Brady addresses commemoration to mark the 17th anniversary of the deaths of Bray firefighters Brian Murray, and Mark O’Shaughnessy
Wicklow Sinn Féin TD John Brady addressed a commemoration earlier today in Bray, to mark the 17th anniversary of the deaths of firefighters Brian Murray, and Mark O’Shaughnessy. Both men died in the line of duty as they responded to a call out at a former factory site in Bray.
Brady said:
“Brian Murray and Mark O’Shaughnessy embodied the very best of what the fire service is about. Their courage, commitment, and unwavering sense of duty remains an inspiration to fire fighters across Ireland and further afield to this day.
They put their lives on the lines to protect their community.
Their sacrifice continues to remind all of us of the immense challenges and dangers faced by front line emergency workers.
I am proud and humbled at being asked by the families to speak at the commemoration today.
I am proud to be able to continue my efforts in support of the retained fire service. Of the women and men, who like Mark and Brian are prepared to put their lives on the line to protect their communities.
Major outstanding issues remain unresolved for the retained fire service.
There is a retention and recruitment crisis in the service.
Major problems with senior management also remain unresolved.
The morale of fire fighters is on the floor, as time after time, as they have attempted to address these issues, have attempted to force the government to bring the service into the twenty-first century they are continuously rebuffed or ignored by Minister Darragh O’Brien.
Despite these problems, the retained fire service continues to serve their community, they continue to put themselves in the tradition of Brian and Mark.
But the government cannot continue to ignore the needs of the retained fire service if it is to survive.
I am once calling on Taoiseach Simon Harris to step up to the plate and deliver on a full-time fire service for North Wicklow.
The members of the retained fire service nor I will not cease in our efforts until the much needed reforms and the establishment of a full time fire service for north Wicklow come about” ENDs
Photo credit to Shayne Phelan
