Former NYC firefighters tour Ireland with 9/11 steel memorial

A piece of history and a powerful symbol of resilience arrived in Ballinasloe last week, as former New York City firefighters toured Ireland with a 156-pound section of steel from the World Trade Center—a solemn tribute to those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.

For many, “this hunk of steel signifies not only the horror of that fateful day but also the enduring strength that followed”.

The tour’s destination is the 9/11 Memorial Garden in Ringfinnan, Kinsale—a tribute created by Kathleen Murphy, a former senior nurse who was on duty near the World Trade Center on 9/11. Kathleen lost her dear friend, Father Michael Judge, Chaplain to the NYC Fire Department, who perished while administering last rites to fallen firefighters. After retiring and returning to Ireland, she planted a garden of 343 trees, each dedicated to a firefighter who died that day, including Fr. Judge.

The steel, “which originated from the 9/11 Museum in New York and is the first of its kind to leave the U.S., will soon find a permanent home at Murphy’s memorial garden”. But before reaching Kinsale, it made an emotional journey through Ireland, including a heartfelt stop in Ballinasloe.

Local retired Garda Joe Hanney, who previously visited the Ringfinnan Memorial with retired firefighter Gerard Amitrano, coordinated the visit. The steel first visited Galway Garda Station, where Superintendent Damien Flanagan led a warm welcome, followed by a stop at Galway Fire Station. “The Fire Station officers of Galway could not have done any more for us in making the visit special,” Joe remarked.

The group later gathered at An Tain pub in Ballinasloe, where a traditional Irish music session, led by local musicians and singers, paid tribute to the heroes of 9/11. Hundreds attended, taking photos and connecting with the memorial steel. “The 9/11 steel held an elevated position for all to see and touch,” Joe added, noting the touching moment it created.

The following morning, Gerard Amitrano shared behind-the-scenes stories of 9/11 with the Ballinasloe Fire Station crew, capturing listeners in a moment of reverent silence. A visit to Ballinasloe Garda Station followed, before lunch with Joe’s 96-year-old mother Lilly in Killimor, adding a personal touch to the tour.

“As the steel continued its journey, an honorary escort of retired firefighters in ceremonial uniforms accompanied it to Kinsale, where it was received by the Murphy family on behalf of Kathleen”. Dignitaries, including Minister for Finance Jack Chamber and the Lord Mayor of Cork, marked the arrival with words of gratitude.

The 9/11 steel monument’s official unveiling is set for March, near St. Patrick’s Day, a fitting tribute to courage, memory, and resilience.