetery, Birr.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h’anam
Photos of ‘Budgie’ and David and Louisa courtesy Birr Fire Fighters
Photos of Birr Fire Station and Birr Fire Appliance courtesy Fire-Ireland.com
Photo Illustrations: EmergencyTimes.com
