HEROES REMEMBERED
CEREMONY MARKS TEN YEARS SINCE FIREMEN’S DEATHS
TRIBUTES were paid to the late Brian Murray and Mark O’Shaugnessy yesterday (Tuesday) in Bray, 10 years to the day since the two fire fighters died in the line of duty. The families of Sub Station Officer Brian Murray (46) and fire fighter Mark O’Shaughnessy (26) were joined yesterday by the men’s colleagues and friends to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the tragedy that claimed their lives.
Wreaths were laid at the fire station as part of a sombre and poignant ceremony. This was followed by Mass at St Fergal’s church before family members gathered at the monument at Fr Colohan Terrace.
THE weather yesterday morning was almost identical to that of September 26, 2007, when firemen Brian Murray and Mark O’Shaughnessy lost their lives fighting a fire at Adelaide Villas.
A decade later, the families of the two men, members of the emergency services and their fellow fire fighters gathered at the fire station to remember Sub Station Officer Brian Murray (46) and Fire Fighter Mark O’Shaughnessy (26). The Dublin Fire Brigade Pipe Band played beautifully at what was a sombre and respectful commemoration of two heroic Bray men. ‘It’s hard to believe it’s been 10 years,’ said Deputy John Brady, who laid a wreath at the station along with Martin Lyons on behalf of the fire service.
‘It’s been a very difficult 10 years,’ said Deputy Brady. ‘In some ways a very fast 10 years but obviously very painful for the families.
‘ The ceremony was very poignant and dignified,’ he said.
Fire services were represented from all over the country as were the Civil Defence, Coast Guard, the Ambulance Service and all of the emergency services, as well as people from as far as the United States.
The respectful ceremony in the autumn sunlight was followed by Mass at St Fergal’s in memory of Brian and Mark. Family members then made their way to a monument at Fr Colohan Terrace, where Brian’s grandson laid a single red rose.
Deputy Brady said a few words thanking everyone for their presence yesterday. He also thanked the community who have been a huge support to both families.
‘It was important to mark the occasion,’ said Deputy Brady. ‘Not just to remember and pay tribute to Mark and Brian and the huge sacrifice they made while serving and protecting the community, but also to remember all members of the emergency services who put themselves on the front line every day. It’s been very hard over the last 10 years with court cases and inquests. It’s been a very long road that hasn’t been fully travelled and closure is still needed. Hopefully that will come sooner rather than later.’