Fire fighters from across Ireland travelled to Galway this week to pay their last respects to a friend, a colleague and a good fireman. Fire-fighter Niall Tomkins passed away at the age of 35 following a short illness.
Originally from Claddagh, Galway, Niall had four sisters and just two weeks prior to his death; Niall married his long-term girlfriend Deirdre. Niall was described by many as a fine friendly and happy man.
(Photo: Fire Fighters salute as the remains of Niall Tomkins passes the fire station)
By Declan Keogh
A fit man and a keen runner, Niall first joined Galway Fire Service in 2011 where he quickly grew a love of the service and in 2014 he qualified to become a full-time fire-fighter with Galway City Fire Service. He trained for the full-time position in Cork with Cork City Fire Brigade.
His colleagues in Galway and those who know him from the various training exercises and refresher courses around the country viewed him as a valued member of the fire service.
Hundreds of Fire Officers and Fire Fighters from stations across Ireland attended his funeral.
Galway Fire Service has paid special tribute to their friend. Niall’s colleagues at Galway Fire Station have expressed their thanks to the fire personnel, Gardai, Ambulance Paramedics and members of other services who expressed their condolences and attended the funeral masses.
In a statement to Emergency Times, Galway Fire Service said “Members of Galway Fire and Rescue Service would like to pass on our sincere condolences following the death of Fire-fighter Niall Tomkins after a short illness. We extend our condolences to his wife Deirdre, his parents and his sisters”.
“We would like to thank all the people who were involved in the funeral arrangements, especially An Garda Siochana who kept all routes clear for the procession, all the Fire-fighters from around the Country especially the fire-fighters from Cork City who Niall trained with before becoming full- time in Galway and to the girls working in the Fire Station office who helped with refreshments, and finally all the Galway Fire-fighters both City and County for their assistance”.
A book of condolences was opened at Galway Fire Station.
Emergency Times would like to express our own condolences to the wife and family of Mr. Tomkins and his colleagues at Galway Fire Service.
(Photo: The late Fire Fighter Niall Tomkins)
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam
All Photos courtesy of Galway Fire & Rescue Service
