Tributes paid after death of Newry fire fighter
Tributes have been paid to a Newry fire fighter who tragically lost his life in a road accident.
Recently retired Watch Commander Eugene McNally, a long serving member of the Fire and Rescue service in Newry, died following a two vehicle crash on the main road between Newry and Belfast.
Local MLA Karen McKevitt MLA expressed her deep sorrow. “Mr McNally has served the District of Newry in his role as a fire fighter for many years. He had gained the deep respect of the community by his selfless efforts to protect and preserve the lives of others.
“On behalf of the SDLP and everyone in Newry and District I would like to express my sympathy to Eugene’s family and friends. His warmth was appreciated in Newry and he will be remembered with great gratitude and fondness.”
The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) also paid tribute to Eugene. “We were all deeply saddened about his death. Eugene was a well-respected colleague who was greatly admired for his dedication to the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service,” NIFRS Southern Area Commander John Denvir said.
“Eugene was well known within the local area, so his death will be greatly felt across the community. It’s a very sad day for our station and the organisation. We will always remember him for his work within the local community and his commitment to helping others.
“Eugene was also a very keen cyclist, who helped to raise money for many local charities in the area. Eugene was heavily involved in the recent cycling event held at Lurgan Fire Station in memory of a former colleague. His kind-hearted manner made him an extremely popular Firefighter at Newry Fire Station.
He added, “Firefighters across Northern Ireland work very closely together – we’re like family – so news like this impacts everyone. Eugene was a husband, father and esteemed colleague.”
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