Three Dublinfire fighters killed when a series of explosions collapsed two buildings at Exide Batteries on Pearse Street in 1936 were honoured today.
A plaque at the site of the former factory which is now the new sports centre at Trinity College was unveiled to commemorate the courage of Thomas Nugent, Peter McArdle and Robert Malone, who died tackling the late night fire.
The three, who had been buried in the rubble, lay in state in City Hall in 1936 before given a civic funeral to Glasnevin Cemetery.
More than 80,000 people, including fire crews from overseas, lined the streets to pay their respects to the three.
Today, in a more low-key ceremony, a small crowd gathered where a single piper from Dublin Fire Brigade Band played.
Robert Malone’s nephew Tony Behan, who has penned the history of the incident for historical records, said it was a special moment for all the families.
“We’re very proud,” said the 75-year-old, from Dublin’s Navan Road. “It was a long time coming and well deserved.”
Stephanie Nolan (nee McArdle) from Clonskeagh was born in flats at Tara Street fire station in January 1937, three months after the death of her father Peter McArdle.
She said her older siblings vividly remember the blaze, which they could see from their city centre home.
The 71-year-old said her heartbroken mother Kit, who was widowed with six other children including a baby with Downs Syndrome, had passed on all the paper cuttings she kept from the fire and funeral.
“For the 50th anniversary of the fire we held a Mass in Westland Row Church and Bertie Ahern, who was Lord Mayor of Dublin at the time, laid a wreath,” said Mrs Nolan.
“Then on the 70th anniversary on 2003, we asked if something more could be done.
“The plaque is absolutely wonderful and a deserving tribute for the men.”
Dublin Lord Mayor Cllr Paddy Bourke, who unveiled the memorial, said he was honoured to commemorate the sacrifice the three firefighters made.
“The plaque will serve as a reminder to everyone of the courageous acts these men carried out in the face of danger.”
PA