Kilkenny Fire and Rescue Service hosted a Fire Service Recognition Night 1916 – 2016 last week. The purpose of the event was to recognise the contribution of Kilkenny man Thomas Purcell, who was the Chief Fire Officer at Dublin Fire Brigade during the 1916 rising.
The event was also used as an opportunity to present fire fighters from each of the seven fire stations across County Kilkenny with centenary medals and in recognition of the outstanding contribution Kilkenny fire fighters have made in making their communities a safer place.
Pic: KK16 – Callan Fire Crew. Photo: Michael Brophy
John Collins, Act. Chief Fire Officer welcomed the Purcell family who travelled long distances to attend. Cllr Matt Doran, Cathaoirleach Kilkenny County Council paid tribute to the fir service personnel for their commitment, professionalism and dedication. He also said the people of Kilkenny should be very proud of Kilkenny Fire Service and in particular, proud of an innovative and remarkable Kilkenny man Thomas Purcell, a man, he said, who led Dublin Fire Brigade during 1916 Rising. Mr. Purcell was born in 1851 in Johnswell, County Kilkenny.
The Cathaoirleach also acknowledged the support shown by the families of the firefighters, and the sacrifices they themselves make in support of Kilkenny firefighters do that they can go about doing their job in protecting their communities.
Photo: Declan Keogh @DeclanTKeogh
Other invited officials who attended and presented medals to the firefighters were Dominic Hayes, Chief Superintendent, Kilkenny/Carlow Division, Des McCauley, Personnel Support Officer, Defence Forces; Pat Drennan, Operations Officer, National Ambulance Service; Derek Hughes, Garda Superintendent, Thomastown; Tim Butler, Director of Services and Martin Prendiville, Head of Finance, Kilkenny County Council.
Pic: A Kilkenny Fire Crew pause for a photo after a fire incident.
Photo: Declan Keogh @DeclanTKeogh
A special presentation was made by Cllr Matt Doran, Cathaoirleach, to the great-grandsons of Thomas Purcell, on behalf of the people of Kilkenny.
The seven fire stations in County Kilkenny are KK11 Kilkenny, KK12 Castlecomer, KK13 Freshford, KK14 Urlingford, KK15 Tomastown, KK16 Callan and KK17 Graiguenamanagh.
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*Source: Kilkenny People
