Tribute to late firefighter Con Malone
The funeral cortege of former fire fighter Con Malone stopped off at Waterford Fire Station where former colleagues paid their respects. Photo: Joe Evans
The flag flies at half-mast outside Waterford City Fire Station for the late Con Malone (Oakwood, Hillview, Waterford) who passed away on Sunday, July 7.
Con passed away peacefully surrounded by his heartbroken family following an illness, which he bore with dignity and strength.
His funeral mass was held on Wednesday, July 10, in the Holy Family Church in Waterford city. On Thursday, while travelling towards his private cremation ceremony, which was attended by family and close friends, a guard of honour was formed outside Waterford City Fire Station making for a beautiful tribute to Con, in which his funeral cortège passed by, pausing in due course for his former colleagues to pay their respects.
"Connie was a firefighter with Waterford Corporation, which then became Waterford City and County Council, for 37 years up until his retirement, some 18 years ago," said Niall Curtin, Chief Fire Officer at Waterford City Fire Station.
"He was a very valued member of the organisation, coming in as a firefighter, being promoted to sub-officer and then to finally finish off as a Station Officer,” he continued.
"He spent most of his time predominantly working on 'red' watch. The organisation continues to be influenced by Connie, we have his son Michael, now a member working in the organisation and also his grandson, Seán."
Mr Curtin described how Con's passing will be a major loss to the fire service in Waterford: "He's very much missed as he has always been part and parcel of the brigade and get togethers with the brigade, which are very important over the years since his retirement, and he's very sadly missed. The turnout for him today, at his funeral yesterday, and over the last few days is truly a great testament to him.
"He's a great loss to Waterford in general, and has given fantastic service to the communities of Waterford over all those years," concluded Mr Curtin.
On Thursday morning, members of the fire service, the National Ambulance Service and An Garda Síochána gathered together and stood shoulder to shoulder, flashing their blue lights, ringing out three bells of three through Kilbarry, which represents the number for the emergency services, 999.
Con's white helmet was perched on the bonnet of the older bright red fire engine, displayed to the fore of the other emergency services' vehicles, where his colleagues stood in their guard of honour.
As Con left Waterford City Fire Station for the last time, he passed through an archway of ladders that stemmed from two fire engines placed either side of the road.
"Con will be missed by his loving wife Mo and her extended UK family, much loved father and greatly missed by his sons Michael and Aaron and their mother Eileen, his two grandchildren which he adored and worshipped, Grace and Seán, his daughter-in-law Noelle and Aaron’s partner Ava, his brother Pat and sister Ann, sister-in-law Margaret, brother-in-law Billy, along with all his nieces, nephews, extended families, friends and neighbours.
"He will be deeply missed by all his Fire Service family especially his long-life friends and colleagues Paddy and Buddy," reads his notice on RIP.ie
