Retirement of Firefighter Jerry Aherne, Cork City Fire Brigade, 6th October 2005

Firefighter Jerry Aherne photographed with his wife Catherine at his ‘Stand-down parade’ on the occasion of his retirement from Cork City Firebrigade.

Firefighter Jerry Ahern retired from the Cork City Fire Brigade on Thursday 6th October 2005, having served with the Brigade on Amber Watch for over 30 years. He started his career in the fire station in Sullivan’s Quay in 1975 before moving to the then, new fire station in Anglesea Street. Over the years he also served at various times in both the old and new fire stations in Blackpool and Ballyvolane. Regardless of his posting, Jerry served the Brigade and the people of Cork with commitment.

Chief Fire Officer, John Ryan, making a presentation to Firefighter Jerry Aherne

Firefighter Jerry Aherne photographed with his colleagues at his Stand-down parade.

Aside from his duties as a firefighter, Jerry had many interests both within and outside the service. A characteristic of those interests was his involvement with people, for people. He spent a considerable amount of time and energy in setting up and running various schemes including a station Library, Newsletter, Walking Club (Amber Ramblers), and Caving Club, among others. He was also a founder member of the Fire Brigade Pipe Band.

Members of the Cork City Fire Brigade and Togher Pipe Band

He was a regular contributor of news and updates to the Brigade’s web site (www.corkcityfirebrigade.ie). All these he undertook for the benefit of his colleagues.

Firefighter Jerry Aherne photographed with Al Devine and Eileen O'Leary from the Information Systems Department, Cork City Council.

Jerry spent twenty seven years as a Sea Scout Leader with the 10th Cork, Monkstown Sea Scouts.

During the Ethiopian Famine in 1985 Jerry organised the ‘Fireman’s Friend for Ethiopia Appeal’. This involved children from one hundred and nine schools in both Cork city and county donating 50p pocket money for the relief of those in need. This effort raised £10,000 which was presented to Bob Geldof in the Band Aid offices in London.

September 11th 2001 saw the deaths of 343 firefighters in New York. Jerry was moved to compose a song ‘Christmas New York, Greetings of Love’ which was recorded by school children and sent to the families of the fallen, along with a scroll honouring their bravery and sacrifice.

Jerry has carved out his own piece of history. He was a founder member of the Cork Speleological Group which was set up in 1968. In 1971 he was one of those who discovered the tibia bone of a Woolly Mammoth (Eliphas Primagenious) in Doneraile, Co. Cork. This specimen is now on display in the National Museum in Dublin.

Jerry was given a good send off at his ‘Stand-down parade’, with many people attending to wish him well. The Pipe Band added to the sense of occasion and was a fitting tribute to Jerry. Among the speakers, Chief Fire Officer, John Ryan thanked Jerry for his service to the Brigade and to the people of Cork and wished him and his family well in his retirement.

Plaque presented to Firefighter Jerry Aherne by the Cork City Fire Brigade Sports and Social Club. 

Back to list