Community honours all who did their bit to battle Slievenamon wildfire
Recognising the local volunteers, emergency services personnel and organisations who worked tirelessly to stop the devastating fire
A community party to thank all involved in fighting the Slievenamon wildfire in July was enjoyed by more than 300 people in Kilcash village last Saturday.
The social event recognised and celebrated the local volunteers, emergency services personnel and organisations who worked tirelessly to stop the devastating fire that burned close to 1,500 hectares of the mountainside primarily between July 20 and 28 with flare-ups erupting for some time after.
It was organised by a committee of local people, who raised a massive €11,500 in the Support our Slievenamon Communities GoFundMe campaign to honour all who did their bit; whether they were local farmers and contractors who hauled slurry tanker loads of water to the mountainside, firefighters, gardaí, Coillte workers or community volunteers who donated food or helped out at Killurney Community Centre where emergency services personnel stayed and were fed.
Tony Ryan from Ballypatrick, who along with Ross Larkin, headed up the committee, said amount the fundraising campaign raised was way above what they anticipated.
He said they were blessed with beautiful weather for the community party and everyone had a lovely day.
Members of Kilcash Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Group and music duo Tommy & Niall performed on an outdoor stage in the centre of the village as the large crowd sitting at wooden tables basked in the sunshine and enjoyed food, refreshments and the music.
There was face painting and an array of toys set up in Kilcash Community Centre for children and they and all the adults were treated to free ice cream.
Mayor of Clonmel Cllr Siobhán Ambrose and Clonmel TD Michael Murphy attended the celebration and gave speeches.
Tony spoke on behalf of the Support of Slievenamon Communities GoFundMe Committee, and paying tribute to all farmers, contractors, local residents, volunteers, emergency services and organisations who worked together to bring the fire under control and protect their mountain.
“The fire is thankfully out, and here we are on September 19 together as a community. And that’s really what today is about. It’s simply about saying: Thank you,” he said.
"Thank you to everyone who turned up. Thank you to everyone who provided machinery or equipment. Thank you to those who brought water, food and refreshments.
“Thank you to those who worked through the day and into the night. And thank you to everyone who helped in whatever way they could.”
He also issued a huge thank you to the Fire Services from Clonmel, Cahir and Carrick-on-Suir, Coillte, An Garda Síochána, and the Irish Air Corps, along with everyone else involved in the emergency response.
The festivities continued in the evening in Kehoe's Pub where Clonmel band, The Wahey's performed a gig.
“In a world where there is so much negativity it was absolutely great to bring the community together to thank everyone for their help and support in many different ways. There was such a fantastic vibe there following such a devastating event,” said Tondy.
He said the GoFundMe page will remain open up to the end of September. Part of the money raised has been used to pay for the community party and the remainder will be divided among eight local organisations. They are: the parents associations of Killurney National School and Kilcash National School, Killurney and Kilcash community halls, Ballypatrick Tennis Club, Killurney Sports & Social Club, KBK Sportsfield in Ballypatrick and Kilcash Tidy Towns.