Kudos to Killarney Fire and Rescue

Members of the Killarney Fire and Rescue Unit (L-R) : F.F. Denis Mangan, F.F. Jonathan Cronin, F.F Eric Lynch O’Grady, S.S.O. Martin O’Grady, S.O. Paudie Mangan, F.F James Kissane, D.M. Timmy McGillycuddy, F.F Daniel Guerin, D.M. Sinead Galvin.

Category: Group Awards Award Nomination: Community Group of The Year

Since 1988, the Killarney Fire and Rescue Unit has played a critical role in the safety and wellbeing of the local community. While fighting fires remains at the core of what the team does, their responsibilities stretch far beyond that. From road traffic collisions to rescues in hazardous environments, the unit responds to a wide range of emergencies across both residential and commercial settings, including hotels, factories, businesses, and homes.

The crew operates 24/7, 365 days a year. When the pager goes off, everything else is put on hold. Whether it’s during a family dinner, a birthday celebration, or even Christmas Day, the team answers the call without hesitation. Their reliability is something the community knows it can depend on, no matter the time or situation.

Following on from their recent Kudos Award Nomination, we sat down with Station Officer Paudie Mangan to discuss the vital role they play in the community. The first thing that strikes you, is that there’s a strong sense of tradition running through the unit. Many of the firefighters are second- or even third-generation members, following in the footsteps of parents, siblings, or other relatives who served before them.

“This continuity creates a deep bond within the team and helps foster a unique culture of learning and mentorship. New members benefit from the experience passed down through the years, blending tried-and-true methods with evolving best practices.”

It is also clear that discipline, teamwork, and preparedness are central to everything they do.

“We train every Monday evening for two hours, regardless of the weather or time of year. In addition to this, we also take part in specialised training courses throughout the year, including working at heights, road traffic collision response, and rescue techniques for complex or remote terrains. Real-world emergencies often provide the most valuable lessons, but the structured and consistent training ensures that every firefighter is ready when it counts,” continued Paudie.

One of his most demanding incidents in recent memory was the massive 2021 wildfire in Killarney National Park. It required a county-wide response, with units from all over Kerry working together to bring it under control.

“The fire tested every part of our skill set – stamina, coordination, and resolve. It's an experience none of us will forget and a reminder of the scale of challenges we can be called to face and the need to always be ready.”

The unit is also responding to an increasing number of road traffic accidents, many of which involve people trapped in vehicles or stranded in isolated locations. These situations are often physically and emotionally challenging. Meeting with the team members this week, they speak of the human side of their work.

“Those moments when you’re helping someone and can’t help but imagine if that was someone from your own family in the same situation – it can be very difficult,” Paudie explains.

Despite this, they remain composed, knowing their role is to bring order to chaos and provide help when it's needed most.

Many team members have been part of the unit for over a decade, and some for more than thirty years. Sinead Galvin, another member of the team, is the first female firefighter in Kerry. You can tell there is a great sense of pride in their work and an unspoken understanding among the crew. They know their roles and trust one another completely.

“The support we receive from the Killarney community plays a big part in keeping morale high. A simple thank you on the street or a kind message from a grateful resident reminds us that the work we do matters.”

Speaking about the award nomination, Paudie said, “Being nominated for a Kudos Award is a tremendous honour for the unit. For us, it’s not just about winning; it’s about what the nomination represents, which is serving the good of the local community. We’re proud of what we do, and we’re proud of the people we do it with,” Paudie concludes.

ABOUT KUDOS COMMUNITY AWARDS

Launched by the Killarney Advertiser, in partnership with several local businesses and the Chamber of Tourism & Commerce, Kudos aims to shine a spotlight on the unsung heroes of Killarney with a heartfelt Community Awards ceremony, set to take place this November. The awards will honour individuals, groups, and organisations that go above and beyond in their contributions to local causes, from youth engagement and environmental efforts to acts of kindness and volunteerism

With 15 award categories that reach into every part of the community, Kudos is calling on local schools, charities, businesses, sports clubs, and residents to participate by submitting nominations. Locals are encouraged to check out the award categories at www.kudoskillarney.ie/community-awards and to nominate someone they believe deserves recognition via the online form. Whether it’s a neighbour, teacher, student volunteer, or youth leader doing great things, we want to hear about it and give them the Kudos they deserve.