From the archives: Mayo family trapped in blazing building
By Tom Gillespie
SIXTY-four years ago this month (May 10, 1958) The Connaught Telegraph carried a report of the heroic rescue of a family who were trapped in the upper floor of their house on Main Street, Castlebar.
The report read: Women wept and prayed, while men clinched with fear as the quiet and peaceful atmosphere of a Saturday night in Castlebar was suddenly transformed into a terrifying scene when members of a very popular local family, who had just retired to bed for the night, found themselves, in a matter of minutes, struggling for their lives in their home, which was ablaze with all the fury that can be associated with the worst of fires.
Shortly after the alarm was raised one of the most daring and heroic rescue efforts that ever took place in the county was effected, when the family, who were trapped on the top floor of their three-storey home, were brought to safety before hundreds of spectators when death almost seemed inevitable.
The terrifying drama followed an outbreak of fire that took place in the chemist shop and home of Mr. Patrick Quinn, just after his wife, Mrs. Rita Quinn, MPSI, had retired for the night - their two children Catherine, aged two, and Aileen, aged one, having gone to bed some time prior to that.
The fire was discovered at 11.15 and the incidents which took place afterwards are given hereunder by our reporter who was at the scene after the alarm was raised.
First of all, we must refer to the outstanding efforts of Mr. Pat Quinn in his really wonderful action in saving the lives of his wife and two children, and we feel this touching description given by a gallant Station Officer Thomas Devereaux graphically describes it.
"As I reached the top of the ladder I could see the floor inside and I knew the room was ready to give away in minutes. I will never forget the heroism and outstanding courage of Pat Quinn who restrained and consoled his wife until I was in a position to receive her on my shoulder. We both owe our lives to his restraint."
Mr. Philip Hoban, who witnessed the whole incident, said: "I never saw such an exhibition of silent heroism as that given by Pat Quinn." And, he added: "Tom Devereaux and his son were great."
Indeed there is no tribute too high that can be paid to him while the highest possible credit must also be given to Mr. Thomas Devereaux who, at great personal risk, rescued Mrs. Quinn; and to Mr. Paddy Mangan, popular member of the nursing staff, Mayo Mental Hospital, who rescued one of the children.
Also deserving of many tributes paid to him was fireman Thomas Devereaux Jnr., who assisted his father in the rescue and who received injuries when hit by a falling roof tile, and had to receive medical treatment.
At 11 p.m. peace and quietness reigned supreme as people made their way home after the pictures and some odd groups stood talking at different points down the street.
At approximately 11.15 the first episode in this destructive fire and dramatic rescue took place when Mrs. Quinn appeared at the window on the top floor of her house. Mr. Phil Hoban, who saw her, heard her say: "Will somebody get Pat? There is a fire downstairs."
Mr. Hoban then said he went over to the front door, was about to open it but thought it better not to do so as he knew a breeze would worsen the fire.
Immediately people were attracted to the scene. Mr. Martin O’Mongavin, who was one of the first to arrive, rushed to get Mr. Quinn and ‘phone the fire brigade.
In a matter of seconds Main Street presented scenes of great excitement as people rushed to the burning building as the alarm was given, but few people thought that it was as serious as it subsequently proved to be.
Mr. Quinn, who was nearby making arrangements to go fishing the next day, and was actually writing out a list of fishing flies, found himself struggling for the lives of his wife and two children in a matter of seconds.
Rushing to the house immediately the alarm was raised, he dashed up the stairs of the burning building and carried one of his children to safety, leaving her on the footpath.
He dashed back into the building again. It was ablaze at this stage but nevertheless, he made his way through flames and smoke up to the top floor to rescue his wife and other child.
But there was no return. He and his wife and child were trapped by the fire which was ever increasing in fury with heat and flames growing in intensity.
Showing great coolness he supported his wife and child at the window and calmly consoled them as they awaited rescue. People on the street talked to them while others rushed to try and get ladders.
The report spoke of 'flames shooting from all places' as rescuers were beaten back by the blaze. Hopes of rescuing the trapped family faded second by second and as the fire worsened, women wept and prayed.
Mr. Robert Kilkelly handed a ladder across a gate to Mr. Phil Hoban and Mr. Martin Walsh but it was too short to reach the window sill where the trapped family were, at a height of about 25 feet.
Displaying great courage, Mr. Paddy Mangan actually ran up the ladder and, performing a rather unbelievable and yet most spectacular feat, climbed the last few rungs with his hands upwards until he just managed to reach the child, who he carried down to safety.
