REWIND: Destructive fire breaks out in Kilkenny village as family evacuated

Kilkenny People Archives (1955) - A destructive fire broke out on Sunday night in the farmyard of Mr Michael Barry, Goodwinsgarden, Kells.

Fire brigades from Kilkenny, Thomastown, Callan and Freshford worked as a team throughout the night to keep the flames in bounds, over 50 tons of hay, 10 tons of straw and a cowhouse were lost in the blase which was discovered by two passing cyclists just before midnight. A large quantity of fruit growing in an orchard adjoining the haggard was also destroyed by the intense heat.

The brigades efforts were mainly concentrated on saving the dwelling house, where Mr. Barry lay ill and when a row of trees near the house caught fire the place became a raging inferno and the firemen's task was rendered more difficult and hazardous.

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At this stage Mr Barry and his young children were evacuated to a neighbours house, but fortunately the firefighters were successful in their efforts to save his home and the principal farm buildings.

Mr Barry, whose wife died only last year, is a well known and esteemed member of the farming community and much sympathy is felt for him in his loss.

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