Former Dublin firefighter celebrates 80th birthday with crew from his old station
Former Dublin firefighter Paddy Delaney with the crew from B Watch at Blanchardstown Fire Station
Current members of Dublin Fire Brigade help Paddy celebrate his 80th birthday
A former Dublin firefighter has celebrated his 80th birthday with the crew from his former fire station.
Paddy Delaney served with Dublin Fire Brigade from 1969 to 1999, spending his last 14 years in Blanchardstown. His family arranged a surprise visit with the crew of B Watch to celebrate his big birthday.
Mr Delaney grew up in Sandymount and has five children, 11 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
“He was in the army for a while before he joined the fire brigade. My brother, who’s currently in the army, brought him to the station,” Paddy’s granddaughter Jodi told the Irish Independent.
“He absolutely loved it, talking about how the station used to look and how much it’s changed and modernised since he was there. It was great to hear him reminiscing and sharing stories of the lads that were on B Watch with him.
Paddy Delaney served with Dublin Fire Brigade from 1969 to 1999
“I asked him what his favourite thing about being a fireman was and he said helping people and being able to help people on what might be the scariest thing they’ve ever experienced.
“When we were younger, he used to tell us some stories, mostly trying to scare us into making sure plugs were plugged out and doors were closed. But his thing is and always was to be kind, and treat people how you’d like you and your family to be treated.
“He was absolutely delighted to go down, his exact words were ‘it was beautiful’. He thanked my friend who was able to organise it, saying it was great to go back to a place that holds lots of happy memories for him, especially on his 80th birthday.
“He’s been able to reconnect with lots of ex-firemen, he was delighted with himself,” she added.
