Fire-fighter under attack at Limerick bonfire

A SHANNON fire-fighter was struck with what was believed to be an iron bar, after he came under attack, while attending a blaze in Limerick City on the eve of May Day.

There is a tradition in the city of lighting bonfires on the last night of April and on Monday night, fire-fighters from Shannon were summoned to help their Limerick colleagues who were called to numerous incidents.
The Shannon crew were called to a bonfire in the Kilmurry Road in Garryowen area of the city at around 10.45pm and the fire fighter was struck with an object, which was thrown at him.
Clare chief fire officer, Adrian Kelly said it had been an appalling incident.
“One member of the fire service was hit by an object thrown at them but fortunately only suffered minor injuries and was able to continue with their duties to the public, despite the attack on the brigade. The incident was reported to An Garda Síochána.
“It is almost beyond belief that fire crews are attacked and abused, while fighting fires and trying to save lives. Fire-fighters risk their lives to protect the communities they serve and it is disgraceful that a small isolated minority of those very communities choose to attack them. Their job can be difficult enough without such cowardly attacks taking place. While such attacks on members of the fire service are quite rare, even one such incident is unacceptable and should not be condoned by anyone. I would appeal to anyone with information in regard to this attack to contact An Garda Síochána in order that the person or persons involved are subject to the full rigours of the law.”
A Limerick-based fire-fighter also came under attack in the same area on the same night and had to be hospitalised after being hit by a bottle.