An Emergency Services weekend is being planned for Dublin in September. The ‘blue light’ weekend will form part of the annual FESSEF parade and exhibition of the emergency services.
All frontline, search, rescue, security and voluntary services associated with the emergency services are tol participate.
Report by Declan Keogh
The weekend is being planned by FESSEF, the Frontline Emergency Security Services Éire Forum, an NGO who have worked for the past four years to bring the emergency services parade and open day to Dublin.
The Emergency Services weekend tales place from Friday 8th September to Sunday 10th September and is being supported once again by EmergencyTimes.ie for the fourth year running.
Pic: (Emergency Times)
On Friday night, a concert will take place in the pro cathedral which will involve the various bands from different services such as the Garda Síochána Band, National Ambulance Pipes and Drums band, Dublin Fire Brigade Pipe & Drums band and the RTE Philharmonic Choir orchestra is also lined up to join the concert.
On Saturday, members of these services will all participate in a parade from Parnell Square to Trinity College. The parade will commence at 12pm to Trinity College where an open exhibition of all services, vehicles and equipment will be on display to the public throughout the day.
Last year’s parade saw over 1,000 personal took part in the parade.
Saturday evening ends with a Gala Dinner, with special guest Minister for Health, Simon Harris TD and the Mayor of Dublin. Tickets for this years Gala Dinner have already sold out and a waiting list currently in place.
Pics: (Main: Gala Hall; Top Left: Mayor of Dublin Cllr Brendan Carr & Dublin Fire Brigade ACFO Dennis Keeley, Top Right: Dublin CDO James McConnell and Dublin Airport CFO Gerry Keogh)
Photos: James Doyle / Emergency Times
Sunday, the day’s activities will be a BBQ which will take place in an undisclosed location at this time,. The BBQ will be a day of celebration for all those who participated in the parade and at the exhibition and open day. The bbq will be a family day for the members of all services involved.
Last years even was tinged with sadness following the tragic death of Coast Guard volunteer Caitriona Lucas. This year, a memorial area is expected to be provided in memory of the crew of Rescue 116.
Pic: Coast Guar members at Memorial table and book of condolences for the late Caitriona Lucas
Photo: James Doyle / Emergency Times
FESSEF organisers are also seeking interest from other bands from different groups to also get involved in the emergency services weekend. Speaking to Declan Keogh on ‘The Blue Line’ on Emergency Times, FESSEF Chairman Seamus O’ Neill outlined what is involved. We decided to put on a concert to showcase the talents that service personnel have up and down the country. Anyone who wants to participate in the concert, we would be only too delighted to hear from them”.
Photo: National Ambulance Pipe & Drums Band
Photo: James Doyle / Emergency Times
Tickets for the concert are €35 each and all proceeds from the concert will go towards the three nominated charities, RNLI, Bumbulance and the ONE.
FESSEF was formed some four years ago to promote the emergency services to the public and showcase what their capabilities are and to highlight the roles played by personnel within these services.
For more information, visit fessef.ie or email fessefforum@gmail.com
LISTEN: FESSEF Chairman Seamus O’ Neill speaks with Declan Keogh on ‘The Blue Line’ on Emergency Times
