FIRE AT NEWBRIDGE. GALLANT CONDUCT OF A POLICEMAN

The Kildare Observer 9 April 1898

FIRE AT NEWBRIDGE  

GALLANT CONDUCT OF A POLICEMAN

On Monday evening a fire was discovered at the rear of the offices of Messrs Wallace, carriers, Newbridge. The fire was first observed in a wooden shed or stable, half of which was held by Messrs Pickford and Co, and the other half by Messrs Wallace. It is stated that two small children, who got in possession of some matches, went into the stable and set it on fire. A servant of Messrs Wallace is said to have heard one of the children making a remark about a “beautiful fire.” On going out she found the whole shed in flames. In order to perceive the danger which was threatened by the fire, it must be understood that the shed connected Charlotte Street to Limerick Lane, and was surrounded by a large block of the most substantial buildings in Newbridge. On the alarm being given a large crowd assembled and the military turned out in strong force. The wooden structure seemed to burn like paper. The crowd assisted willingly to avert danger, which seemed imminent to the neighbouring buildings, but their efforts were weak-ended by a want of water. The Fire Brigade from the Curragh was speedily summoned by telephone, and arrived under the charge of Lieutenant Gibbs in time to save the bottom portion of the structure. The action of the Constabulary is much to be commended, especially that of Constable M’Murray, who was instrumental in breaking away the connection between the block of buildings in Limerick Lane. The gallant constable rushed into the fire, followed by a civilian named P Dowling, and there he remained until he had completely subdued the flames at the point preferred to. So little concern did he betray for his own safety that Head- Constable Wafer had to admonish him of the danger to which he subjected his life in working beneath a burning beam which threatened to give way. The conduct of Constable M’Carthy was also praiseworthy in a high degree. Constable M’Murray was also instrumental in preventing the flames from spreading at Mr Bourke’s house. The crowd on the whole gave every assistance, and were it not for many willing hands the damage done by the fire would have been enormous. The premises which were destroyed were insured.             

Re-typed by Jill O’Connell