James Fegan's 'Fire Family' pay tribute to firefighter who died in 1910 Newry fire

Firefighter James Fegan made the ultimate sacrifice when he gave his life while fighting a massive fire at Newry Mills and the Newry Reporter offices located at Hill Street in Newry in 1910. Over a hundred years later thanks to the Sinclair Trust and the Old Newry Society, a fitting tribute was paid to him on Thursday 25 June with the unveiling of a Red Plaque at Newry Cathedral garden. Current firefighters, his 'fire family' and fire personnel joined Cllr Glyn Hanna, Chair of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Canon Francis Brown, Administrator, Newry Cathedral Parish and guests at the unveiling of the plaque.

The Red Plaque Scheme, initiated in 2018, aims to honour over 2,500 firefighters killed in the line of duty. The scheme is funded by the Firefighters 100 Lottery, which also supports financial assistance for injured firefighters and their families.

First to speak at the Newry event was Ian Murray, President, The Fire Brigades Union who said: "The Fire Brigades Union are a campaigning union. Yes, we will fight for the terms and conditions, the best pay we can for our members, but there's nothing more important for us than firefighter safety. Nothing more important than firefighters returning to the family at the end of their shift, and we'll never stop campaigning for that."

Giving a little background on James Fegan, James Patterson, FBU Co-ordinator for the Red Plaque scheme said. "I want to just say a few quick words on James Fegan and the incident that sadly he died in. It's important to remember the human side of this, even though it's over 100 years ago, and it's very easy to lose touch when you're putting up a plaque to someone who no-one here has actually met. He was a family man, he had five children, a wife, and he lived in Nicholson Court, which actually isn't there anymore - It's present day Francis Street and adjacent to the Buttercrane.

Patterson continued: "At the time of the old mill fire he had been a long standing veteran of the Newry Fire Brigade, over 20 years. He had a lot of experience, he fought fires up and down Hill Street."

In 1897 he was pulled from a building by Captain Heather further down the street when he was overcome by smoke. "anyone that serves in the fire service in Newry will know who Captain Heather is. Heather Park is named after him, and he's a well decorated fire officer." added Patterson.

The fire at Newry Mills and the Newry Reporter took three days to put out. It was the biggest fire tever seen in Newry and it was a week later that James Fegan's remains were found and recovered, and he was given a full fire brigade funeral.

Those involved in the event were unable to identify any direct descendants.  Patterson added: "we don't have any of his family members here today, but I think it's poignant and special, and this is the sentiment I would like to leave this on, It's so special that we have so much of his fire family here today to recognise the contribution, and the dedication, and commitment that he gave to the Newry Fire Service, and that continues to this day, because it's a very proud station and really strong tradition, and I think anybody that is here will attest to that."

Paul Harper, Deputy Chief Fire and Rescue Officer, NIFRS concluded the speaking. " It's a real privilege for me to represent the Northern Fire and Rescue Service in the unveiling of the Red Plaque today in memory of James Fegan,who tragically lost his life on the eighth of December 1910."

He added: " It's vitally important that we recognise and have a memorial for and honour those fallen firefighters who have went before us. NFRS acknowledges the significance of this project, and we work in close partnership with the region here, the FBU, to support the programme across Northern Ireland, and today will mark the sixth Red Plaque that we have in Northern Ireland. It's our desire and our intention to continue to support the FBU in the erection of further Red Plaques to honour all 36 identified firefighters dating back as far as 1813 who have given the ultimate sacrifice here in Northern Ireland.

 Those present held a minutes silence to pay respects to Fegan and this was followed by The Firefighters Prayer and the sounding of a vintage bell. Former firefighter Mark Smyth then played The Pipers Lament on the bagpipes.

The simple plaque explains that it is Honouring the bravery and sacrifice of James Fegan of Newry Fire Station who gave his life in the line of duty ... 8th December 1910.

Following the Red Plaque ceremony Tom Moore, Old Newry Society and Peter Sinclair, Sinclair Trust then unveiled a second plaque at the site, to mark the location of Newry Mills for future generations.