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06/11/2003
Funeral of firefighter takes place in Dungiven
The funeral of heroic firefighter Joe McCloskey who was fatally injured at the weekend while tackling a fire at a hotel, has taken place in Dungiven today.
Mr McCloskey, 50, died on Saturday after falling through the roof of a storeroom which was on fire at Gorteen House Hotel in Limavady, County Londonderry.
Suffering extensive burns to his body, Mr Closkey was rushed to Altnagelvin Hospital but died a short time later.
The Dungiven father of five was buried at St Patrick's Church in the town following a short service. Around 500 firefighters attended today's service at which mourners heard the parish priest praise Mr Mcloskey's bravery and devotion to duty. Two fire engines and a lone piper led the cortege past Mr McCloskey's local fire station.
A minute's silence was held at fire stations across the UK and in New York as a mark of respect.
Police are still investigating the circumstances behind the suspicious blaze which also injured five of Mr McCloskey's colleagues as they tried to rescue him.
All five men are currently being treated by trained counsellors as a result of their experiences during the incident.
(MB)
Mr McCloskey, 50, died on Saturday after falling through the roof of a storeroom which was on fire at Gorteen House Hotel in Limavady, County Londonderry.
Suffering extensive burns to his body, Mr Closkey was rushed to Altnagelvin Hospital but died a short time later.
The Dungiven father of five was buried at St Patrick's Church in the town following a short service. Around 500 firefighters attended today's service at which mourners heard the parish priest praise Mr Mcloskey's bravery and devotion to duty. Two fire engines and a lone piper led the cortege past Mr McCloskey's local fire station.
A minute's silence was held at fire stations across the UK and in New York as a mark of respect.
Police are still investigating the circumstances behind the suspicious blaze which also injured five of Mr McCloskey's colleagues as they tried to rescue him.
All five men are currently being treated by trained counsellors as a result of their experiences during the incident.
(MB)
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03 November 2003
Firefighter dies following hotel fire
A firefighter has died following a fire at a Hotel in Limavady at the weekend. Joe McCloskey, 50, from Dungiven, died in hospital on Sunday after he fell through the roof of a store room at Gorteen House Hotel as he tackled a blaze. The father of five suffered extensive burns to his body as colleagues struggled to rescue him from the inferno.
Firefighter dies following hotel fire
A firefighter has died following a fire at a Hotel in Limavady at the weekend. Joe McCloskey, 50, from Dungiven, died in hospital on Sunday after he fell through the roof of a store room at Gorteen House Hotel as he tackled a blaze. The father of five suffered extensive burns to his body as colleagues struggled to rescue him from the inferno.
17 July 2001
ASSEMBLY CREATE AWARD TO HONOUR FIRE SERVICE
THE Northern Ireland Fire Service is to receive the first ever award given by the province's devolved assembly. An illuminated scroll is to be presented to Chief Fire Officer John McClelland on Tuesday, by assembly speaker Lord Alderdice in tribute to the sacrifice made by fire fighters over the years.
ASSEMBLY CREATE AWARD TO HONOUR FIRE SERVICE
THE Northern Ireland Fire Service is to receive the first ever award given by the province's devolved assembly. An illuminated scroll is to be presented to Chief Fire Officer John McClelland on Tuesday, by assembly speaker Lord Alderdice in tribute to the sacrifice made by fire fighters over the years.
12 May 2004
Top training award for Derry Airport Fire Fighter
A senior City of Derry Airport fire fighter has been awarded a top training award at the International Fire Training School in Teesside, Co. Durham. Fire Officer Gerard McCloskey, from Dungiven, who has been working as a fire fighter at the Airport for the past 15 years, was awarded Top Student of the Year at an awards ceremony earlier this month.
Top training award for Derry Airport Fire Fighter
A senior City of Derry Airport fire fighter has been awarded a top training award at the International Fire Training School in Teesside, Co. Durham. Fire Officer Gerard McCloskey, from Dungiven, who has been working as a fire fighter at the Airport for the past 15 years, was awarded Top Student of the Year at an awards ceremony earlier this month.
10 November 2003
Two men arrested in blaze enquiry
Two men have been arrested in connection with a fire that caused the death of a Co Londonderry fireman last week. The men, who are believed to be in their 30's, are currently being questioned by police in connection with the fire at Gorteen House Hotel in Limavady, on Saturday 1 November.
Two men arrested in blaze enquiry
Two men have been arrested in connection with a fire that caused the death of a Co Londonderry fireman last week. The men, who are believed to be in their 30's, are currently being questioned by police in connection with the fire at Gorteen House Hotel in Limavady, on Saturday 1 November.
11 November 2003
Two men appear in court over fireman death
Two men have appeared in court charged with the manslaughter of firefighter Joe McCloskey who died in a hotel fire 10 days ago.
Two men appear in court over fireman death
Two men have appeared in court charged with the manslaughter of firefighter Joe McCloskey who died in a hotel fire 10 days ago.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:The day will be very windy with strong to gale force westerly winds becoming occasionally severe along the north coast. Sunny spells will be interspersed with scattered showers. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
