‘Pete the Fireman’ serenaded in Kiltimagh after 40 years service People and places Michael Commins 
JOE the Plumber from Ohio has become a central player in the American Presidential election in the closing weeks of the campaign. In Dublin, they have Paddy the Plasterer. But in Kiltimagh on Friday night, it was ‘Pete the Fireman’ who was being serenaded in his hometown.
After over 40 years of service to Kiltimagh Fire Brigade, Pete Kelly was honoured by colleagues and friends on the occasion of his retirement. The celebrations also dove-tailed neatly with the golden jubilee of the founding of the Fire Service in the town. The first batch of volunteers donned the uniform in 1958.
The first recruits to the service were John Joe Walsh, Paddy Murtagh, Jimmy Kelly, Enda Cleary, Tommie McNicholas, Christy Feerick, Michael Joe Kilduff and Mattie Dempsey. Over the five decades, a total of 27 men have been part of the service in Kiltimagh.
All of their names are remembered on a special plaque which was unveiled by Paddy Murtagh, originally from James Street in the town and who has lived in Sligo for many years, and who was one of the original members of the service back in ‘58.
People and families associated with the Fire Service in the town were joined by neighbours and friends for a special Mass of Thanksgiving celebrated by Fr John Durkan at the Fire Station at the bottom of Aiden Street on Friday night. Fr John lauded the service and spoke of the ‘very good bunch of men we have here in the Fire Brigade in Kiltimagh’.
He told the gathering that the men were often faced with very difficult situations, whether attending to fires or road accidents. He mentioned the recent death of Seamus Boyle of Aranmore island and Kiltimagh in a car accident and the manner in which the Kiltimagh Fire Brigade service provided such comfort and help on such a sad occasion.
Fr John referred to the ‘great spirit of generosity and service’ that has been synonymous with Kiltimagh over the years and again thanked the Fire Service in the town with the words ‘we feel safe’, knowing they are always there to answer the call.
Prayers of the Faithful were read by some young children from the area, Colm O’Shea, Jason McNicholas, Alan McNicholas, Katie Mallee, Valerie McHugh and Conor Mallee. Michael Moran did the first reading while Adrian McHugh read the Communion Reflection.
The soloist was Mary McNicholas (nee Walsh) who sang beautifully as usual, and she was accompanied on the guitar by Ollie Burke.
Station Officer, Brendan O’Shea, led the words of thanks to all who had served over the years. Deceased members were remembered in a special way. He also paid tribute to Pete Kelly on the occasion of his retirement and also his wife Jo and family. He had special words of thanks for Fr John Durkan.
The names of those who served with the Kiltimagh Fire Brigade that appear on the plaque are John Joe Walsh (RIP), Paddy Murtagh, Jimmy Kelly (RIP), Enda Cleary, Tommie McNicholas (RIP), Christy Feerick, Michael Joe Cardiff (RIP), Mattie Dempsey (RIP), Johnny Kelly, PJ Murtagh (RIP), Billy Conroy, Denny Charlton (RIP), John James Kelly, Peter Kelly, Pat Holian, PJ Shannon (RIP), Paddy Byrne, Michael Charlton, Gerard Keegan, John Shannon, Brendan O’Shea, Michael McNicholas, Declan Shannon, Michael Moran, Mick Mallee, Adrian McHugh and Joe Corry.
Pete Kelly joined the Fire Brigade in 1967 where he served alongside his father Jimmy Kelly and brother John James. His retirement marks the end of an era for the Kelly family who have served with the brigade since its inception in 1958.
At a celebration in the Park Hotel in Kiltimagh afterwards, Pete was the recipient of a special presentation. The guest speakers were Paddy Murtagh from Sligo and Mayo Chief Fire Officer, Seamus Murphy from Castlebar, both of whom joined in the tributes to Pete and the Kiltimagh Fire Service.
One of the highlights of the night was the brilliant contribution of Johnny Kelly from Aiden Street who took a humorous trip down memory lane as only Johnny can. At the end of the ceremony, Pete Kelly expressed his thanks and gratitude to his colleagues for their kindness and friendship over the years.
It was a lovely night for all associated with Kiltimagh Fire Brigade.