As Mr. Mangan was about to climb the ladder again to try and rescue Mrs. Quinn, station fire officer, Thomas Devereaux, arrived on the scene accompanied by his son, Tommie, also a member of the brigade.
Showing to advantage his experience of fire-fighting, he immediately took control of the situation.
During this time the fire was worsening. The position of Mr. and Mrs. Quinn was becoming more serious and flames could be seen in the smoke-filled room where they were.
Mrs. Quinn was shouting she could not stand the heat any longer and people who arrived with a sheet encouraged her to jump, but her husband, realising this meant death or serious injury, restrained her.
The scene was a terrifying one. Smoke was pouring out through the windows. The room was illuminated with flames advancing towards the trapped couple. People shouted: “They are lost!” Women with tear-filled eyes prayed loudly, while men rushed around shouting.
Mr. Willie Fahy, an assistant in Parsons' footwear shop, arrived on the scene with an extension ladder owned by Mr. Paddy Neary.
In the excitement and hurry there was some difficulty in putting up the ladder.
Mr. Thomas Devereaux at this stage had climbed up the short ladder and when the extension ladder was finally erected he swung across on to it and, showing great calmness, climbed up as near as possible to the window sill, as this ladder did not reach it.
We gave his description of what took place last week and he carried Mrs. Quinn on his shoulder down the ladder amid loud applause - a tribute from the onlookers for a marvellous rescue.
Mr. Jim Gordon, Plavervale, Castlebar, played a prominent part in the rescue of Mrs. Quinn and received injuries to his hand.
The whole house was ablaze with the room beginning to cave in. There was immediate concern for the safety of Mr. Quinn who had remained so calmly at the window all through.
The rescue drama reached its culmination point when he suddenly disappeared from view and all that could be seen were flames and smoke pouring from the window.
The atmosphere grew in intensity as it was thought he was lost. Then with great relief those present saw Mr. Quinn, followed by smoke and flames, climb down the ladder and reach the bottom safely, amidst a tremendous ovation. Immediately afterwards the shop window burst out and flames enveloped the ladders.
Mr. Quinn and his wife, who were suffering from severe burns, were immediately rushed to the County Hospital.
When Castlebar fire brigade arrived on the scene they swung into action in a desperate effort to try to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to Murtagh’s premises and Parsons footwear shop. A large force of gardaí, under Sergeants John Cashin and Dave Leahy, were promptly on the scene and gave every assistance they possibly could.
During the rescue effort and until the fire was got under control every man present endeavoured to give a helping hand, while the women were to the forefront in caring for the children evacuated from the adjoining premises.
In the early stages the pressure from the fire hoses did not seem adequate enough to be effective.
The shop window caved in with a loud explosion and in a short time the house was an inferno - with the roof rapidly caving in and flames shooting high into the sky. For a time it seemed that a large section of the street was in danger.
The immediate danger at this stage was of the fire spreading to Murtagh’s licenced premises. His wife and children were evacuated and voluntary workers made a desperate effort to remove what furniture and household goods they could.
So serious was the situation that children were evacuated from other nearby houses and people started preparations for the removal of their furniture.
Westport fire brigade arrived and immediately went into action at the rear of the house, while at this stage firemen and voluntary workers had climbed onto the flat roof of Murtagh’s premises.
Hoses were hoisted up to them and they continued to play them on the fire. The efforts from this vantage point helped in a big way to prevent the fire spreading while the work of the Westport brigade at the rear of the house was a great help.
The Ballina fire brigade also arrived having got the summons as they were returning from a fire in Dromore West, and they joined in the battle.
At about 1 a.m. the fire was got under control, but the brigade continued playing their hoses on the smouldering ruins of Mr. Quinn’s shop and residence, which was completely destroyed.
Extensive damage was done to Mr. Murtagh’s premises while considerable damage was also caused to Mr. Martin Parsons’ footwear shop.
Mr. and Mrs. Quinn, who were seriously burned, were making satisfactory progress in the County Hospital, where they were detained. Their two children escaped unhurt.
Prominent among those who took part in the rescue work and gave valuable assistance afterwards, along with those already mentioned, were: former county fire chief, Mr. Sean O’Connell, B.E.; former members of the fire brigade, Mr. Jimmy Swift; Mr. J. McGowan, B.E.; Mr. P. Quinn, N.T.; Mr. Peadar Kilroy, MCC and friends from Newport; Messrs. W. McHale, P. Byrne, J. Bourke, D. Brinklow, J. Cunniffe, D. McEllin, P. Carney and many others who voluntarily came forward to give what help they could.