Ashes To Ashes…

Anto Byrne 30AUG16

wenty years is a long time in any job, especially when there’s danger involved…

In a job where every move, every second, can mean the difference between life and death, well, that can add a few extra years onto anyone.

For Anto Byrne, 20 solid years with the Greystones Fire Brigade will come to a close this week.

Through all those years, Anto has always been there, making this town a safer place to live. In recent years, he’s been fighting the good fight alongside his brother Willie, Ray Salmon, Keith Clancy, Brian Galligan, Alan Monahan and Fearghal Murphy. Jumping back, there were the Hayden brothers, the Archers, Ken Gray, and so many more.

I blame the parents. Far too civic-minded, always helping others, always thriving to make their community a better place. In regard to living a selfish, self-serving life, Anto never stood a chance…

As the boys meet up this weekend for a fond farewell, we caught up with the goodbye guy to talk about his great service to the community, his plans for the future, and what Anto thinks about those idiots who keep starting gorse fires…

A few days later, we caught up with Anto and the boys for a fond farewell down at Greystones Fire Station. You can catch our visit here.