A PLAQUE to commemorate the work and bravery of two part-time firefighters who died while on duty in Co Wicklow last year has been unveiled.
Civil Defence worker Mark O’Shaughnessy (26) and builder Brian Murray (46), a father of 13 children, both died while attempting to extinguish a blaze at a disused glazing and furniture factory on the Lower Dargle Road in Bray.
The two men became trapped inside the smoke-filled factory after its ceiling collapsed in the fire. The incident led to calls for a full-time fire service in the town and is being investigated by the Garda and the Health and Safety Authority. The men’s families want an independent inquiry.
Last week, a man in his 40s was arrested and questioned at Bray Garda Station in relation to the incident. He was released without charge and a file is to be sent to the DPP.
The plaque was unveiled at Bray fire station yesterday morning, before a service at the site of the blaze marking the anniversary of the tragedy.
The service was organised by the Bray firefighters and Wicklow County Council and was attended by current and past members of the Wicklow Fire Service, the families and friends of the two men and community representatives.
A memorial Mass will be held in the Church of the Holy Redeemer on Main Street at 11am today.
