‘Lifelong friendships’ for Joe with Dublin Fire Brigade

AFTER 36 years of service to his city, Joe Mulligan marked his retirement from Dublin Fire Brigade (DFB) at a ceremony in Tallaght Fire Station, citing “the camaraderie and long-term, lifelong friendships” as the highlights of his career, reports Eoghan Gardiner.

Known for his charitable and community work, Joe was joined by his friends and family, as well as some of his co-workers both past and present.

Originally from Terenure, Mulligan joined DFB in 1985.

His previous experience with the Civil Defence attracted him to the emergency services.

“I left school at 15 and I trained as an electrician, I worked at that for six years. I joined the Civil Defence along the way and that got me interested in the fire brigade.

“I joined in 1985 and I haven’t looked back since.”

In addition to his years of service in the fire brigade, he has also been involved in a number of charitable fundraisers, doing so annually with his fellow firefighters.

“A good number of years ago, one of our chaps Mick Loughlin died suddenly of a heart attack, and so we decided to do a charity cycle for Our Lady’s Hospice and we went on from there on a yearly basis for about 14 years.”

Joe Mulligan (third from right) is applauded by his fellow firefighters to the sound of bagpipes

The firefighters try to pick a cause “with a personal association” to fundraise for.

“One lad, his father died in Our Lady’s Hospice so we had one for Our Lady’s Hospice.”

They also fundraised for A Little Lifetime Foundation, a charity for bereaved parents.

“We’d cycle to Carlow or Kilkenny, and then have a night out.”

The charitable work also acts as a social outlet, with firefighters from all watches coming together.

Joe Mulligan with his parents and family

“It gets us out, on a social aspect. The cycle is always a fun cycle. People can come along and cycle, and if they get tired, they can just throw the bikes in a van and pick up again when they’re ready.”

“There’s never any pressure on people, and at the end of the day, you’re raising money for a good cause as well.”

“There’s some of the retired guys I’d have known for, at this stage, over 30 years, and I’ll know them until the end.”

Mayor Peter Kavanagh paid tribute to the retiring firefighter, while Mulligan was presented with awards on behalf of DFB Chief Fire Officer Dennis Keeley and Cllr. Alison Gilliland, Lord Mayor of Dublin.