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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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